As compared to traditional wood boards, particle boards are quite easy to drill into because they do not crack or break easily. Additionally, they are denser, more uniform, cheaper and have a higher tensile strength.
That said, the screws required for drilling through such boards must meet certain requirements. For starters, their diameter should be between 3 and 6mm while their length must not exceed 200mm.
There are many more things that you need to check and all these are covered in the review below so that you can easily pick the best particle board screw.
In this post:
- Things To Check Before Buying Screws for Particle Board
- 10 Best Screws for Particle Boards Reviewed
- 1. Kreg SML-C125-500 (Large Particle Board Screw Pack)
- 2. Kreg SML-C250B-250 (Weather Resistant)
- 3. Bolt Dropper Flat Head Wood Screw (Full Coarse Thread Particle)
- 4. FastenMaster FMGD003-75 (With a Pozisquare Drive)
- 5. Spax 4577000500907 (Double Lock Thread)
- 6. Rok ROKS8X1PPCBP-100 (With a Sharp Self-Tapping Tip)
- 7. Rockler 42343 (Flat Tip)
- 8. Rok ROKS6X12PPSZ-100 (Best Affordable)
- 9. Spax 4577000500767 (Best Large Diameter)
- 10. Kreg SML-C250-250 (Best Maxi-Loc Washer Head)
- Conclusion
Things To Check Before Buying Screws for Particle Board
1. Size
The most notable difference between these different screw varieties is the size or length. Given in inches, this size is a must check because it determines the width of the stock that it can be used on.
For instance, with a length of 2.5 inches, Kreg’s SML-C250-250 above is suitable for joining 1.5-inch thick boards so that at least 1-inch can penetrate through to the second board.
Therefore, you should buy these pieces based on the board size that you are working on. As a general rule of thumb, you can add one inch to the width of the board so as to get the least size to buy.
2. Material and Coating
Particleboard screws are usually either made using steel or stainless steel. Both are very strong and this is important because the screw should not break as you drive it in.
Most importantly though, you need to check if the piece has a protective outer coat. This will protect the inner steel/stainless steel part from corrosion, thereby making the screw last longer even when used outdoors or if the particleboard soaks in some water.
3. Head Type
– by Shape
Flathead screws have a flat upper surface and this helps them fit neatly flush with the board after driving them fully to the end.
On the other hand, pan or washer-shaped screws tend to bulge upwards and therefore, they don’t sit flush. They would only fit well in a pocket hole.
– by Drive
- Flathead screws, in this case, refers to having a straight slot that fits a flat screwdriver. Generally, these are not recommended nowadays because they are difficult to drive using a drill or impact driver, and are very vulnerable to cam outs.
- Phillips or crosshead screws have a plus sign slot that gives more room for the driving bit to hold to, thereby minimizing cam outs. For this reason, they are much better than the flat head type.
- Square drives have a square top that is extremely effective at preventing cam outs, making it easier to screw them in as compared to the Phillips type.
- Torx drives are the newest and best screw head drives because they feature a star shape that practically eliminates cam outs due to the increased gripping surface area.
4. Shanks and Threads
A screw’s thread is wrapped around its shank. Some feature a full thread that covers the whole shank while others go halfway. Some even have a double thread that is split between the upper and lower sections.
Generally, the more the threads, the better because the screw will grip better and stronger into the wood. Also, for particle boards, MDF and softwoods, ensure you get screws with coarse threads. Fine threads are better off being used in hardwood.
As for the shank size or diameter, this is usually given as a hash symbol followed by a number. The higher this number is, the bigger the diameter.
Thin screws might not create a very firm joint while thick ones might create unnecessarily large holes. A size #8 – #10 is ideally good enough.
5. Tip
Lastly, a screw’s tip can either be sharp enough such that no predrilling is required, or blunt enough to need an existing hole.
Sharp self-tapping screws are generally better because they eliminate the hassle of having to prepare a hole first.
10 Best Screws for Particle Boards Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Kreg SML-C125-500 (Large Pack) |
|
 | 2. Kreg SML-C250B-250 (Weather Resistant) |
|
 | 3. Bolt Dropper Flat Head Wood Screw (Full Coarse Thread) |
|
 | 4. FastenMaster FMGD003-75 (Pozisquare Drive) |
|
 | 5. Spax 4577000500907 (Double Lock Thread) |
|
 | 6. Rok ROKS8X1PPCBP-100 (With Sharp Self-Tapping Tip) |
|
 | 7. Rockler 42343 (Flat Tip) |
|
 | 8. Rok ROKS6X12PPSZ-100 (Affordable) |
|
 | 9. Spax 4577000500767 (Large Diameter) |
|
 | 10. Kreg SML-C250-250 (With Maxi-Loc Washer Head) |
|
1. Kreg SML-C125-500 (Large Particle Board Screw Pack)
Photo: Kreg
- Diameter: #8
- Length: 1.25 inches
- Material: Steel
- Head Style: Washer
- Quantity: 500
Coming as a 500-pack of screws, Kreg’s SML-C125-500 gives you lots of pieces to work with, enabling you to complete multiple projects without buying and extra pack.
