DON'T USE TRIM NAILS! Try These Instead...(TRIM HEAD SCREWS / TRIM SCREWS--Easy Woodworking Screws)

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AFFILIATE TOOL LINKS:
WoodPro 2" Trim Screw Box:
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GRK 1-14" Trim Screw Box 100:
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Hillman 1-5/8" Trim Screw 75-Pack:
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Black and Decker 20V Drill/Driver Combo:
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Dewalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo:
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Jackson Palmer 208-piece Driver Bit Set:
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Dewalt 100 pc. Drill Driver Bit Set:
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Porter Cable Battery Brad Nailer:
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DON'T USE TRIM NAILS! Try These Instead... (TRIM HEAD SCREWS / TRIM SCREWS--Easy Woodworking Screws)
Trim nails can be tricky to drive by hand, and most new DIYers are yet to purchase a nail gun. Also, full-head screws can be overkill for many delicate woodworking/carpentry projects. This short video from The Honest Carpenter will show you the miracle of TRIM SCREWS!
Trim screws are essentially just screws with a much smaller head, similar to the head of a trim nail. This allows the head to sink beneath the surface of lumber without trying to displace so much wood.
Full head screws are prone to SPLITTING lumber, even at times when you pre-drill and countersink (as you always should).
Trim head screws will often snug their way in beneath the surface of softwoods without causing this splitting. For this reason, they're also easier to drive.
Trim head screws typically have a square slot, or star slot for bits (phillips and flathead bits just won't fit in the tiny head). Also, they tend to be in the #1 gauge, as opposed to the typical #2.
Trim screws are now made in a variety of finishes--similar to drywall screws, decking screws, and cabinet grade screws.
If you're tackling finer work, don't worry about hand nailing with finish nails. And don't try to drive full head screws in small delicate spaces. Just give trim screws a try!
Thanks for watching!
Visit us at The Honest Carpenter Website:
www.thehonestcarpenter.com
Be sure to check out our other videos as well:
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• HAMMER DRILL VS. REGUL...
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• #1 Tip For EASY SHELVI...

[@OuterEdgeOutpost]

I bought those GRK trim screws you showed at the end and discovered that they have reversed thread at the top which makes them impossible to remove. Reversing them just makes them dig in deeper. Insane concept for trim, which is the most likely part to be replaced!

[@TraitorFelon.14.3]

And this, my friends, is why I slowly walk along every shelf in the hardware store several times a year. Looking at every item to see if something new and exiting has turned up.

[@HAL-dm1eh]

This is the first time hearing anything about trim screws and I'm not exactly a stranger to residential construction or DIYing stuff. Appreciate the video!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You're welcome, HAL!

[@keithcronk7980]

GOT THAT RIGHT BROTHER

[@TripleWhopperWithCheese]

Because nobody uses them because trim nails work better.

[@Billybob-go8hn]

@@TripleWhopperWithCheese but in commercial building with steel framing, you have to use those screws for all the trim work, it sucks because it takes forever but you get a good end result.

[@GNUOYEEL]

@@Billybob-go8hn Sterling, you do realize what he is showing is a Wood Fastener, not a Sheet Metal Fastener? I know that you can "make" them work on steel framing, like someone can use a "butter knife" as a screwdriver, but it takes so much longer ... kind of like what you mentioned in your comment.

[@jukeboxhero1649]

These would have saved my marriage if I had known about them.

[@rrbb36]

Judging from your comment, it doesn’t seem as though you had much of a marriage to begin with.

[@jukeboxhero1649]

@@rrbb36 nope. There are few humans who offer much less can provide any more than a surface relationship. I'm just going to hire a woman next time and have a contract and pay schedule. That's less cortisol in my blood

[@josephinehenry8236]

@@jukeboxhero1649 oh dear good luck with that 🤞now back to nails....

[@user-os6lg9dq5m]

Lol

[@dw734]

You could always try to screw your way back into that relationship.

[@danielmiller2977]

I've used trim screws on occasion for out door projects but never really thought about them in these applications. Thanks to you, these little nuggets will have permanent home in my arsenal! Thanks! Great video!

[@juankar5816]

Ethan: I suscribed a few days ago to your channel, and I dont know nothing about carpentry, but you make want to learn with your explanations. This is the third video I watch and I am sure will help me in the future. Thanks a lot

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You're welcome, Juan, thank you for subscribing! I'll keep the videos coming!

