3 Best Kreg Screw For Particle Board | Reviews + Guide
After using them for my DIY woodworking projects, I found that the SML-C125 – 500 Zinc Pocket Hole Screws take the crown because of their versatility and affordability. However, the Blue-Kote and SPS-F1-500 Zinc Pocket Screws are also dependable options. So, you’ve been scouring for the best screws for particle board but haven’t found one […]
After using them for my DIY woodworking projects, I found that the SML-C125 – 500 Zinc Pocket Hole Screws take the crown because of their versatility and affordability. However, the Blue-Kote and SPS-F1-500 Zinc Pocket Screws are also dependable options.
So, you’ve been scouring for the best screws for particle board but haven’t found one for your DIY project?
Sure, it may sound easy, but choosing the right screw to create long-lasting joints and hold particle boards together is challenging. Of late, Kreg has emerged in popularity, but which Kreg screws should you choose for joining particle boards together?
This guide reviews the three best options that you must consider. I have also provided a buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice.
3 Best Kreg Screw For Particle Board
1. Best For Indoor Pocket Hole Joinery Projects: SML-C125 – 500 Zinc Pocket Hole Screws
- Hole screws prevent overdriving in pocket bottoms
- Self-tapping auger tips do away with predrilling
What we like
- Self-tapping auger eliminates the need for predrilling
- Comes with rust protection
- Holds the joints strongly without splitting particle boards
- Large diameter steel shank adds to their durability
What we don’t like
- Cannot be used outdoors because they aren’t weather-proof
Unable to decide which pocket hole screw you should choose for your DIY projects? The Kreg Zinc Pocket Hole Screws could be a perfect pick for your needs.
These 1 1/4” pocket screws are supplied as a pack of 500, so you can use them in multiple projects without having to order another pack in the near future. Each of the pocket screws is constructed of carbon steel, so they are resistant to rust.
Featuring coarse-style threads, the #8 thread screws are ideal for use on softer woods like plywood, oak, cherry, maple, hickory, ash, birch, poplar, walnut, and mahogany, along with particle board. What’s more, the coarse thread screws sport self-tapping auger tips, so you won’t have to predrill holes on the board to make room for them.
All screws boast a steel shank of large diameter, which makes them highly durable. That said, though ideal for a variety of indoor projects, the Kreg Zinc Pocket Hole screws aren’t meant for outdoor uses.
Unlike drywall screws, they have a maxi-loc head, meaning the underside of their head is flat. Hence, they hold pocket hole joints perfectly without causing the wood to split when you drive screws into them.
Not to forget, these zinc-coated screws are 1.25”, which makes them ideal for joining particle boards of about 0.75”.
The screws come with a washer head that prevents them from overdriving into particle boards. Besides pocket-hole machines, they are compatible with the Kreg pocket-hole jig, so you won’t have to splurge money on such tools. And what makes them popular among professional woodworkers is that they are engineered explicitly for pocket hole joinery.
Long story short, if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to stainless steel screws, these Kreg Zinc Pocket Hole screws will fit the bill.
Material: Carbon Steel | Exterior Finish: Zinc | Screw Size: 1 1/4″ length | Number of Screws: 500
2. Best For Outdoor Pocket-Hole Solutions: Blue-Kote Pocket Screws
- Package Height: 4.32cm
- Package Length: 10.41cm
What we like
- Three anti-corrosion layers protect screws from rust
- Needle-sharp edges eliminate the need for pre-drilling
- Case-hardened steel prevents damage to the screws
- Self-tapping tip doesn’t split particle boards
What we don’t like
- Comes with an expensive price tag
The Kreg Blue-Kote Pocket Screws are blue in color and have square drives like wood screws that keep the bit in place, preventing them from slipping while driving.
What distinguishes this screw set from other Kreg screws is the three-layer anti-corrosion coating. When compared to others, these screws can resist rust 400 times better than zinc-coated screws. So, rest assured that they won’t rust despite being exposed to elements for a length of time.
However, this doesn’t mean that the screws cannot be used indoors. Owing to their functionality and sturdiness, you can use them for a variety of indoor projects, like constructing furniture.
Every pocket screw is made of case-hardened steel, so neither will they bend, break nor snap. Like most Kreg pocket screws, these screws feature flat-bottom heads so that they sit firmly in pocket holes.
You can use a Kreg pocket-hole jig or any other pocket-hole machine for drilling pocket holes on the particle board. Or, you can simply insert the screw with a screwdriver into the surface, thanks to the self-tapping tip.
Adding to that are their coarse threads that drive aggressively into whichever surface you drive them in. Over and above that, you can use these screws to drill pilot holes for other screws, so they are highly versatile.
Each of the Kreg Blue-Kote Pocket Screw packs comes with 50 screws, which is less in quantity compared to my previous recommendation. So, if you’re planning to join multiple pieces of particle boards to construct furniture pieces, you’ll have to order in bulk.
