These Screws Are NOT WHAT YOU THINK! Avoid Them...(Reverse Thread / Double Thread Screws)

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

*Check Out the ULTIMATE CARPENTRY CHECKLIST!!* Get your free interactive ebook here: www.thehonestcarpenter.com/the-ultimate-carpentry-checklist This *150-item Visual Glossary* covers every important topic in carpentry. Check off the tools you have, the concepts you understand. And if you don't know a topic, just click on it for an explanation. Every carpenter and DIYer needs this free guide!

[@xman4328]

Oops you missed when you called yourself Honest....

[@h8GW]

FYI, the last screw you showed us doesn't seem to have reverse threads. I does have what look like shallower, longer pitch threads, though.

[@xman4328]

@@h8GW The story seems to be they are a little harder to remove. MOST of the time, they come right out when needed. the only time it is difficult to remove them is when you miss the lower piece. these screws are great and serve a very much needed purpose.. I don't see much honesty at all from this guy..

[@Memento-_-Mori-_-982]

I thought that the guide was free, but it asked me to pay $27 instead!

[@xman4328]

@@Memento-_-Mori-_-982 I got the same thing. I guess "honest" has different meanings to people with very low standards

[@ourtube4266]

This channel is to carpentry what khan academy was to calculus. Thanks for a well structured, free and comprehensive education in carpentry. Lots of academic subjects got this treatment years ago, but it’s super helpful to have someone in the trades provide a similar service. If you know electricians or plumber with similar teaching skill, you could put a whole network together and really make a revolutionary program.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you so much! I’m trying to engineer something like that on the website in the years ahead. We’ll have lots of good free stuff there as time goes on!

[@Vonnegut84]

I even upgraded to his OF

[@kajakawa]

This comment made me instantly subscribe to this channel.

[@TzNuts]

Or just try doing construction

[@timothycreasy2161]

This is why I love watching your channel. I have never knew that about these screws. I picked up a box of this kind, and had that same problem. Wish I knew before. This cleared that up Thank you Eithan

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Sure thing, Timothy! I’ve picked them up on accident as well. 😅

[@OcayaGaming]

An important note is that there are screws that have a space and then more threads closer to the tip of the screw. But those threads are finer and still going in the same direction. Those screws are made for paneling where you want to really dig a board 100% flat against a surface but still have as tiny a head as possible to make it hidden.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Good point, Okaya! Ultimately there are so many variations on this I just couldn’t go into them all. But that’s a good one to know!

[@sirensynapse5603]

Those are super. Work great.

[@mielleon780]

We have those for decks over here, since i never work with plastics i wasn't even aware of the ones discussed in this video.

[@cameronwebster6866]

there are screw like what you described, but with a score line above the second threads, designed for fixing squeaky floors, you drive them a particular distance using an included depth stop, then snap them off. Search "this old House squeaky floors".

[@timdwyer4322]

Hey Ethan. I've been following you for a long time! I can't even begin to describe how much I appreciate the level of detail that you go into explaining everything wood working. You have the heart of a teacher ... and every time I watch your videos, I learn something new. Keep it up.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks so much, Tim! I’m really glad the vids are helpful. I appreciate the positive feedback! 😄

[@MyGrowthRings]

Good info, Ethan. I saw these screws in use in Europe around15 years ago by guys installing trim around doors and windows, but they just didn't make sense in the kind of woodworking I do. Later, I saw them being used in PVC board in Porto Rico, just as you showed them. Again, not for me, but it was still interesting to see how hardware continues to evolve as our material and construction methods evolve. Thanks for setting us straight. Scott

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Good info, Scott! Amazing how fast new material concepts can get around the globe. Thanks for the personal insight! 🙂

[@randybecker7339]

I'm so glad you posted this video! I never even knew to look at the threads of screws and luckily I've never accidentally purchased any of these. Thanks again.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Sure thing, Randy!

[@user60521123]

I’ve never heard a carpenter or woodworker use the term “counter bore”. It’s a machinist tool that I’ve had to explain to many of the former. Very impressive!

[@audiophileman7047]

Thanks for the heads up on these screws. They really sound like a big problem when used with wood. 👍👍👍

[@jcsrst]

I use those trim head screws with Azec. One benefit is that you can use them to "shim" the piece by backing them out slightly. This is useful with plastic because it can telegraph the surface underneath more so than wood. So these screws allow a slight adjustment to the plane of the PVC.

