Tips; Reduce Wood Splitting - Kreg K4 Owner's Manual

Tips

Reduce Wood Splitting

Test Pieces
Test the joint with scrap pieces cut from
the same stock as your final workpiece.
Make sure you're using Kreg Screws
Kreg screws feature sharp, self-tapping
tips that slice through the wood fibers.
Use the Right Screw Type
Use fine-thread screws in hardwood.
These #7 screws displace less wood than
the #8 coarse-thread screws that are
used for softwood, plywood, MDF, and
particleboard.
Drive Progressively
Drive the screw half-way in, back it out to
clear excess wood fibers from the hole,
and then drive the screw all the way in.
Reduce Friction
Apply bee's wax or other lubricant to the
screw to reduce the friction as the screw
enters the workpiece.
Clamp Correctly
Center the clamp pad on the joint line to
apply equal pressure to both workpieces
and keep them from shifting. Firm
clamping pressure forces the screw
to slice through the wood instead of
splitting it apart.
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