Before and after on pocket hole screws - huge difference after switching to coated ones

I've been building cabinets out of my garage in Portland for about 3 years now. For the first year I just used whatever cheap zinc screws I found at the hardware store. They worked okay but I kept getting stripping and breakage, especially in plywood. Then about 6 months ago a buddy at the lumber yard told me to try the coated cabinet screws with the self-drilling tips. Man what a difference. They grab way better, don't strip out, and I haven't broken a single one since switching. The coating seems to reduce friction so they sink in smooth every time. Has anyone else noticed this big of a change just from swapping screw type or is it just me?

2 comments

2 Comments

lindaowens11d ago

I mean, they're just screws, not like you're using gold-plated ones or something.

wesley_martin11d ago

Have you tried the ones made of solid gold yet? They're probably a real game changer if you're trying to make the fanciest cabinets in Portland. I switched to the coated ones a while back for a kitchen project and now I won't touch the cheap zinc ones unless I'm out and desperate, they just feel like garbage in comparison. It's kind of wild how much a little coating matters, almost like comparing cheap well whiskey to a decent mid-shelf bottle.