From: clewis@ferret.ocunix.on.ca (Chris Lewis)
Newsgroups: rec.woodworking
Subject: Re: WARNING (response to...)
Date: 10 Jan 93 07:14:25 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Elegant Communications Inc., Ottawa, Canada

In article <1993Jan8.140836.19027@crd.ge.com> meltsner@crd.ge.com writes:
>In article <4107@ecicrl.ocunix.on.ca>, clewis@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
>(Chris Lewis) writes:

>|>Unfortunately, square drive drywall screws are hard to come by.
>|>Even here, where robertsons were invented - robertsons so dominate
>|>the market that only specialty items having to be obtained from the
>|>States come in phillips.  They should bar them at the border ;-)

>McFeeley's (800-443-7937, US) specializes in square drive screws,
>although they sell random other woodworking stuff.  I was very pleased
>with #10 Nibs (self-countersinking) screws I bought from them, as well
>as the associated drivers, etc.  The random stuff doesn't appear to be
>as good a deal.

McFeeley's is a bit pricey.  Is it time for me to post this again?

		January 29, 1992

I've been asked to post something on the availability of Robertson
head screws (aka "square drive").

First of all as to price: for galvanized screws, you should be
able to buy Robertson screws for about $4CDN/pound or better.  Which is
around $3.25US.  For reference purposes, there's about 200 #8x1 1/4
screws per pound.  I've also been able to buy the black coated screws for
around $4.50CDN/pound.

Part of the problem, as far as the Americans ordering by mail is
concerned, is that Robertson screws are so universally available in
Canada, that the mail order houses in Canada don't bother carrying them.
Anybody can walk into any "real" hardware store here, and usually be
able to buy Robertsons in bulk by weight.  So the mail order places
usually just specialize in the "odder" ones.  Like stainless or brass.

Also, for reference, I should mention the types of screws I've seen
(and used):

    - standard galvanized woodworking
    - pan-head metal screws (these are infinitely better
      than phillips or flat-blade)
    - flute/bugle-head woodworking
    - drywall (very rare.  But you can use flute-head woodworking instead.
    - quick drive screws with various coatings.  Including
      stainless, including "deck" screws.
    - stainless wood screws
    - brass
    - masonry (I forget what the brand name is for these things
      that you'd find familiar)
    
I probably clsoe to 15 pounds of robertsons in my tool box of various
types and sizes.

And one final note: if you're going to bother with Robertson drive, don't
buy the combination square/phillips ("Square X") ones unless you can't find
regular Robertsons.

Sources: (reference price is #8 x 1 1/4" galvanized per 100 unless
otherwise noted)

Canadian, mail order:
	- Lee Valley carries two types: One a ferro-blacked screw
	  very much like a drywall screw, but robertson, and with
	  woodscrew pattern.  ($4.95CDN per 100 #7 x 1 1/2" - reasonable)
	  Very good general purpose screw.

	  The other type is zinc/anti-oxidant/ceramic plated ideal
	  for wet conditions (eg: saunas, exterior uses).  Moderately
	  expensive ($15CDN/pound)
	- Tool Trend (420 Millway Ave., Concord, Ontario, L4K 3V8)
	  carries ordinary galvanized screws.  Price is on the rather
	  high side ($5CDN).  Also stainless and "black phosphate"
	  finish.
	- Sears Canada - 100/package, prices okay I think.  Maybe
	  you can coax US Sears to order them for you.

Canadian, not mail order (b: bulk, bp: bubble-pack sillyness, c:
packages of hundreds.  Not all stores for b):
	- Chain hardware stores: Pro Hardware (b/c), Home hardware
	  (b/c), Beaver (full range c, some b), Canadian Tire (bp/c),
	  Cashway (b/c).

US mail order:
	- The Woodworker's store.  Mostly square X (combo robertson/phillips).
	  ($4.95US) Square X galvanized, brass, washer head statuary bronze,
	  pan head galvanized, "black finish", "no rust exterior" (aka
	  deck screws).  Robertson brass, "black finish", stainless.
	  Ordinary galvanized wood screws much better price in 1000's
	  ($2.80US/100, $2.39US/100 in 500's #8 x 1 1/4).  Good introductory
	  packages.  "Made in North America" - I'll give you a hint: not
	  Mexico or the USA.
	- Leichtung Workshops: square X ($3.95US, $11.95/500)  Good
	  introductory packages.
	- I'm sure Garret Wade carries them, their catalog looks *awful*
	  close to the Lee Valley one.
-- 
Chris Lewis; clewis@ferret.ocunix.on.ca; Phone: Canada 613 832-0541
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