Glen-L.com

hey - It probably seems very basic to you guys but, is there a general rule for the length a fastener should be when joining two members??

a 1" inwhale joined to a 3" frame member?? 2"??

3/8" planking joined to a 1' sheer?? 3/4"??

I just wondered how exact you had to be and if there was a rule of thumb most woodworkers go by>

thanks sailor

Fastener length = 2&1/2 to 3 times planking thickness.
3/8 planking = fastener length of 7/8 to 1&1/8 with 1in. probably being ideal.

I go with maximum depth or length in soft woods that does not expose the point. Fancy wood - allow for countersunk screws and depth if wood plugs are used. Not sure/ practice a couple with the same woods actually being used. A real danger is when the top or first piece of wood is the softer one. The last or bottom piece is hard wood and the screw will go much deeper sometimes. Drive the screws slowly and stop when seated. Do not count on the screw head for stoping.