On Tue, 01 Oct 2013 19:43:16 -0400, Bill
wrote:

Doug Winterburn wrote:
On 10/01/2013 01:17 PM, Bill wrote:

I picked up the Trex decking last week, now I am waiting on the screws
(dum-de-dum-dum)--would have been nice if the salesman asked me if I
needed matching screws! I took it for granted they would have them in
the store. It also would have been nice if he had handed me back my
credit card, but there it was lying on their counter 2 1/2 hours later,
he was long gone. I picked up my card and sought a salesperson..and he
asked to see my ID. YES, It was at Home Depot. And YES, I feel lucky
that I wasn't arrested for stealing my credit card!!!

But the reason for my post is this "adjustable screw depth setter" I ran
across:

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-ha...68-c-10156.htm



Is this accessory the secret to beautiful deck screws (that is, will it
give superior results compared to the clutch on my Bosch drill)? Note: I
will be using "square head" deck screws. Can I (I mean, dare I?) use it
with my impact driver?

Thank you,
Bill


Might take a look at this:

http://www.kregtool.com/deck-jig-and...-prodlist.html

I was going to inquire why the manufacturer of Trex suggests spacing the
decking 3/8" apart (in climates that get below 40 degrees). But it
occurs to me that the answer must be concern about *ice*. I would have
been inclined to push them closer together than that. Certainly the
previous installer did--I had to *pry* out the old "planks" of Trex.

It turns out it was rusted screws (probably not galvanized) that broke
which led to one end of each of the two 21" beams (with 16" between
centers) giving out which led to my warped decking.

I would use stainless but I tend to over-build things. I really don't
like doing a job like this twice. Once is kinda fun but the next
time, I'd rather be tackling a new project.

I'm replacing the
beams, of course. It's all clean and ready to go. Actually, I suspect
the house-seller knew about what was broken and just did a cosmetic
repair since there were only screws on each end of the Trex. That would
be consistent with his sense of "style" exhibited in some other areas...

Quite likely. I did that to the house I'm currently selling (they're
renting for a year, first - long story). I replaced the decking on
two of four sections of deck (all PT). The other two sections were
better so I just replaced a few boards that needed it, then threw a
coat of stain on the whole thing (and attached screened-in porch). If
I were staying, I would have done it right, with Trex and stainless.

If I could start over I would do the repair with cheaper
decking/screws. It's pretty stuff though. I'll try not to muck it up
with over-driven screws.

I wouldn't. For my use, I either do it right or wait until I can
afford to.

I bought an appropriate new saw blade today. The pieces are coming
together *slowly*, but surely. Thanks for all your help!