[@kaasmeester5903]

These kind of screws are used all the time in older European houses with wonky walls, for instance when you insulate the inner wall. You screw wooden 1x2s to the wall with these, then back them out where needed so the wooden frame comes out perfectly flat and plumb. (Then add PIR plates and gypsum board to finish the job). Some types of screws come with rings near the head instead of reverse thread.

[@sleepinglioness5754]

My DIY projects are unfortunately getting further and further apart these days and it's always a challenge finding the right screws for different purposes. This video/information is fantastic. I've learned so much from your 'tutorials' over the years. Thanks again for a great lesson to save us from learning 'other' disastrous lessons!!

[@shawneeg214]

I absolutely love reverse threaded trim screws. But I’m also a high end residential carpenter so being able to make those micro adjustments is an absolute must with a combination of shimming. Anyone who wants absolute percishion probably isn’t gonna DIY that kind of work. Great content per usual! I have a few other niche uses for them but a magician cant reveal all his tricks 😉

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

That’s awesome, Shawn! I’ve known carpenters who swear by them…but they usually just make other people swear. 😂 Great to hear from a true trim carpenter!

[@shawneeg214]

@ I still sweat when I use em too!

[@aayotechnology]

Why can’t you reveal your other tricks?

[@grmrbrts5123]

Yeah this is great for door jambs. I'm going to use them now

[@Celtic_Identity]

"Secrets of double-threaded screws" sounds like a click-bait title that won't be bait.

[@stringlarson1247]

Thanks for posting this and the guidebook. I'm working on my carpentry skills as I've got a 1913-built home with a load of small to large repairs, as one would expect. Thankfully, I read about these reverse thread screws a while ago. A few years ago, I used the partially threaded screws you show at 4:30 on some severely cupped cedar clapboard on the south-facing wall to gently draw those boards back into place. They worked great. I drove each screw a little bit, maybe 1/8" at a time once the head was starting to draw the board in, over a couple of days to keep from putting too much stress on each board all at once. Maybe I was overthinking it, but it worked well. Replacing all of the boards would have been ~$8000. There are so many new fasteners on the market now that it can be mind-numbing.

[@johnkelley9877]

I had not heard of these reverse thread screws before but you explained their use really well so now I know what they are used for. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You’re welcome, John! 🙂

[@senordingdong7588]

These screws are amazing for hanging pre hung doors. When you're hanging an entire house worth every couple days these are awesome. Great for making adjustments to the front entry doors too if we get in after the exterior trim is done.

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

Never knew or used theses before. Great video, I could have easily bought theses by mistake, and made a mess fast. Thank you for the video.

[@Timmay-qf7xx]

Fastener placement is an important detail for me from metal roofs to decking. I always make pilot holes of proper size, proper layout and placement. Did this on a 40 square commercial roof with exposed fasteners. Made the pilot holes on the ground, the guys on the roof just had to fill the holes with screws (that will eventually leak) . But dang nice detail of all the fasteners lining up for the econo grade metal roof. Craftsman ship with mechanical knowledge is a headlamp 😂

[@spartan0738]

Always seen those and wondered what they were for. Thats pretty cool thanks for the demos and info!

[@mikesinistar8834]

awesome! I've never used these screws but i had a total misconception of how they should be used. saved future me some pain. amazing video!

[@tbfkrex1]

I love using these for cabinet fills and thinner cabinet faces to wider ones. They do suck them together and I've never had them unable to back out. Just press a bit like the other screws mentioned. They will sometimes splinter on the way out if you have to take them out though.

[@enmodo]

So glad I found this (thanks KZbin recommendations) because a) I've encountered them a few times in stores and might even have a few in my bucket-o-used-screws and no idea what they were for, and b) I happen to need some soon an might totally have bought the wrong kind. Thanks!

[@DYI]

This engineer learned something from you today. Thanks for sharing.

[@spelunkerd]

This was an eye opener when I was doing my deck. If the screw hits a nail in the underlying joist, you can't countersink the hole deep enough to tap in a plug. So you go to remove the screw, and occasionally find it has stripped out the bottom joist wood. Once in a while I found I could drive the screw clockwise and it would back out, since the upper threads would grip enough of the top board to back out clockwise. There is amazing engineering put into the design of these screws.

