Wood is an essential thing in everyone’s life. From furniture to interior everything is a part of our lives. To make those we need to know about wood and related things. We have to know wood types, fasteners, tools, products, and many more things. Learning about how to screw into end grain is an important thing as well.
Grains are the important angles of wood boards. To screw or work on them first we need to know about them. It is important to know what end grain is, its advantages, looks, and just like that. It is also important to know how to work on it and how to screw it. The rules and systems are for everyone from normal people to woodworkers.
What is the End Grain of a Wood?
Grain refers to the different sides of a wood board. End grain, face grain, and edge are examples. Wood end grain means a small top and bottom edge of the wood board. To make end grain, the board has to be cut at a 90-degree angle. The cut gives the board a distinct and attractive look. Thus it usually comes in a checkerboard pattern.
The end is not only good but also advantageous. The end grain makes the cutting process easier. The vertical grains help to slice instead of a cross. Because the grains snap back while cutting. It causes less wear on boards and knives.
How To Screw Into End Grain Faster
As we know, the end grain is easier to cut and screw for its vertical grain. Thus wood is also a sensitive thing, which needs special treatment and care before screwing. So the screwing process should be done step by step.
Step 1: Create A Pilot Hole
Making a pilot hole is the first step of cutting end grain. First, take a drill bit according to the work. Choose the drill bit which is the same diameter as the shank of the screw. Then set the drill bit into a drilling machine. Then make the hole where you want to screw.
Step 2: Screw Through almost the end
After making pilot holes, take a big screw. Make sure the screw should be too thin. Then set the screw on the drilling machine. Now screw it on the board. Take the screw through almost the end. It will help to separate the grains around the holes.
Step 3: Now Reverse the Drilling Machine Rotation
Now set the drilling machine in reverse. The big screw wasn’t for joining. So the screw should be removed. After setting the drilling machine in reverse, set the drilling head with the screw head. Or you can do it with setting a bit. Now start the drilling machine and out the screw.
Related: Deck Screws Vs Wood Screws: Side By Side Comparison
Step 4: Fix the Drilling Machine Rotation and Drill the Screw
After removing the big screw, it is ready to screw. Now fix the drilling machine rotation. Take the wooden boards. Place them in their position to join or screw. Now set the screw on the drill. Then drill the screw into them.
Additional Tips: Don’t Over Tighten the Screw
There is some basic knowledge while screwing in the end grain to prevent any mistakes. It is important to make sure that the screw does not over-tighten. As we know, wood is a sensitive thing. It has fiber inside which holds the screws.
The fibers are usually hard but can be weak for machines and screws and other related things. Tightening too much can cause breakage. Because it tore off the fiber around the holes. So be careful while drilling. Set the drill speed at low to determine how tight the screw is. It will prevent any kind of further issues.
Alternative Option: Use Wooden Dowel
Dowels are pieces of wood. It works for joining. The work of it is similar to a screw but materials and advantages are a little bit different. But dowels can be an alternative solution to screws. Because it doesn’t cause breakage.
Read: Valuable Tips on How to Fix a Stripped Screw Hole in Plastic
But there are a few things to remember before using dowels on wood. You can screw over the dowels. But it can be a little bit tricky. Dowels can be the best choice for face-grain wood. Because the dowels are face grain edges, both are straight. So try to choose a face grain board for wood.
FAQs
Let’s put our hands down on some of the most asked questions.
How Much Tight Should I Make The Screw?
There is not any measurement to tell how tight the screw should be. It is all about your understanding. The screw should be tight enough to join parts. But not that tight that causes breakage. Keep a little bit loose to avoid over-tightening.
Why Is End Grain Not Good To Screw?
The end grain is not good to screw. End grain refers to the side of the board. So usually won’t give a specific grip to the joint. Also, it needs a special screw which costs more. Also, screws can creak off because of the heaviness. So screwing the end grain is not a good option.
How To Screw Into The End Grain Of Plywood?
Screwing the end grain of plywood will not give you any advantage. Dowels would be good for joining plywood. Usually, plywood is weaker than regular wood. So screwing can cause problems further. Dowels can prevent any problems and joint wooden boards safely.
Also read: Practical Walkthrough on How To Remove Wood Screw Plugs
Conclusion
Thanks for visiting our website. That’s all we must get into about end grain and related things. All the information is collected from authentic sources. We have mentioned every detail on how to screw into the end grain. We have given all the information about the end grain like its features, looks, advantages, and many more.
Meanwhile, always think about alternative options as well. Because you might not know when it might get useful in your wood screwing process. Either way, you go, it’s better to do some research on the wood grain beforehand.
