Source for square drive screws around interior window frames

Malia Kai

It's time for me to replace much of the hardware on my '94 22' cruiser. Many of the square drive screws on my window frames are rusting and need to be replaced. They are square drive, flange head(also called truss head, stove head, or oven head) and probably stainless steel sheet metal screws. I've done multiple google searches and cannot locate this type of screw anywhere. I tried ordering some pan head screws from McFeely's, but the pan head has a significantly smaller diameter/surface area than the original truss heads. Does anyone know where to find these screws???

Thanks.

journey on · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 5:29 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the wonderful world of Canadian square heads. That's all you can get in Canada, so those parts made there use those screws. And if you go to Canada, you can buy all you want. And they're proud of it.

What's wrong to changing to Phillips head sheet metal screws? Except for the head, they are the same thread. Slip a washer under the head if you want a larger bearing area. I used a lot of Phillips to replace those around the windows/doors/etc. And I bet you can find those locally.

Here's some truss head, square drive screws: Jamestown

Boris

Walldog · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 6:24 pm Post subject:

West Marine has them in small quantities.

Malia Kai · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 6:36 pm Post subject:

Thanks Boris,

I took a look at the link to Jamestown you provided. Those screws are made by Simpson Strong-Tie and unfortunately they do not manufacture them in lengths shorter than 1" and these screws are 5/8". BTW, do you happen to know the diameter of these, #6, #8, #10?

Yes, I have found multiple sources for phillips flange head stainless screws, but I generally prefer to use square drive or torx drive screws whenever possible as I've stripped out too many phillips head screws.

I found this website, which I think is in England, with 302 stainless screws, I'm just not sure what "gauge" size to order. Would you happen to know?

http://www.shop4fasteners.co.uk/acatalog/Pozi_Flange_Head_Self_Tapping_Screws_Stainless_A2.asp

Thanks,

Bill

journey on · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 6:48 pm Post subject:

Well, Bill, my experience has been the opposite, Phillips head has worked great for me. I use a 1/4 ratchet with a Phillips bit so that I can get more pressure on the screw. The ratchet provides the torque and I can lean on the drive. Just getting old.

Also, the existing screws have already cut the thread, so the new ones are easier to drive.

As for size, I found this chart for sheet metal screws:

Size Thread Diameter
Decimal Nearest Fractional
4 0.11 7/64
6 0.14 9/64
8 0.17 11/64
10 0.19 3/16
12 0.22 7/32
14 0.25 1/4

Boris

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:01 am Post subject:

Call harbor marine is Everett. They have them in stock. I am sure they would ship to you.

1402 W Marine View Dr
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 259-3285

rjmcnabb · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 2:25 am Post subject:

Malia Kai,
Hi. You might try searching for these screws a "Roberts head." Rod

C-Green · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 11:34 am Post subject:

I got some from Diamond Sea Glaze which is Canadian, of course. Harbor Marine sounds sounds less complicated, no customs, tax issues.

Jay

goldpan · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 1:00 pm Post subject:

actually i believe they are robertson screws

Malia Kai · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 5:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks Guys.

I'll pursue the Harbor Marine and Diamond Sea Glass leads and let you know how it goes. B.T.W., they are #8x5/8" sized. I was able to locate my screw size gauge to verify.