Screws?

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connorilles14

Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Joined
Jan 6, 2014
Messages
40
Would 2 inch deck screws be suitable for making my tank stand frame? Or sound I bump up to 3 or 4 inch? I'm making the stand for a 32 g out of 2x4's


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2.5 would be better, 1 " of buried thread...

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2.5 would be a safe bet. You could even go with 3's for a bit more assurance. You wouldn't want the tank to fall because of short screws imo

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3's may poke through the unside, no sharp points around air hoses/co2/water lines..

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I have to double check when I take the dogs out later, but I think I used 2-5/8" for my 2 stands. Also, I opted for self tapping drywall screw as opposed to deck screws. They're a little smaller in diameter and tend not to split the 2x4's.


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Would pre-drilling smaller diameter holes help prevent splitting or is that over kill?


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Would pre-drilling smaller diameter holes help prevent splitting or is that over kill?


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I've never tried it but did think about it. It could be worth the attempt however I bought the monster size box at HD and just went with my gut. (And the few beers I packed away while constructing, lol.)


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Drywall screws aren't designed to take the stress of holding structural framing together. I glue and screw all joints myself. Get an exterior rated glue that can withstand a little moisture!
 
I ended up going with 3 inch construction screws. I glued and screwed all joints and I made pilot holes before drilling in my screws. No splitting and everything seams to hold nicely


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Would pre-drilling smaller diameter holes help prevent splitting or is that over kill?


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no need to pre drill , just rub the screw treads on a bar of soap makes them go in nice and easy no splitting , 2.5 deck screws are the perfect length not to long not to short

this is the stand I built for my 90g


img_3093970_0_1e8a23e67ffaae8cc5e85cf48ecfe5e6.jpg


I also covered it with tongue and groove flooring makes it look like furniture

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Predriling is actually prefered, may not split the wood immediately, ad the wood cures or dries it can shrink around screws resulting in splits. Hardwood is a must. Oil or soap def. Helps the screws go in easier though!

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