Each of these pieces features self-tapping auger tips that don’t require predrilling on the board before use while a washer head helps to prevent overdriving in pocket bottoms.
The screws also have a large diameter steel shank that enhances their overall durability while coarse style threads underneath bite firmly into the particle board fibers for firm holding.
Other features include a square-drive maxi-lock head, steel construction with a rustproof zinc coating and a relatively long 1.25-inch size that is suitable for joining 0.75-inch boards.
However, the required square drive is not included in the set while the threads cover only half of the screw, which reduces biting power.
Pros:
- Multiple screws per pack (500)
- Self-tapping auger tips eliminate predrilling
- Durable large-diameter steel shank
- Coarse style thread for aggressive biting
- Rustproof zinc coating
Cons:
- Square drive is not included
- Threads cover only half of the screw
2. Kreg SML-C250B-250 (Weather Resistant)
Photo: Kreg
- Diameter: #8
- Length: 2.5 inches
- Material: Steel
- Head Style: Washer
- Quantity: 250
With its blue outer finish, this particleboard screw is covered in three chemically-combined anti-corrosion layers, which result in up 400% more weather resistance than the zinc plated type.
This makes the 250 pieces in this set ideal for outdoor use, patio construction and of course, particleboard joining.
On the inside, the units are made using hardened steel that won’t bend or break while coarse threads bite aggressively as you drive in the screw.
Other features include #2 square drive heads that prevent cam outs so as not to damage the screw, a 2.5-inch length with a #8 diameter and a needle-sharp edge that does not require predrilling, minimizes walking and can be used to create clean pilot holes for other screws.
However, the required square drive is not included in the set and the threads only cover half of the screw, which reduces the biting force.
Pros:
- Three chemically-combined anti-corrosion layers for maximum weather resistance
- Hardened steel construction
- Square drive heads prevent cam outs and screw damage
- Needle-sharp edge eliminates predrilling
Cons:
- Square drive not included
- Threads only cover half of the screw
3. Bolt Dropper Flat Head Wood Screw (Full Coarse Thread Particle)
Photo: Bolt Dropper
- Diameter: #8
- Length: 1 inch
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Head Style: Flat
- Quantity: 100
As compared to the two particleboard screws above, this one has a full coarse thread that runs throughout the screw’s entire length, making it bite firmly in composite wood. This makes it one of the best screws for MDF and particle boards.
Other than that, the screw is made using high-quality stainless steel for strength and durability, which is then coated using Black Xylan for improved corrosion resistance.
More features include 100 pieces per pack, a flat head with a deep cut Phillips drive that does not strip, #8 diameter and a 1-inch length. There is also a #6 diameter option and 0.75, 1.5, 1.25- and 0.38-inch length options.
However, predrilling is recommended when using this screw because it is not as sharp and its cross drive is not included in the pack.
Pros:
- Full coarse thread bites strongly in composite wood
- High-quality stainless-steel construction with a corrosion-resistant Black Xylan coat
- Deep cut Phillips drive for stripping prevention
- Available in different length and diameter options
Cons:
- Predrilling is recommended before use
- Cross drive is not included
4. FastenMaster FMGD003-75 (With a Pozisquare Drive)
Photo: FastenMaster
- Length: 3 inches
- Head Style: Flat
- Quantity: 75
FastenMaster’s FMGD003-75 comes as a set of 75 flat square-drive head screws and a versatile Pozisquare drive that grips firmly onto the screw head to prevent cam outs. In the end, this makes the screws very durable because head damage is reduced when in use.
The screws are quite long, measuring 3-inches, and they have an aggressive thread design, which maximizes on biting power. However, these threads don’t run the entire length of the piece.
Other features include a sharp tip that penetrates easily through wood without requiring predrilling and availability in different lengths, which are 1.6, 2, 2.5 and 3.5 inches.
Pros:
- Pozisquare drive included as an accessory
- Aggressive thread design maximizes biting power
- Sharp tip. No need for predrilling
- Available in different lengths
Cons:
- Only 75 pieces per pack
- Not fully threaded on the entire length
5. Spax 4577000500907 (Double Lock Thread)
Photo: Spax
- Diameter: #10
- Length: 3.5 inches
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Head Style: Flat
Though very costly, this Spax particle board screw features a double ThreadLok design with a small unthreaded gap in the middle. This helps to join the boards tightly while also preventing screws from backing out and the boards from squeaking as they dry out.
The screw is very long, measuring in at 3.5 inches and has an aesthetically good-looking trim head that will add some level of detail to your deck’s surface.
This head contains a deep square drive that engages the drive bit firmly so as to make installation quick and easy while avoiding cam outs.
More features include a strong stainless-steel construction helps to prevent breaking or bending, a thick #10 diameter size and the pieces come packed in a 5-pound box, which contains a lot of screws.
Pros:
- Double ThreadLok design grips and joins very tightly
- Long 3.5-inch size for deeper, stronger biting
- Aesthetically good-looking trim head
- Deep square drive prevents cam outs
- Strong stainless-steel construction
Cons:
- Expensive
6. Rok ROKS8X1PPCBP-100 (With a Sharp Self-Tapping Tip)
Photo: Rok
- Diameter: #8
- Length: 1 inch
- Head Style: Pan
- Quantity: 100
Rok’s particleboard screw is equipped with a sharp self-tapping tip, which requires no predrilling, and is followed up by aggressive coarse threads that bite firmly into the particle board for tight joining.
