Steve I have been recovering from total knee replacement surgery and am now 6 weeks out and recovering nicely. During these past 6 weeks I made some life changing decisions regarding how I wanted to spend my retirement. At 72, I have a few more productive years left before I decide to turn my law practice over to my son. But not being able to predict the future, I wanted to start now to develop my skills as a woodworker so that I can fill my retired days doing something useful. During my recovery I found sleeping to be almost impossible at times and have often pulled out my iPad and watched woodworking videos. Yours are some of the most enjoyable ones I have found. You manage to convey necessary skills in a way that is both entertaining and insightful. There may be more skilled woodworkers out there, more elaborate shops, better equipment, and so forth but few channels convey the warmth, humor, and I think, the general caring about the craft as does yours. Keep up the great work. It may not bring about world peace but you may bring about some inner peace among us mere mortals. Yes I have enrolled in your weekend woodworker course and look forward to the day I can get back in my shop and stand on two good legs. Thanks again.

Wow, answers to questions that I didn't even realize I had.

This is now one of the few of my most favorite channels on KZfaq! You are an engageing speaker getting to the point BONUS you make me laugh and no prevented many DIY project disasters around my house! Really thank you for explaining the basics the way you do so that I can wrap my brain around something as small & simple screw!

Excellent video, this helped me out a lot. I'm a fairly educated guy generally, but I never did a woodshop class unfortunately. At the same time, it's unbelievable how far I'm getting already because of videos like this.

As I remember from some conversations during my engineering degree. Phillips head screws were made for automotive applications to prevent workers from overtightening parts. The idea was that the head would strip before the fastener could be over tightened preventing parts from cracking.

Slotted Screws: "Basically, they suck" - Couldn't agree more.

I'm about 8 months into woodworking and still had no idea what to choose at the hardware store if I wasn't following someone else's project plans. Thank you for posting such great videos that explain all of this!

TIP: The distance between head and shank can be used to close the space between two wood parts. If length is long enough to pass threads to other wood, it starts pulling the other one

First one of your vids I’ve seen. One of the best instructional videos I’ve seen on ANY subject! Focused (ie, on topic), thorough for the intended audience, efficiently presented without seeming rushed, and very relatable for this woodworking novice. I always thought camming out when driving Phillips screws was due to my own inexperience and have been very frustrated with ruined heads and driver tips. I also definitely relate to and appreciated your comment re: big box hardware chains. Locally, we have lost a smaller community store and will soon have a Home Depot and Lowe’s right next to each other! Thanks for a great vid!

I love that Steve is open about that this is his opinion and his own recommendations. When researching for a project, you are never going to read one manual and then make whatever you are going to make. You look for various explanations and then choose the information that best suits your project. This video was well made and I learned a lot, thank you.

The ONLY YT channel I watch on normal speed, you pack so much into every minute. Every other channel I watch on 1.25 speed comfortably. Great stuff.

Steve... out of ALL the woodworkers on You Tube you are simply the easiest to understand and you present your information the best. Keep up the great work..!

I always use Robertson screws here, must be a Canadian thing. I remember my dad doing cabinet work and throwing away the slot or phillps screws and using #1 Robertson screws, this was way back in the 60s. Fantastic videos you have , real pro for sure.

First time I've watched Steve Ramsey. I was planning to just watch the basics, but he's so entertaining that I watched the whole video. His style reminds me of Bill Nye the Science Guy, fun and informative.

I learned just about everything taught in this video the hard way. The fact that you are using Ryobi drills validates my tool choice. I bought a set with the batteries and they are worth their weight in gold. They are reasonably priced and TOUGH. As many times as I have dropped my drill from the top of a ladder and it keeps on going. Since I've purchased the original set, I've added more tools. I love my Ryobi set. SUBSCRIBED!

I can't tell you how much time I spent googling types of screws and never finding anything as concise and informative as this video. I'm hooked!

Glad to see you! You've been missed! Great info!

I love that you made fasterners fascinating! I'm a newbie and I always learn a ton from your videos.

I'm late to the party, but I have to say your explanations and videos are among the best for beginner/intermediate woodworking. Others tout big fancy expensive tools and jigs and really don't do a great job of explaining the why's behind what they do, it's more or less just watching someone do it. The time you take to explain the process and details of your pieces and topics is a huge help and a true enlightenment to the world of woodworking.

