Anyone. Got any tips to avoid or at least mitigate your wood splitting with screws? Especially near the ends ? Usually pressure treated and I usually use the self tapping hex head construction/ decking screws

I usually pre drill a pilot hole.

This.

What size screws?

× three

As a guy that hates using nails.....pre-drill. If you don't feel like swapping out bits to predrill, usually a shot of wd40 on the threads to act as a lube will prevent it. Spit works in a pinch, too.

Pre-drill.

The wood split because you put the screws in a section of straight grain running to the end of the board. If you put the screws in the curved colored section, the board won't split, as long as you're back far enough.

Keith

x6! Also, shoving the screw all the way in so the head s buried is what's doing it.

Pilot hole with countersink. Or better yet staples or ringshanks.

Well alrighty gonna be getting a second drill today

Confusuis say pre-drill hole.

Sarge

Yep WD. Two drill set up is the way to go. Saves time and headaches.

Sarge

Countersink

Get the three. Different sizes for different applications

This

Pre drill OR try scraping your screw on a bar of soap or wax.The soap/wax trick works.

Run the screws in angled against the grain and the board wont split on ya near as often.also makes a stronger conection

Buy an impact driver if you don't have one
You won't be sorry

Yep, drills are for drilling, Impacts are for driving.

Pre drill a pilot hole

Drag the screws across paraffin or bar soap

It helps to stagger the screw locations relative to the grain in addition to all said above. Also, be careful not to drive the head too far into the wood.