The unit is also only 1-inch long, which makes it easy to drive through the board, and has a pan head with a square drive that can be driven by a #2 Philips driver bit. However, this bit is not included in the set.
More features include a #8 diameter, a full coarse thread that runs along the entire length of the screw, a 100-pack quantity and a protective black phosphate finish.
Pros:
- Sharp self-tapping tip eliminates predrilling
- Aggressive coarse threads that run along the entire length of the screw
- Protective black phosphate finish
Cons:
- The driver bit is not included
7. Rockler 42343 (Flat Tip)
Photo: Rockler
- Length: 2 inches
- Material: Steel
- Head Style: Flat
- Quantity: 100
This particleboard screw from Rockler is quite unique because it has a flat tip and though this design requires predrilling before being installed, it gives a very tight grip on softwood, plywood and particle boards.
The piece is actually ideal for putting together ready-to-assemble or knock-down furniture because its threads are designed to maximize engagement and grip inside predrilled holes.
Other features include a 7mm diameter with a length of 50mm (roughly 2 inches), a flat posi-drive Philips head, strong steel construction, and a 100-pack quantity. However, this steel build has no protective anti-corrosion outer coat.
Pros:
- Grips tightly on softwood, plywood and particle boards
- Maximizes thread engagement on predrilled holes
- Strong steel construction
Cons:
- Requires predrilling before use
- Lacks a protective outer coat
8. Rok ROKS6X12PPSZ-100 (Best Affordable)
Photo: Rok
- Diameter: #6
- Length: 0.5 inches
- Head Style: Pan
- Quantity: 100
If you are on a tight budget, this 100-piece particle board screw set from Rok is an affordable option that you should consider.
That said, you get thin #6 diameter screws that penetrate easily into particle boards but are very short (0.5 inches), which means you can only join extremely narrow width boards.
On the bright side, when used in the recommended way, these pieces give excellent holding power in MDF, plastic composites and particle boards because they have aggressive full coarse threads.
Other features include a pan head design with #2 Philips square drive, a protective zinc plating for corrosion protection and availability in a 1000-pack for large particleboard joining projects. However, a driving bit is not included for installing the screws.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Thin #6 diameter; penetrates easily into wood
- Aggressive full coarse threads
- Protective zinc plating
Cons:
- The driving bit is not included
- Very short length
9. Spax 4577000500767 (Best Large Diameter)
Photo: Spax
- Diameter: #10
- Length: 3 inches
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Head Style: Flat
This product is characterized by a large #10 diameter (about 4.8mm), which helps to hold firmly into wood pieces.
A double ThreadLok design further enhances this, enabling the screw to pull and hold the boards tightly together. It also prevents the screw from backing out and keeps the boards from squeaking as they dry out.
The screw has a strong 300-series stainless steel construction that is suitable for exterior use and is topped off by a beautiful trim head design that will leave pleasing aesthetics on your deck’s surface.
More features include a deep square drive that gives excellent bit engagement to prevent cam outs, a 3-inch length, and the set comes in a 5-pound packaging, which contains a lot of screws.
However, a drive bit is not included and the pack is quite costly.
Pros:
- Large #10 diameter helps to grip firmly into wood pieces
- Double ThreadLok design ensures boards are held firmly together
- Strong 300-series stainless steel construction that is suitable for outdoor use
- Aesthetically pleasing trim head design
- Deep square drive prevents cam outs
Cons:
- Drive bit is not included
- Quite expensive
10. Kreg SML-C250-250 (Best Maxi-Loc Washer Head)
Photo: Kreg
- Diameter: #8
- Length: 2.5 inches
- Material: Steel
- Head Style: Washer
- Quantity: 250
Rounding up the top 10 is Kreg’s SML-C250-250, which has a Maxi-Loc washer head that sits flush in the pocket hole to avoid being pulled through.
The screw has aggressive coarse threads that provide high gripping power while a long steel shank enhances its overall strength and durability.
You also get a sharp auger tip that self-taps its own hole and therefore, predrilling is not required.
Other features include bronze-colored finish with a dry lubricant coat that helps in easing driving torque while providing high rust resistance, 2.5 inches in length for joining 1.5-inch boards, and it comes as a 250-piece pack, but there is a cheaper 50-pack if you want fewer pieces.
However, these screws do not have a full thread that runs along the entire length of the screw and a driving bit is not included in the pack.
Pros:
- Maxi-Loc washer head sits flush in the pocket hole, avoiding a pull through
- Aggressive coarse thread with a strong steel shank at the top
- Sharp auger tip eliminates predrilling
- Dry lubricant coat eases the driving torque and provides rust resistance
Cons:
- The driving bit is not included
- Lacks a full thread
Conclusion
In conclusion, particleboard screws are available in different sizes, with different types of threads and heads.
Basically, this article covers all that you need to consider before picking the best particle board screw from the 10 listed above.