[@HabAnagarek]

Huh well perfectly explains why I struggled backing out (and shredding the tiny star bit head) of some of those I had lying around. I did use them for DIY new door trim

[@zetamale7952]

👍 Good tip. Never used these but didn't know this. I've used the single thread trim head screws, and they work great. The demonstration is the proof in the pudding.

[@rencleavus5213]

Those reverse-thread screws will also lift out composite decking and PVC trim, not just solid wood. And, once you back out the screw it essentially creates a void in the composite directly under the head. Now the screw won't hold the board as tightly as it should when it's re-driven.

[@caodesignworks2407]

I wasn't aware there was a misconception about these screws. But I another application I have found them useful for is when you're doing any work where you can't glue the seam, but there's a lot of vibration. They're really good at not loosening up over time

[@TheWoodGuy69]

I do use the counter thread screws pretty often. I've found they're great for fastening trim and such to a rather irregular wall. Because of the counter threading, you're able to essentially dial in the fitment. I always use PL behind my trim, so the screw holds it all in place at the desired reveal and once the PL sets up theres a stiff backing behind. So no need for shims (within reason of course). Another great use for them is on door casings and cased openings with todays banana and pringle shaped boards. You can dial that sucker in to a perfectly straight and consistent reveal!

[@uberknarf1]

Incredible video. Succinct, clear and well-demonstrated through clips of what you're talking about. Thanks for putting this together!

[@randallrun]

As an admittedly, fastener geek, I did not know this. Very interesting! Been long telling folks they were to prevent self jacking of the the board. Thanks!

[@townside_woodcraft]

I used these on exterior pvc and interior wood trim, great for plumbing door jambs and truing up window jamb extensions, straightening panel walls, million and 1 uses really

[@kooale]

Great work Ethan! Happy New Year!

[@jhans3278]

Thanks Ethan. I always learning something with your channel.

[@kliajesal4592]

To make a clarification about your GRK construction screw example at 5:14 those are not reverse threads! They're the same direction, they're just a different pitch.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Ohh gotcha!

[@Jpbawlings]

I wish I knew this before using those screw that came with my ring camera. Great informative video!

[@eltronics]

I had never seen or heard of these screws before your video. Thanks, knowledge is good.

[@charliewheeler725]

Good explanation Ethan! We use them quite a bit when doing finish work! Thank for all informative videos!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Charlie! I appreciate getting confirmation from trim carpenters on that. 👍🙂

[@glasslinger]

Very good! I wondered what that odd stuff was used for. I don't use plastic so I never will need them!

[@jwar2163]

I have a box or two with plugs that came with one box of these type of screws. Used them for stucco trim around my doors. The box with plugs for pvc mouldings around the garage door with weather stripping.

[@oliphauntsneverlie6227]

I have been using trim head screws (both with/without reverse threads) in all my remodeling (extensive wainscoting) and have yet to have any issues with them. Backing them out is not hard at all. Slight pressure on you workpiece is all it takes to remove the reverse threaded screws.

[@tommychew6544]

Great tip, I didn't know what that was all about for sure!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Tommy!

[@devm-k2c]

Had to take apart an old porch put together with these. And old wooden porch. Only way to reliably get these screws out was to stand on the board next to the screw and let the bigger bottom threads force the top threads out before the boards seperated. And then you cant use that board anymore because the hole is so reamed out the next screw to go in will usually not have any holding force. Or alternatively unscrew the screw till theres a half inch gap between the boards and then hit the top board with a hammer to pop the screw out before unscrewing it the rest of the way.

[@freedomearthmoon1]

Interesting, I've never seen them but now I know what to look out for, Thanks

[@criggie]

So how do you back these reverse thread headded screws out of Composite materials? Surely they'll do exactly the same as when backing out of real wood ?

[@EnWorks]

I saw another video that suggested backing the screw out of the composite board a little before driving it home. Removes any chance of mushrooming.

[@greasey520]

Coming from a non carpenter, thank you for that info. I was totally unaware of this.

[@martinlebreton6391]

I like them if you know how to use them. Very good for trim on outdoor projects. But I did learn something.👍

[@garymiller5937]

Thank you, Ethan. I had no idea. I've seen them before but didn't know what they were for. 😃😃❤❤

[@mike-nc8zd]

Had a Trex deck put in a couple years ago and wondered why the screws were different. Now I know!

