Troubleshooting Guide

DRILLING
Predrilling screw holes is always recommended.
It helps prevent splitting, gaps, and fastening at
an o angle.
• For the strongest, longest-lasting hold, predrill
holes slightly smaller than the screws you’re using.
• When you need to avoid drilling all the way
through a piece of wood, wrap a piece of tape
around the drill bit to mark the depth you want to
stop and reverse out.
SCREWING
• To avoid slipping o, stripping the screw, etc.,
hold both the screw and the drill as vertically
straight as possible and pull the trigger with
slow, even pressure.
• Use flathead wood screws if you want the
head flush with the surface of the wood.
• Avoid fastening into knots.
GLUING
• Use wood glue – also called polyurethane glue -
not white school glue or a glue gun.
• Before applying glue, wipe wood with a damp
cloth to remove any dust or particles that could
prevent a tight bond.
• After applying glue, clamp pieces together and
allow to dry for at least 30-60 minutes. Dry for
24 hours if there will be any stress on the joint.
NAILING
• To lessen the chance of accidentally splitting your
wood, choose the thinnest nails possible that will
still provide adequate holding power.
• Avoid nailing into the end grain, especially with
oversized nails.
• Predrilling is usually unnecessary when nailing
unless you’re using hardwood, very thin material,
or you need to nail close to the end grain.
Fastening Tips