One noteworthy aspect of these screws is that they go inside particle boards and hold them very well. So, whether you use them in railings, patio tables, or benches, this screw pack from Kreg won’t disappoint.
All in all, if you don’t mind spending a tad bit on screws, the Kreg Blue-Kote Pocket Screws would be a worthy addition to your toolkit.
Material: Steel | Exterior Finish: Blue | Screw Size: 2-1/2″ length | Number of Screws: 50
3. Best For Attaching Face Frames To Furniture: SPS-F1-500 Zinc Pocket Screws
- Square-drive head and self-tapping tip for easy driving...
- Flat-bottom head and smooth shank draw the pocket-hole joint...
What we like
- Zinc coating resists rust
- Smooth shank keeps the joint together tightly
- Self-tapping tips tap the hole as they are driven
- Square drive keeps the bit in place
What we don’t like
- Screws aren’t weather-proof
On the hunt for fine thread screws for your next DIY shelf or cabinet construction project? Then the Kreg Zinc Pocket Screws would be a perfect pick for joining particle boards for cabinets.
Similar to the SML-C125 – 500 Zinc Pocket Hole Screws, these screws are coated with zinc so that they don’t corrode due to exposure to moisture and oxygen. However, you must not use them outdoors because they are only resistant to rust. They won’t be able to withstand the damage caused by other natural elements.
In addition to that, the brand supplies these screws in a pack of 500, so you can complete multiple cabinet construction projects without ordering another pack.
Woodworkers usually prefer these #6 fine thread screws for attaching frames to furniture, including wood frames, because of their great holding power. Furthermore, the pocket hole screws come with a type 17 auger tip that self-taps their own pocket hole without causing the wood to split.
On top of that, every screw has a square-drive head that is perfect for 1 1/2” particle boards. As such, the bit won’t slip when you make efforts to drive them in the particle board. Interestingly, their large diameter smooth shanks coupled with flat-bottom heads ensure a tight joint. However, if you wish to enhance the longevity of your creations, consider using wood glue to bond the pieces.
As is expected, these screws feature case-hardened steel, which means they’re highly durable. That means they wouldn’t snap or break despite the heavy load.
All things aside, the Zinc Pocket Screws have a dry-lubricant coating that reduces driving torque and are finished in a bronze color. Besides Kreg Pocket-Hole jigs, they are compatible with various other jigs, so you won’t have to buy a new tool.
Material: Case-hardened steel | Exterior Finish: Zinc | Screw Size: 1” length | Number of Screws: 500
Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying Screws For Particle Board
Shortlisting the top three screws from a plethora of options wasn’t an easy task. So, if you’re still confused about which screw to choose, know you’re not alone!
That’s because there are plenty of factors that you need to consider before buying screws for particle boards. To help you pick the right one, I’ve shortlisted a few important factors and discussed them in detail in this buyer’s guide.
So, without any further delay, let’s check them out!
1. Material And Coating
Mostly, particle board screws are constructed of stainless steel or only steel– both materials are highly durable, extremely tough, and resistant to impact. This means that screws made of these materials won’t bend or break, despite exerting pressure to drive them in the particle board.
On top of that, many screws feature a top coating that lends extra protection to them. As such, such screws are resistant to corrosion, which makes them ideal for exterior use. Screws that are coated do not rust even if the particle board is submerged in water or exposed to oxygen.
So, when buying screws, make sure you check whether steel/stainless is coated or not and decide accordingly.
One thing to mention is that most people prefer using metal screws over drywall ones because of their superior holding quality. So, if you’re wondering whether you can use metal screws for particle board, the answer is yes!
2. Size
By now, you probably know that screws vary in size and length, so when shopping for them, don’t forget to check the two aspects. That’s because the size is the only thing that will determine if it would correspond to the width of your particle board or not.
Like, screws that are 2.5” would be ideal for joining particle boards that are 1.5” thick. Therefore, take into account the size of your board whenever you’re purchasing screws for your projects.
As a rule of thumb, add one inch to the breadth of the particle board you’ll be working on so that you buy the right size screw.
3. Tip
The tip of screws could either be blunt or sharp. While you can go for any of the two, I suggest going for the latter so that you won’t have to go through the hassles of pre-drilling holes in particle boards.
Top Kreg Screw For Particle Board Verdict
Whether a seasoned DIYer or a novice woodworker, having the right screws at your disposal is essential to complete your projects with ease. Just make sure you keep a table saw or circular saw handy and know how to cut particle board.
Now that you know the top three options from Kreg, were you able to choose one?
Though all three options from Kreg hold particle board joints exceptionally well, my favorite is the SML-C125 – 500 Zinc Pocket Hole Screws. They are durable and don’t really need to be overdriven into the particle board.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for screws that are weather-resistant, the Blue-Kote Pocket Screws are a better choice. That said, I shall call the curtains for the day!