[@MrBobchat]

When I saw this I started nailing everything together.

[@raymondhazzard3678]

I'm really glad that I came across this. I just replaced my worn out carpet with vinyl flooring. Instead of having to drive half an hour to borrow my brother in laws nail gun, I can just finish the job and call it a day. Thank man!

[@victorquesada7530]

Having JUST used those the other day, I have to admit they are perfect for those applications where you are looking for more control than finish nails give a typical DIY guy along with greater holding power. Thanks for sharing the message to others!

[@thejohnykilroy]

I'm so glad i discovered these a few years ago. They are the BEST!!! I call them carpenter screws

[@jwp2166]

One of the most helpful channels I've discovered on You Tube. This guy knows his stuff, is articulate, concise, and to the point. I'm learning a ton from him. Many thanks.

[@rkfarmranch8214]

First time hearing/Learning about these trim screws. Now my wife is enjoying videos from the honest carpenter also. Thank you.

[@wolfbrew]

I've been using this for my DIY projects for a while and they are amazing. I did some baseboard work a few years ago and wish I knew about them back then. So much easier to screw in vs. hammering a finish nail. I beat up some tile while trying to hammer in finish nails.

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

Totally agree!! I discovered these about six months ago. You can also get them in white, which means sometimes you don't even have to cover them over.

[@mikegrier2829]

Great video. I somehow stumbled across trim screws in the past several months and they’ve been a game changer for me. I do have an 18G brad nailer but for simple butt joints I follow that with trim screws. I find that pre-drilling is not needed in my plywood projects, but it’s still a good idea when I work with poplar. Your mileage may vary, of course.

[@stevealvarez2826]

Used them to hold cabinets together through the sides of the faceframes for 4 decades.

[@chrise.321]

I did the same when remodeling my kitchen 4 yrs ago. Very easy to use!

[@FountainCityVol]

Same here...

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Same here.

[@terrybyrd3738]

I'm over sixty .. and I remember as a child, helping my dad build a library shelf system from 3/4x12 pine boards. They still hold strong in my brother's home. I also remember my dad cussin about how 'damned expensive' they were back then (and they still are now)!

[@Vk-mm4lf]

I am binge-watching your videos. This is the first time hearing about trim screws and the first time I have found you. Sadly my go-to guy in my neighborhood is just too busy to teach me these important things. Uh, you must be my new go-to guy! Thanks for the videos.

[@annarouly2144]

I discovered trim screws, about 10 years ago, from a company I found on-line. I requested a catalog and once I got it, I found the trim screws. Looked like a good idea so I bought some. They are great! I am a glue-a-holic; so I use glue on all my joints with the trim screws. Never had a problem and the joints never fail. I also use them for 45 cornered cabinet doors. I do not trust just biscuits in the 45, so I biscuit, glue, then when dry I add a finish screw. Makes a small enough hole to easily fill and hide. If I am staining, I mix the wood filler with the stain until the filler is colored. Blends in better when I stain the piece. I also use them when I put on the backing in cabinet boxes. If I need to remove the backing for whatever reason, it is easy to do with the screws. Then once I am satisfied with the build, I use glue with the screws, to affix the backing. Now I can find these screws at the local big box, so I no longer purchase them on-line. Nice video. Glad people like to share their knowledge.

[@Johnbro8]

Thanks for sharing your skills, worth while trying self tapping countersink screws too. I’m going to give these a try as an alternative, thanks again👍

[@douglass69]

I found these a couple of years ago and love them for certain projects, I found they hold really well.

[@im58woody]

Love them! I can’t afford a nailer and I am really lousy at driving small or thin nails with a hammer. So these things have saved me a lot of time and headaches.

[@jammintube57]

Trim screws and trim deck screws are new to me. I'll be going over to the hardware stores tomorrow to take a look. I like to have an array of different size and type of fasteners in my workshop, so I'll be bringing some home. Thank you for this heads-up video.

[@TonyMontgomery18]

Great video! I’ve kind of known about that, but haven’t had need to try the finishing screws out, and didn’t really know if what I thought I knew was correct. Your perfect video has confirmed much of what I thought, added to it, and made things nice and clear. I’m really impressed by your videos in general, good stuff!! Thank you 😊

[@gregmoore8609]

I'll repeat what is evidently the most common response, I had no idea these existed. I am facing out my kitchen cabinets and was looking for a video about trim nails and countersinking. Now I'm stoked for these! Thank You!

