10-11-2009, 09:11 PM
MountainMan Wrote:You are correct - deck screws are brass, making them rust-resistant. The key to avoiding splitting, however, is drilling pilot holes and counter-sinking. The usual practice of just power-driving screws doesn't work on the edges of plywood. For a permanent layout, I would even consider placing threaded sleeves into the plywood edge, and then suing the appropriate fastener, especially if any dis-assembly for maintenance or repair was likely. Otherwise, dowel pins or biscuits would work as well or better and fasten permanently using only glue.
Some deck screws appear to be brass, but most are either steel or stainless steel. The brass-coloured ones are usually steel, plated with yellow zinc, and many others are available galvanised or in various colours. You're right about pre-drilling to avoid splitting, though, whether into the edge of plywood or the ends of dimensional boards.
Wayne