Just an outstanding channel. Cut to the point, give real facts, and clearly indicate when you are having an opinion. As a 47 year veteran engineer, you hit the mark directly on center, and I also agree with you on this screw topic. I am a displaced US citizen, living in retirement in the Philippines. I had 49 one cubic meter boxes shipped here from the states, and have to admit, the SPAX or specialty screws were in several of my boxes, since I knew here, I was not likely to find good screw options. It is a poor country and only the cheapest of fasteners are available and as you say, cause more problems than they solve. Broken off heads are a constant problem. Some of the wood I have to work with, "matamban" being most prevalent here in my small island, is dense and as heavy as osage orange wood, but white. You pre-drill that or learn how to dig out broken screws. Thanks for your channel and I am subscribed and will be watching. Your glue up tips (glue also imported since here there is almost NO available good glues) are invaluable to me. I have not use the proper glue methods until now, watching some of your repairs. I now know why some of my repairs did NOT hold up. Problem solved... Thanks.

Totally love the GRK and Spax for just about everything I can. I'm so done with Phillips-drive and lots of other cheaper fasteners.

Who would have thought it? A video on screws, was perfect! Thank you for explaining them, I really needed this video. Perfect description with a great flow throughout the entire video. 👍

What i love about your videos is that you arnt flashy and just so informative! I feel like its worth the whole 14 minutes unlike other vids that waste a lot of time! Love it thanks for the help

Using this as study help for my woodwork exam at the end of the month, thanks man

Hi Steve! Glad you’re back!! Greetings from The Netherlands!

I really like this series of videos (which glue, wood finishing, screws). They are really handy for a novice like me. Thanks man for sharing this tips.

I started work at a chain hardware store and I work with the screws department. This video shed a bit of light. Thanks!

Steve your videos are the most informative and easy to understand on KZfaq. Your courses are fantastic and I would recommend to anyone who wants to begin woodworking! Thank you

Thanks for the primer. When I need to make a house repair I usually go with whatever screw or nail I have hanging around. Until now that is 🏠

Oh my God! Im a single mom and have done DIY projects on my home for years now. I love it! But i have say the screw aisle in my local home improvement store IS overwhelming! I often wondered what the difference was for each type of screw but felt dumb in asking... you made this so easy to understand... so thank you, thank you, thank you! God Bless 💋

This video is fantastic! I was using Number 12's and spending a boat load on screws. Now I am getting the ones you recommended. It is actually saving me a lot of money. Thanks!!!

This dude is a real-life Phil Dunphy... and it's awesome! Thank you so much for the information shared on this channel. Really enjoying the lessons in each video!

Yes! More basics videos! Your the ONLY knowledgeable person on KZfaq who makes them with amazing quality editing/content. I think we can all agree. Well except the trolls of course. But anyway, I’m getting started in all this woodworking and made your BMW. I love it & use it all the time. But these basics videos is what helps me not waste money buying inferior or incorrect sundries and tools. Thanks Steve!

This is the best education I've ever had on screws.

I really like this guy. Honest, clear, helpful, beginner information with plenty of reality checks and humour. I don't subscribe to much but I subscribe to Steve Ramsey. Great channel.

Thank you so much for the clear explanation! I'm planning to work on my diy wood project and this helps tons! I appreciate so so so much Steve!

You're just so funny and charismatic and the videos are highly informative. Instant subscribe.

Mate, as always top upload explaining the ABCs for us weekend warriors in clear language.

Thank you Steve. I learn something new every time I watch one of your shows.

Instantly loving this guys vibe!

Wow after 13 minutes I finally know how to “Screw It”. Subscribed! 😀

Finally, I’m no longer screwed. I now know which screws to use. Great video thank you very much.

Absolutely perfect video for what I needed to know!! Thank you very very much for sharing this info.

Wow, that just explained a lot. All your reviews are precise in detail and to the point, yet don’t waste a lot of words. Just subscribed.

I really like the dry wall screws. I keep 1.25" , 1.5' , 2.0" & 2 .5" on hand all of the time. I always drill pilot holes and counter sinks. I exclusively work in pine, 2x4 or 23x32 plywood. I've never had a breakage problem. Dry wall screws are cheap, And the bigger thread size seems to grip better. The Phillips Head does occasionally break down. A square or star head would be better. I'll keep my eyes open for them.