[@billmccluskey6294]

Always looking for ways to improve my work. Heard about trim nails but not screws. Appreciate all the tips you provide.

[@davidlacey1789]

I use trim screws as “hooks” for my license plate collection because their narrow heads allow me to slip my plates on and off of the display. Other screws, with wider heads, won’t allow this movement because the plate screw holes are too small. I use the 3 1/8 length screws which allows me to place ten or more plates per set of two screws.

[@coasterigh2684]

I had SEEN these, but had never realized their value, which comes as a significant revelation making this a very worthwhile video and the first one (despite having watched a few of your videos) where I clicked "subscribe."

[@brandonpayne4000]

Nailed it! As a pro, Residential GC, GRK is my go-to whenever needed. When a nail gun won’t fit a confined area, a modern screw gun often will. If I can’t quite get the angle on a screw, I carry a 6” & 12” driver extension in my tool belt.

[@stevekiss616]

In 2011 I completely rebuilt the front porch of my house from the ground up. I replaced the rotted out 4" tongue/groove with composite decking. I used square drive color matched trim head screws to secure the decking. They were great and the porch looks as good now as it did in 2011. I am a big fan of torx drive screws, but until I saw this video, never gave trim screws much of a look. I will now. Thanks for the video.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You're welcome, Steve! I like Torx as well. That decking is going to last you a good, long while :)

[@Tolohtony]

I remember when torx drive screws first came out. Everyone hated them because the drivers were so brittle. Only type of screw I use now.

[@shadrikwalker5655]

Been doing home renovations for a year and haven't heard about them. Thanks for the tip!

[@jhans3278]

Thanks. I agree they are a great product. Been using them for years. I just finished using 1000 trim screws to attach sheets of plywood to my garage walls. I first learned about trim screws when installing crown molding where nails didn’t hold.

[@azdeh1894]

They are great to work with when needed. When working on old homes, walls often are warped and trying to secure trim with nails won't cut it. These will lower the amount of caulking needed.

[@colbysmom56]

Never heard of trim heads. Love your channel. Sharpening my skills!

[@222boneal]

Used them on my deck a couple of years ago with a tool that drove the deck planks at a 45 degree on the edge of the board so that you don't see the screws on your deck boards. Love them!

[@samuelpetts1367]

Brother! You just read my mind!!! I needed this answer to the question I hadn't asked yet!! Thanks

[@edbianchi8839]

First time I heard, thank you “i needed “ that Love your tips and delivery, no bs, no chatting, no joke, pure facts? Keep it up

[@forestworm7597]

They are becoming more available here in Australia. I look out for them and glad you posted this as it all helps improve the demand to what is a vast improvement on old technology.

[@Tolohtony]

I first saw them when we had our house built. Liked the idea as soon as I saw it. They are what holds our stair rails together.

[@fredfaresjrcarpentry]

This past summer I built a side table with trim screws. It took some practice to drill them in because the head was so small but it came out great.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

As usual , Thumbs up before watching the entire video because I know the info will be important and well presented . Watching a couple more times was validation . Watching "home improvement " on television teaches ZERO . The Honest Carpenter would be a smash hit on television . Thanks Bro and say HOWDY to Ross for me . ATB

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Quantum, as always! That's what I love about KZbin--it lets you get down into the nitty gritty details, stuff that TV doesn't always have time to delve into. But, I'd take my shot on the TV stage, if it ever came. 😆 Ross says hello!

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

@@TheHonestCarpenter THX and ATB .

[@tomowens7301]

I have been doing different DIY and wood projects has a hobby for a few years. Thank you for this tip.

[@Zandertunz]

Great suggestion for a project I'm planning right this minute. I had never heard of these! Thanks for the timely tip!

[@cheryldavidson5131]

You just saved me a bunch of extra time and frustration as my brad nailer broke in the middle of a project. Now I can at least finish the door that was already torn apart while I’m figuring out where this one last mystery piece goes in the nailer 🤔 I’m so glad I came across this vid, no idea these were a thing!

[@JF0913]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have used trim head screws for years. They are great…. Every wood worker and carpenter should add them to their arsenal of fasteners!

[@EagleKeeper86]

Thank you so much for this recommendation! I had to remove the brick mold from a prehung exterior door for my moms house to trim it down for her install. Was not looking forward to nailing it back up without a nail gun.

