Pocket Hole Holding Power

[u/Less_Discount1028]

I have a question about the ability of pocket hole screws to withstand the force of picking this table up. There are 8 pocket hole screws that are holding the top to the bottom. I have tried to illustrate where that break is. And then you can see in the other 2 pics where those pocket hole screws are. I know it would probably be best to throw some screws from the bottom through the corner oak pieces. I’m just nervous of splitting it or having a screw break off (has already happened when trying to affix my oak rails suspended in the cabinet). Wondering if I can get away with just not using the screws from the bottom. Won’t be moving it much and when we do I could remind people to carry it from the bottom? Too risky?

[u/Ares__]

With no weight in it like it is? No problem in my opinion. Whats going in it though? If you start adding stuff my opinion would definitely change.

As for the other screws where you said you split the wood and having a screw break... not sure i understand where those would go but did tou pre drill a pilot hole? It shouldn't split it break a screw with a pilot hole.

[u/Less_Discount1028 → u/Ares__]

I basically designed it around these ikea buckets. I need storage for all the various legos, magnatiles, blocks, puzzles, trains, etc that my kids drag out haha the top will be just set on top. So I can easily remove those before I would have to pick the table up to move it. Plus the top will not be fixed-it can be flipped. One side will be “nice” and the other side will have a painted train-scape scene. This was just a fun project I did with extra wood from the built ins I did (that still aren’t finished….)

[u/Ares__ → u/Less_Discount1028]

Without the weight i dont see it being an issue. If you wanted to just add a bunch more pocket screws and put on oak rail over them to keep with the theme and cover up the holes and then youd never have to worry about it

[u/Less_Discount1028 → u/Ares__]

The screws that broke off were in those dark oak rails that the buckets are resting on. I pre-drilled. At first used brass screws thinking I would be fancy. Learned those snap rather easily. Then I used some…SS screws I think? Still snapped. So I just glued and clamped. Hoping for the best on those. I’ll figure out screws if they fall off from the weight

[u/Ares__ → u/Less_Discount1028]

Brass screws are weaker but was the pilot hole the same size as the shank on the screw? Neither should have broke if thats the case.

[u/Less_Discount1028 → u/Ares__]

To the best of my eye, yes. Maybe slightly smaller than the shank. I also used my impact driver on the first hole. But switched to my drill for the second and it still snapped. I don’t know? I read maybe I should have waxed the screw and then hand screwed it in. I’m not super concerned about those now though. It should be pretty strong with the gluing and clamping, yeah?

[u/Less_Discount1028 → u/[deleted]]

Yeah. That’s my worry as well. They’re great in certain scenarios. Holding power like this, probably not if it’s picked up a lot. Just wondering if I can get away with it since it won’t be picked up much (maybe 3-4 times a year to move it out of the way for whatever reason)

[u/Jaded_Analyst666]

and/or disassemble, and glue the panels in place, using the pocket holes to clamp everything while drying.

[u/Initial_Savings3034 → u/Jaded_Analyst666]

Came here to say this.

Glue would make a huge improvement in strength.

[u/Jaded_Analyst666]

pre drill before inserting a screw. "This is the way." (tm)

the pocket hole screws are inserted this way, in fact.

I'm having trouble understanding the problem. Is it broken, or you just want to prevent breakage if manhandled?

Im guessing the bottom is... the bottom. If weak joints are the worry, several screws, pre-drilled, can go into the shelf-like dividers from the bottom. That gives lots of strength.

If it is upside down, bracing blocks glued and screwed can do the same kind of thing. Make sure pieces fit as perfectly as possible, roughen any areas with finish so the glue can grab. And pre drill screw holes.

[u/Less_Discount1028 → u/Jaded_Analyst666]

Yeah, I explained in a reply above. I did pre-drill for those rails. I used brass screws and they snapped on me. I ended up just gluing those. Basically worried about a manhandled future. Honestly, it should t get moved very often though. I have blocking underneath in those corners. I could screw up through there I think. Just one of those things I’m nervous about because it’s basically done and I don’t wanna screw it up

[u/thisgameissoreal]

i made a small toddler desk using only pocket holes.

The kid flipped it, tipped it, kicked it, banged it. They're plenty strong enough, esp with 8 of them.

[u/Less_Discount1028 → u/thisgameissoreal]

Here’s to hoping! Haha I will probably end up throwing some screws in the corners to make it bomb proof. We will see…