I just watched a 13 minute video about screws...

I have been a “McGyver” builder/ creator forever. But I have been looking for these layman speak explanation on screws and woodworking. THANK YOU! New Subscriber 🥳

Awesome video! I'm a retired electrician, 40 years... but I'm falling in love with woodworking! I feel like a 1st year apprentice and that's just fine. I really enjoyed this video, great info! BE SAFE, GOD BLESS!🇺🇲🙏❤

Just a note, if not already mentioned, The robertson screw and the square are two different drive types. The Robertson from Canada has a tapered shape while the square is true and straight. Robertsons taper allows the screw to stay on the driver better. If you put a Robertson driver in a square head it will fit loose, conversely the square will likely jam or not fit in the robertson. Side note if Robertson and Ford had come to an agreement you would likely not have the Phillips at all but... there you have it.

I love it!!! You have an informative channel with and can see the humour in things. Thanks for the video! I'm Canadian and you are right about Robertson screws. I barely can find slotted or as we call them flathead screws anymore - lots of Phillips and Robertsons here in the hardware stores. Normally the guys refer to the screw that go flush as a countersink screw.

I don’t know how I’ve been able to manage this long without this video. Many, many thanks!

Thank you Steve Ramsey for sharing such a comprehensive information in one go.

I just picked up a box of Spax today. Changed my life!

Hi Steve, being a single mom and having to do much on my own...I must say your videos incredibly rookie friendly and are a delight!!! I’m a big fan! I must ask!!!! Please please please make a video about a rolling buggy or something a adult can play with down the driveway. My daughter has a rolling buggy and she always wants me to play but I’m not sure where to start!

Best video ever! Takes away the confusion and intimidation of the screw aisle. 💚

Beautiful videos! Full of information and excellent production. Thanks!

lots of lots of good information about..... Micro jig.... I get you Steve

Thank you, for a pure newbie this is very very very helpfull

I work in the building supply and hardware business and I say not only areyour videos informative but a easy for a newbie or training. Well done.

I signed up for your wood working course and I'm loving it!

I've been looking forward to this

Hey, Ace employee here (recognized that fastener section in an instant lol) and man was this video fantastic to learn from. The big the big that resonated with me is the difference between hardware and Home stores, because our boss makes sure that we either have some solid knowledge on something or know exactly who to call on shift who knows what they're doing. End of the day, a lot of us are retail people, not hardware experts but any decent hardware store isn't going to keep an employee who won't learn and who isn't actively trying to learn. They're just making the customer's life harder and wasting everyone's time.

So I finally broke down and tried some SPAX screws. After getting over the idea of using .04 per piece screw I bought a box. Steve you were right. They are without doubt the best screws I have ever used in my wood working. I have always used drywall screws for all the reasons you mentioned and have had they snap off from time to time. I will not be going back to drywall screws again. Thanks for the great advice..!

I enjoyed the way he explained the use of screws in woodworking. It was thorough and clear about the pros and cons of which screws to use in woodworking. Great video 📸!

Pro tip: not all phillips slots are made equal so keep a few phillips bits and try them out on the specific screw you're about to use. If you can hold the screw by the tip horizontally with the bit inserted in it and it doesnt fall off, that fit is as good as a star type screw and as log as you know how to use a drill properly it wont slip off

This was great. Thanks! I have also learned that the smooth collar section on the wood screws can be taken advantage of in order to help the boards seat together better, especially if you don't have enough clamps. By drilling a pilot hole through the boards you ensure alignment and then by drilling a second larger pilot hole in the top board, big enough for even the threads to pass through, you ensure that the top piece does not begin to climb up the screw away from the bottom piece. Sometimes in order to tighten them together you end up stripping the wood and the fastener isn't as secure or tight as you may need.

Gosh, thank you Steve. What a relief to have this information.

