Screws: In or out?

[azgreg]

I've seen a number of build threads here where the screws on the exterior wood are removed after the glue dries. What's the thinking here?

[noseoil]

Are we talking about a "woodie" type of build? If it is, there still needs to be a plug to fill the hole. In boat building a trunnel is used to fill the hole & plug the surface.

[azgreg]

I'm talking about basic building. I see people attaching the roof to spars with glue and screws then remove the screws and fill the holes. I was wondering what's the downside of leaving the screws in?

[Tomterrific]

I see no downside to leaving in the screws. It seems that it would be a benefit structurally. Many of the folks on this forum are top woodworkers and they are showing off craftsmanship beyond what I'm capable or want. I think that's why screws are removed.

T

[tony.latham]

I was wondering what's the downside of leaving the screws in?

If your are sheathing in aluminum, those screws need to be covered or removed (in my opinion) to prevent dissimilar corrosion.

T

[azgreg]

I was wondering what's the downside of leaving the screws in?

If your are sheathing in aluminum, those screws need to be covered or removed (in my opinion) to prevent dissimilar corrosion.

T

That makes sense. I'm not planning in using aluminum. I'm considering PMF or actual fiberglass and paint like Becky's Shagwagon.

[bobhenry]

With a little decorative rosette you can make a statement just make sure your spacing is uniform and pleasing to the eye.

[halfdome, Danny]

I was wondering what's the downside of leaving the screws in?

If your are sheathing in aluminum, those screws need to be covered or removed (in my opinion) to prevent dissimilar corrosion.

T

For the life of me, why would anyone remove screws from their spars?
Mechanical fasteners have their merits, along with glue.
Just counter sink them and use Bondo, no problems that way.
Danny

[tony.latham]

I was wondering what's the downside of leaving the screws in?

If your are sheathing in aluminum, those screws need to be covered or removed (in my opinion) to prevent dissimilar corrosion.

T

For the life of me, why would anyone remove screws from their spars?
Mechanical fasteners have their merits, along with glue.
Just counter sink them and use Bondo, no problems that way.
Danny

Danny:

He didn't specify spars.

screws on the exterior wood are removed

Tony

[halfdome, Danny]

I was wondering what's the downside of leaving the screws in?

If your are sheathing in aluminum, those screws need to be covered or removed (in my opinion) to prevent dissimilar corrosion.

T

For the life of me, why would anyone remove screws from their spars?
Mechanical fasteners have their merits, along with glue.
Just counter sink them and use Bondo, no problems that way.
Danny

Danny:

He didn't specify spars.

screws on the exterior wood are removed

Tony

I'm talking about basic building. I see people attaching the roof to spars with glue and screws then remove the screws and fill the holes. I was wondering what's the downside of leaving the screws in?

What difference does it make?
Seems like I've heard that phrase lately
If you compromise wood fibers with a screw leave it in.
Danny

[SCwood]

I used screws and then removed them when skinning the curves on my camper. The wood wouldn't stay down with brad nails alone so something more substantial was required. I also used some scrap pieces below the screws to 1) prevent damage to the actual skin and 2) smooth out the curve. The skin would've come out lumpy without even pressure around the screws. Since I used those scrap pieces the screws had to be removed. I could've reinserted them, but countersinking in 3mm thick wood probably wouldn't have worked too well.

[rowerwet]

I removed the screws as they don't expand the same rate as the wood. Boat maintenance has taught me that screws and nails are the first point of water intrusion that leads to rot.
I remove all metal fasteners and fill the holes with glue, as the glue bond is much stronger and doesn't let water in