[@greyshape4247]

That free resource is excellent! Thanks!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@Chris_at_Home]

I used the Camo tool for installing deck boards and used double threaded screws.

[@DonTruman]

Thanks. I had seen those before but couldn't figure out what the point was.

[@GraeboProductions]

I used those screws on a redwood siding install ... what for ? Back out the screw to straighten the wall/siding in the field.

[@MrBrianDuga]

I found the feature handy on PVC trim to back them off slightly to just micro adjust the board so it doesn’t follow every undulation of the old sheathing beneath. There’s still the same issue with PVC as with wood. If you want to back them out completely and push hard on the board while backing them out, they’ll destroy the hole so a plug won’t fit.

[@straight_to_finish]

I’m a finish carpenter and use these all the time for wood. I used two containers last week setting strapping for 26 Sheetrocked window jambs. Window foam was applied first to the fill the void then the screws were used to dial the strapping into the correct reveal. Shims would have taken much longer. So yes these are very useful for wood applications.

[@Lawdwarf]

I can second that. Those type of screws was initially invented for wood application for the adjustment / vertical leveling of frames on with wall paneling is applied. In Europe they are particularly for the paneling of the inner side of roofs. They are also used to quickly adjust for slight inconsistencies in the thickness of wooden flooring boards; of course you are then supposed to secure any gaps with shims but you can do it afterwards which saves a lot of time.

[@RubenSOchoa]

I use these when hanging doors, they are great then shim out and make sure you’re square and plumb done deal Can knock out a ton of doors with them

[@David.M.]

I always wondered what those screws were for. Thanks Ethan!

[@dlooper1]

Never used them before... Now I know!

[@jeffschroeder4805]

Would the reverse thread screws stuck in the board come out if you put your driver in forward (as if you were driving the normal thread in) or has the reverse thread stripped out the material it is seated in? I am glad you pointed out the issue as I do have some jars of those reverse thread screws though I don't remember what I used them on.

[@dougsholly9323]

This is a great explanation, but I'm trying hard to think of a situation where removing screws from wood occurs, but would not occur with composite. I can't recall constructing anything out of wood with screws that was temporary.

[@forger9443]

That's some cool knowledge to be honest for the general public. Nice.

[@someoneelse745]

I've been replacing boards on a deck that has these in them. I was wondering why it was so hard to get these screws out. Now I know it's because they used the wrong type. Thanks!

[@michaelbluejay]

This is insanely well-presented. Ethan could teach master classes on making excellent KZbin videos.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Michael! 😄

[@theodorgiosan2570]

I've actually used these screws in wood on purpose specifically where I wanted a cover for something that had captive screws, meaning screws that could not be removed from the piece and lost. Like an access cover for the tub faucet for example. Of course I discovered that by accident but they can be useful for some very niche situations in wood where you specifically don't want a screw that will come out of rhe piece being attached.

[@DataWaveTaGo]

*Informative & well presented!* Thank you.

[@b2gills]

The fact that they don't back out of the top board is actually very useful in trim carpentry. If you are installing a door jamb and you need to lower the top plate, just reverse the screw a little bit and it actually pushes the jamb down. Same thing applies to the sides of the jamb. You should of course use shims where the hinges are, but you won't need them for the rest of the jamb. This makes quick work out of installing interior doors.

[@brianbertine7037]

Why did you hold up a screw with no reverse threads the first time?

[@BoS-nn5dq]

The camo edge deck screws are also reversed screws but they are for wood decks. They have the same problems that you can’t back them out. It was causing a lot of problems for my deck project.

[@DavidPopowich]

Great explanation.Thanks.✔

[@zacharyolds1639]

Only for deck composites and plastic woods outside not sure what else you could use em for

[@richardedmondson9434]

Who would have thought that using specialty screws outside their intended application would be a problem? By all means, please make a video on how you'd use a foot long lag bolt run through a 2x4 and some rebar to hold down a shingle to fix a hole in your bug screen. Just fn brilliant.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Ahhh lighten up Richard 😂

[@harlanborders943]

Never used them but could see several use’s for them.

[@PositiveEmo]

does the reverse threads avoid the mushrooming on wooden materials too? do the screws also get stuck on composite materials?

