odd ball question, im repairing some 2x4 and wood planks for my privacy fence later this year, I am in the process of getting materials and will work on it later this fall.

I have 25 boards and 4, 4x2x12' to replace, but I'm unsure of what types of screws/brand I should use, anyone have suggestions? I have a impact driver so those star bits are ok also.

I use coated deck screws for a bunch of construction related things. The coating acts as a rust deterrent, and they are rated for contact with treated wood should that be what you're using.

Deckmate from Home Depot is the brand I generally have on hand.

My current preference are cabinet finishing screws. Small head with the square recess. I used 2.5" recently on a flooring restoration, and the head really disappears well.

For heavier stuff, I could see beefing it up a bit. A quick look shows the star-head Power Pro #8 x 3-in Bronze Ceramic Bronze Trim Interior/Exterior Trim Screws(50-Count). Personally, anything worth screwing is worth glueing and screwing.

quote:

Originally posted by Woodman:
My current preference are cabinet finishing
For heavier stuff, I could see beefing it up a bit. A quick look shows the star-head Power Pro #8 x 3-in Bronze Ceramic Bronze Trim Interior/Exterior Trim Screws(50-Count). Personally, anything worth screwing is worth glueing and screwing.

This. I keep a 5 pound box each of 3 sizes of Power Pro's on hand. Not cheap, but absolutely The Bomb for fastening. Bonus: They're reusable. I often use them for temporary jigs and then pull them and throw them back in the box.

deck screws

You didn’t mention if you were going to use treated lumber. If you intend to use lumber treated with ACQ. Just be aware that it is very corrosive, so you will want to use hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners. I got that information from a manager of a local wood treating plant.

GRK screws are also good.

I’m on the deck board screw bandwagon. Been using those for everything lately and love the results.

Deck screws brown or green will do... Lowes usually has stainless steel but that might be over kill.

Personally I prefer when doing a 'lot of screwing' like this I prefer a standard cordless drill... less noise and usually has enough torque to do the job.

I've always use the stainless {1 5/8" I think on the length) screws that have the star bit.
They usually even come with a bit.
I used to use the square bit of the same but they apparently switched to the star bit.
Those are good for the planks I use other longer screws on the 2x4.
Actually I normally use the Simpson ties galv-steel and Simpson screws.