I spend the last one hour looking for a good video which explains in a nut shell on screws(these common items). It was a very good video which explained all points. Tx

Very detailed and thorough video! When it comes to screws, I've had two life changing discoveries. First one was finding out that some "Phillips screws" aren't actually Phillips screws, but Pozidriv instead. Using Pozidriv (PZ) bits for Pozidriv screws and Phillips (PH) bits for Phillips screws helps a lot. Seconds one was the Torx screw. Oh boy! I don't remember what I was making, but I do remember the feeling when I noticed how great Torx screws are!

Oh, interesting! In Sweden I've mostly seen star drive. Initially frustrating when I didn't have the right driver and didn't know anything about what screws are good! Thank you for a useful video.

Thank you for the time you spent to explain the importance of the types of screws used for each material and the pros and cons of each. I appreciate it very much

I never realized how much I needed this video. Thanks you…!

Can't believe I'm just discovering this awesome channel--- super helpful content!!

Nailed it! Great video Steve. For the basic intents and purposes I tend to agree with your distinction between bolts and screws.

As always, informative, impeccably presented and of high specific value to all woodworker. Thank you very much.

Thank you Steve for your great videos. After watching several of your videos I am motivated to do some woodwork. I didn't have tools but I bought a table saw, jig saw, circular saw, speed square, 😆😆😆😆. I saw the list you have for us to spend less than $1000. So far I have spent 500. So I am doing good thanks to you.

I finally know how to sort all the screws in my toolbox and which ones can be tossed!!

Is pozidrive (PZ rather than PH) not common in the States? In the UK these are the most common screws I think, they engage a lot better than the traditional Phillips screws. You don't see so many torx screws here though I'm sure you can get them, we sometimes use them at work with the little pole in the middle of the head which are described as security screws. One thing I've never really understood is how some screws you need to drill a hole to avoid splitting the wood and others are advertised as not needing a pilot hole and you can drive them straight in with no splitting. They must both push the wood apart a bit when they go in and no material comes out of the hole?

I love your clean and Si.ple explanations. I am inspired to get into woodworking because of you videos, thank you. Subscribed!

Can’t believe how much i needed to see this video. Thank God i randomly came across it!

Excellent presentation, Steve. I've always wondered about the different types of screws, and this explained everything I needed to know. Thanks for posting.

The slot head section looks like a “seen on TV” commercial - “There’s got to be a better way!!”

Steve I always thought Phillips head was the way to go until I watched your video! Omg start drive screws rock!!!! Did a huge garage build the past few days and LOVED EM! I’m sold! Thanks for the advise!!!!

Excellent informativo about screw types. The Best you can find. Thank you for sharing Steve.

Your wife is a lucky lady...you are clearly an expert on screwing. Great video! Very good insight and info.

Been using star/torx exclusively for years now... never looking back

I am very obsessed with wood working and this channel gives me... well.......................... great, awesome, and fascinating tips. If I had not found out about this channel, I would be in misery.

I really appreciate this comprehensive guide on screwing.

I am SO glad that my investment in GRK and Spax screws looks like a good one. I also prefer the Star/Torx drive, so now I am validated by an expert. Since I am validated, can I get free parking? I guess your humor is better than mine too. Thank you for the screw video, you nailed it but with a twist.Fasten-ating!

First time Subscriber. Great video but does anyone agree that you could be Bill Nye the Wood Guy.

Learned a number of useful things, thanks!

Very, very informative and well presented. Thanks!

"Yup, screws, people will argue about screws." Sums up the loudest egos on the internet.

Thanks Steve, the video is soooo helpful, since I am a newbie in the woodwork, and I need all the information from A to Z

Excellent video, this my first time working with wood. Explained every thing in details.👍

Torx (star) has been a stardard in Finland for years now for almost every screwtype. Drywall screw is an expection for some reason.

As a Canadian I find it funny how uncommon Robertson screws are in the States. Pretty much every type of screw is common in Robbie #2 up here. Except drywall screws.

Great video! Last time I was at Home Depot. I asked the older gentleman next to me if he had an insight on helping me pick out screws, and he just sighed and said, "honestly I have no idea." Thanks for making this video and helping inform the public!

I just started too... I teach so in summers if not in college getting professional development hours I like wood working. I just fell into it this summer.... Made some barn doors for myself and friends... I like refurbish old doors and Steve has opened my eyes and mind to do more... This is a great video... Just like you other videos funny, easy to follow without the BS....

Slot head screws need to be illegal!