[@markpinther9296]

I have never considered these. Used them on composite decking but never even looked for ones that I could trim with! Thank you!

[@jerelmercurio4754]

Seen em but didn't know their deal. Also love when he shakes his hand for things not to do. What a great show.

[@crabbyhayes1076]

Great information. I have used square head trim screws for years, and they work great, If I have a lot of trim to do, I also have a Ryobe battery operated trim nailer - works great too.

[@scottpage4229]

I’ll try these, first time hearing about there use in trim applications. Thanks.

[@richardp3624]

You are articulate, well-spoken, and thorough in all of your videos.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Richard! I try to do my best on each video 🙂

[@californigirl]

JUST this morning I was standing at the nailgun display pondering which would be the best to add to my toolbox. This was a great video if only that it clarified the job I would most use one for. Finish or brad nailing. Thank you!

[@roberthastings6270]

Been using them for years. Most other carpenters and diyers don't have a clue when I've suggested them. Good vid info !

[@mercoid]

I purchased some years ago to install chair rail on a very bowed wall. They served well for that project. I still have quite a few left, but almost never have occasion to use them.

[@kw78744]

I love trim screws. It wasn’t very long ago that I started using them and they’re great.

[@kevindowd7769]

Never knew!… fantastic and perfect timing, I am about to start a project that will benefit greatly from the use of these screws! Thank You!!!

[@Green3062]

Never heard of them until now. I'm definitely going to get a box and give them a go. Thanks for the tip.

[@bboutcast]

Have never seen or heard of these before. Thanks for the info!

[@ryanmacewen511]

For years, I took the easy extra step when using standard finish nails. Pre drilling, and nail setting. If you treated every board like oak (pre drill top material), it may take some extra time, but outcome is guaranteed to be perfect. No blowouts, dents, marring, etc. They are a heck of a lot cheaper than trim screws, obviously. Also, probably the easiest holes to fill. I do like trim screws, but I reserve them thick trim details. I remember being introduced to trim screws a few years back. Attaching decorative brackets to an exterior. Amazing for sure.

[@Mrdealornodeal618]

You were the greatest help! I was one person that never knew about trim head screws! I used these to make repairs on my wooden fence gate and installing the fence panels with these were perfect! It made my work look like it was professionally done after I've countersink them in. I'm very impressed. I got the 600 pk because I knew these are great for trim or base renovating that we plan to do in the near future. I'm just satisfied! Sorry for the lengthy post but thank you again!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Will! Glad to hear it worked so well for the fence 🙂

[@NicholasTesluk]

This is the first I’ve heard of trim screws! Thanks!

[@ssarraf6855]

Great point on trim screws. I didn’t know their value and their application till now. Thanks

[@ejones0310]

Never heard of trim screws, but I wish that I had. Thanks for the education.

[@2mikeherzog]

I used them only for connecting cabinets together but I did not know they make a deck version with is great info. I doing repairs to my front porch and these will be helpful for the finer trim work. thanks. I also did know it is the size of head on a screw that causes wood to crack. great info and tips.

[@katmcguck]

Thank you for this tip on screw nails! The episode on the 18GA Brad nail gun was great. I've been looking to decide on one and wanted to know which to purchase. Porter Cable is what I'll choose!

[@joequillun7790]

Good info. Me, and smaller finish nails haven't ever gotten along. Glue, and the finish nail gun is my only choice, to keep my sanity, and also lessens my irate vocabulary, that makes the wife and dog find another place to reside. I haven't had a need for these screws too often, but they do work well. Thanks for sharing.

[@powerpanda557]

Just saw two of your videos and I found them really helpful. I’ll definitely be getting so trim screws. Those seem to be great. I didn’t know about them.

[@delphiusjoseph8237]

Thank you sir, this is the first time I am hearing about these trim screws, very helpful advice.

[@roadwarrier7358]

I was struggling with this issue and this is a great solution. Thanks!!!

[@CaptainFishHead720]

They work great for small floating shelf applications. Just drive a 4 incher through a counter-bored 1/3 right into the stud. I have a wall of shelves that hold my shot glass collection, and they are all made that way.

[@olliecrow3547]

I consider myself an above average DYI'er. I'm handy and do a lot of work myself. I've seen trim head screws before, but never gave them much thought and always reached for regular drywall or deck screws. I wish I would have "known" about these earlier. I do now and thanks for educating me!

