What length of screws?

[Traveller]

Hi All.

Didn't know such a simple thing was so hard to describe!

I want to screw a 20mm thick plank onto the edge of another piece of wood and at right angles to it. I initially thought that the longer the screw I use, the stronger the fitting would be, however, I got to thinking that if I try to break a long piece of stick with my hands, it breaks much more easily than a short piece of stick, so, I am wondering it this applies to the screws in my case as well.

Should I use short or long screws? Obviously, 20mm of the screw will be used up going through the 20mm plank. What length of screw would give me the strongest joint?

Also, it's solid wood; is there any particular type of screw should I be looking for?

Thanks.

 

[masona]

I want to screw a 20mm thick plank onto the edge of another piece of wood and at right angles to it. I initially thought that the longer the screw I use, the stronger the fitting would be, however, I got to thinking that if I try to break a long piece of stick with my hands, it breaks much more easily than a short piece of stick, so, I am wondering it this applies to the screws in my case as well.

1/3 wood thickness and 2/3 into fixing so 20mm will need 60mm length

Should I use short or long screws? Obviously, 20mm of the screw will be used up going through the 20mm plank. What length of screw would give me the strongest joint?

Also, it's solid wood; is there any particular type of screw should I be looking for?

Take your pick! http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/cat.jsp?cId=A131353

 

[Traveller]

Thanks masona, brilliant!

I've managed to narrow it down to the second type in the following list because I think it may be softwood (not sure though) and I see the word 'strength'! I also don't need to drive the screws in fast as I am going to do them manually with a normal screwdriver and probably will pre-drill anyway. Any particular one from your link which fits the bill?

http://www.screwfix.com/sfd//i/campaign/Screws/popup/screw_chooser.htm

What's does 'high pull out retention refer to?

Thanks, really appreciate your help!

 

[masona]

This is all you need, don't forget to pre-drill

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?ts=35613&id=14657

 

[Traveller]

Thanks masona; didn't realise a screw could have so many features!! Will get some of these asap.