Fixing timber to metal gates

[camerart]

Hi,

I'm building some gates, with 40mm square box section frames. I'm going to fix tapered timber fence panels to it. (19mm>6mm)

What are the best self tapping screws for this please. I want to avoid screws that break off when tightening.

Are screwfix self tapping screws ok?

 

[Alarm]

Use the right pilot hole and they will not snap.
The box might be 40mm square but what is the thickness of the wall?

 

[camerart]

Hi alarm,

Wall thickness, 3mm.

 

[Alarm]

Thought so, a good self tapping screw might be fine but I would pilot anyway.

 

[camerart]

OK. I presume Screwfix supplies good screws.

Thanks.

 

[camerart]

I've bought some screws from Screwfix. Security Starpin 8x1.

They need special bit with a hole in the centre. I don't really want to buy a whole bit set, so does anyone know the size of this particular bit?

 

[Alarm]

Why on earth have you bought "security" type screws?
Afraid someone is going to steal the timber?

Did screwfix not advise on the bit needed?

 

[camerart]

Why on earth have you bought "security" type screws?
Afraid someone is going to steal the timber?

Did screwfix not advise on the bit needed?

Ha ha!

I didn't notice they had pins in the centre, it's the first time I've seen them, and that wasn't until I put my glasses on at home.

Actually they are security gates, so they are a good idea, or someone could walk through the gates.

 

[jj4091]

I've used these for fixing wood to metal & they were excellent, just used a socket in the drill chuck http://www.screwfix.com/c/screws-nails-fixings/self-drilling-screws/cat840204

 

[camerart]

When I bought the steel, one of the workers gave me a demo of these screws, and they are excellent and no separate drilling.

I chose security Torx screws, I think they look a bit better??.

A bit of a farce really. It was late when I went to screwfix, and they didn't have much of a selection, so I made a quick choice, then had to order the special bit's from Amazon, which didn't have the special hole (my fault), so had to order some more today. Sore subject.

Thanks JJ.

 

[foxhole]

Easier to line the frame with timber and just nail to that.

 

[camerart]

You might be right, and I will need to add a timber bar across the centre, for this reason.

The gate is folding and in total spans 6Mtr, and as I didn't know how the gate posts would be able to stand the weight, I chose to make it as light as possible.

 

[camerart]

Easier to line the frame with timber and just nail to that.

Foxhole,

The self tapping screws didn't work, even with a large pilot hole. Tomorrow, I'm lining the frame with timber as you suggest.

Cheers, Camerart.

 

[foamit]

These gates sound heavy may I suggest you could add a jockey wheel to it they will take the weight off the hinges

 

[camerart]

You are correct, I've been trying to keep the weight down. I bought a rail for jockey wheels, but find I might get away with none. I'm not sure just how much weight hinges will take.