Screws breaking

[engdave]

Hi, I am in the process of finishing off my bonus room. I am currently installing 5/8" T&G flooring and am opting to screw the flooring down rather than nail. I am using 2-1/2" long deck screws. The screws do not have threads all the way to the the head and while screwing them in, the torque breaks the screw head off at the point where the thread stops.

How can I prevent this from happening?

Is pre-drilling the best option or is there any better way?

BTW, I used 2-1/2" because they were cheaper than the 2" screws

Thanks

Dave

[handyandy]

I would think that pre-drilling would solve your problem. Otherwise, What is below the flooring? Is the screw hitting something? Does it always happen at the same depth?

[engdave]

The screws are not hitting anything, I actually had the same problem while installing shelving in my workshop. It always happen when the top of the screw head is just about to be flush with the top of the flooring.

[Jimmer]

Dave,

Pre-drilling with a countersink bit should solve your problem. Also if the wood you are drilling into is really dry you can rub the screws on a bar of wax first to help reduce the friction.

Good luck, Jim

'Just a handyman trying to help'