s***w sizes, how can I tell?

Question

we just moved house and lost all the screws to our bed frame, the manufacturer won't sell screws seperate but how can I determine what size screws I need so that I can get them from a hardware store?

Answer 1

While the manufacturer will not sell the screws seperately, they should be able to tell you what you need.  If you kept the assembly instructions that came with the bed, it should have a parts list, which would tell you what size screws were used.  You might even be able to look them up on the manufacturer's website.

If all else fails.... you can 'guestimate' what you need by using a piece of wire, to measure the hole depth.

Most screws used to fasten wood, are about a #8, I'd get a #8 s***w and check to see how it fits the diameter of the hole, but you could also use a set of drill bits...to see which one slips in and out of the hole.  The one that fits in the hole would be the 'shank' diameter, the s***w threads would larger.  Other common s***w sizes are #6, and #10.

If you need threaded bolts -- 1/4 x 20 is a common bolt thread size.  I'd suggest picking up a small assortment, and see which threads properly, and then all you need is the length.

All hardware stores have charts showing various size screws, bolts, and drill bits too.... so, if you used a drill bit to determine the 'pilot hole' size, they can easily show you what your s***w diameter should be.

Have Fun

Answer 2

The old s***w heads will have made marks ...

Use them to get the approximate size....

Measure the thickness of the wood that they are going into.

Make sure you buy ones that are a bit shorter.

You will want a flat head style s***w with a fat body.....

something like number twelve or larger.

Even a thin lag s***w would work.

The hardware store guys will help.

Answer 3

Hard to say, SAE or fine thread, they could even be metric. If it's not possible to take the bed frame in with you, get the approximate size, i.e. pencil thickness, and buy several types around that size and check them out.

I guess that's why I keep tons of screws laying around.