[@fb510m]

Thanks for the video. First time I'm hearing about trim screws. I was looking for info on a pneumatic finish nailer, found this video and decided to keep watching. I was going to buy the air finish nailer but for now just going to use the trim screws for interior and exterior man door trim install. I have an air brad nailer a few years ago for a project, which I like. It's 18 gage, want a 16 or 15 gage finish nailer next.

[@meesacreef]

Very helpful. I knew of these but was not familiar with the details of why or when to use them. Thank you!

[@Mrdealornodeal618]

Yep- I definitely didn't know about this and have been searching for an alternative method to not having a brad nailer. Thank you! Good video!

[@rhondamariewright]

Wow! First time I am hearing about trim screws. I will definitely be giving them a try.

[@edwardm9788]

I'm a DYIer Never heard of trim screws. I will be helping my son-in-law build a low level deck off his concrete patio. I will suggest these screws in lieu of the of the larger head screws on the deck. Should look great. Thanks for the advice and please keep the videos coming.

[@keithcronk7980]

NEVER HEARD OF THEM THANK YOU GOING 2 BUY THEM NOW.

[@steveharden5566]

I found these years ago and they are by far the best thing ever. If you are painting the project they are invisible when finished.

[@stemmentor9700]

I love em. Started using them for latest project and am hooked.

[@Nello353]

I watch all of your videos you do a remarkable of explaining details.Keep em coming.

[@lawranceescobedo1076]

I'm a so-so DIY'er and need all the help I can get. Thanks for the tip. I'll try them on my next project.

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Thanks for the video, never used them, but will try them out now. Usually use brad nailer.

[@seanhiscock]

I've never heard of Trim Screws but I know what I am getting. Thanks for the info. I do have a nailer & brad nailer but setting up the compressor, etc is a pain for small jobs.

[@165Dash]

I am familiar with trim head screws. Your explanation of basics / pros / cons is brief and to-the-point...excellent. I would actually recommend that DYI’rs invest time in a fair amount of trail and error practice. Construction...like golf...always looks “easy” in the videos. Spend time analyzing FOR YOURSELF why something“went sideways” when YOU did it. Don’t over-force and as my father used to say: “Let the tool do the work”.

[@elberthardy961]

I use them in tight spaces like corners. They almost disappear into them. and they hold pretty well there. @ thumbs up on this video. Thanks!

[@thedripdrop9826]

Love these. Discovered them about the same time I learned about square heads.

[@niteshade295]

I Have Never Seen Trim Screws Before Thanks For Sharing & Stay Safe

[@MintStiles]

A number 9 GRK trim screw is great for joining top and bottom plates to the next one. It just gives it that extra bit of security. All you have to do is drive it in in an angle. Doesn't interfere with anything and the no 9 shaft is plenty strong.

[@pacificovw9522]

I had seen trim screws used for patio decks but I thought that that was all that they were for, thank you, very informative.

[@CrashboatAl]

Another first, thanks to Ethan. I'll pick up a box and keep them handy just in case.

[@3587karl]

That explains what those assorted square bits in my bit collection are for. Thanks for the info.

[@hieronymousmiller7835]

Absolutely agree. I learned this the hard way with some oak transition moulding I could not hammer a trim nail cleanly into to save my life. Trim screws are the bomb diggity.

[@markarnold159]

Very cool... Saw them, but never used. I definitely will get some for my next project!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@dr.scientist3481]

As a late starter to woodworking, you are a mega headache saver!

[@jimv1484]

Ya I knew about em.......seen em but havent yet added em to my arsenal......but now after watching your vid u have opened my eyes to the uses of said screws.........good vid......thanks

[@rico1319]

All the information I get from your videos are helpful!! Thank you and keep up the good work! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[@PAlouidor]

Exactly what I need as I'm doing my first quarter round job thanks a lot man

[@elizabethbeers9274]

I had never heard of these, what a great product. Will definitely try some.

[@Handyman247llc]

Funny you should make this post as I just bought 6 bags of discounted trim screws from Menards to using in multiple projects. Great timing in finding your video. Great channel I like your content.

[@avenqer]

First time I've heard of it ,today. Going to buy a box. Thanks!

[@bluenetmarketing]

I've been using trim screws for years. They work great.

[@mikeking7470]

I love them for primed trim, the ones with the white heads are already color matched!

[@fabianmahorn7545]

I bought some a while back and they are great. I don't have a nail gun so they've been extremely helpful.