[@ericarachel55]

I've no experience with them, but great to know for the future

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Keep an eye out for them Erica! I’ve bought them on accident before. 😅

[@espy0008]

A painter showed me the trick about adjusting the trim depth with the reverse threads.

[@Renville80]

I can see one use for the reverse threading on wood: security. If there’s something you don’t want unscrewed, throw in a few of these among the normal drywall screws.

[@PaulSawczyc]

The screws shown at 5:09 don't look like reverse thread to me.

[@lilolmecj]

Should I have used these instead of Brad nails on my PVC trim? I didn’t know. I really like it for the baseboards in the bathroom. It would have been great to have when the kids were young! I had never heard of these till today, these screws. Interesting.

[@tedkrush5661]

Very informative. I learned a few things. Thank you

[@williambaker2055]

I want to comment about the screws that you shouldn't use in wood however I'm glad they made him and we can use them and would to create a space behind the wood a good thing ended up being created

[@jasong8377]

i was introduced to these screws for a project and by the 3rd board i was quickly learning these are complete garbage however i had to finish the job with them because this is what the customer had provided it was a small porch landing i agreed to finish for someone whos original builter wasn't available to finish

[@carpentrylover145]

Everything you said is true! The ability to back them out is a game changer though

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Makes all the difference!

[@davepowder4020]

I'm a simple man. I see a new Honest Carpenter video, I click and watch.

[@Chris-ec9lc]

I bought some of these and took them back. Some would work fine, but then some would get stuck at the end and never fully seat the head of the screw. I'll just stick to the #6 trim screws with the torx head. The square head bit screws are terrible too, they do not have enough space for the bit and strip out easily.

[@michaela3330]

Thanks man! It was very informative and helping!

[@DiscoFang]

There's another variation of decking screw that has a finer pitch thread at the top like the reverse head ones BUT it's not reversed. In 316 stainless and with narrow jolt-head they are the best decking screws for timber I've ever used. They suck the board down and will also back out just fine. Designer and builder of 30 years.

[@justinolopez1600]

Gracias por los pequeños secretos, son muy utiles en los trabajos a realizar.

[@EnWorks]

Do you use an impact driver or normal drill for composite screws?

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Normal cordless drill for me! Those trim head screws are kind of delicate, and the screws come with a custom insert bit. Better to use them with a cordless drill and bit holder.

[@mathewgallimore1484]

Would these work in cement boards?

[@tevanoff6754]

Great information,thank you.

[@DannerPlace]

So helpful, thanks for posting this.

[@RichardHolmes-f8v]

Very informative!

[@mathehack1]

I always wondered about these but never bought them because they're listed for composite.

[@christianfritz6333]

You can extract them by overcoming the threads, clamping or the like.

[@TalRohan]

useful stuff thanks for sharing

[@brianhopkins5251]

I installed thousands of those screws in composite decking this summer and they are awesome for that application. (esp with the little plastic plug that covers them, totally invisible) Except when you miss/hit a nail/hit something and you need to back it out. yeah, it's not coming out. ever. Either you just pound it all the way in with a nail punch or cut it off from below (if you can) and patch it. They literally cannot be removed. In 30 years or so, everyone is going to be complaining about taking apart composite decks to be fixed/repaired/replaced. Have to sawzall them all off.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

That’s exactly what I’m thinking Brian. I feel like manufacturers had to start making them because the mushrooming phenomenon was so prevalent. But as for the SECOND phenomenon of them being unremovable, the companies are sort of…🤐🤐🤐

[@paulkramer4176]

True on those screws, BUT they are GREAT for most man made decking materials. Rather than having to pre-drill holes, you can drive them straight in and the reverse thread pulls in the normal mushrooming that would occur without that. A deck, after all, does NOT have to have such immense holding power on the screws.

[@Onix_1962]

Another thing learned. Thank you.

[@HemiDad1963]

Great info. Thank you.

[@drpainsjourney]

This is a _VERY_ clear and _EASY_ to understand description of those screws. What I do _NOT_ understand is: Why the HECK somebody have (46 today, 13 Jan, 2025) turned thumbs DOWN? Are they just that stupid, and don't understand anything? I of course have given the thumbs UP!!!!!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you!! It just comes with the territory 😅😂

[@pjwroblewski]

I flat out love your channel.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you so much! 🙏😄