How much weight can a 14 x 3 wood s***w support?

Question

I am trying to connect some pine 2x4's to some 4x4's using wood screws, but I don't know how strong the connections will be. This is to build a cabinet with an aquarium on top, so I want it to be strong. The 4x4's make the legs, and the 2x4's are cross supports. So any idea how much weight I can expect a 3" long s***w to support? I would be more worried about the wood giving out at the joint than the metal itself, but of course I could be wrong about that. Any help anyone has would be very helpful!

Answer 1

i would notch the 4x4 so the 2x4 sits in it. this way all the weight is sitting on the 4x4 and the screws are just there to hold the joint together. you did not specify what size tank you are using. but this method will will hold a lot of weight.