DIY

3207 readers

1 users here now

Share your self-made stuff and half-baked projects here.

Also check out [email protected]

There is also a related XMPP chat.

founded 3 years ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

Need opinions on screw types from someone with experience (lemmings.world)

submitted 1 week ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

11 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I am building some simple "pallets" out of 4x4 lumber to ship some machines.

The plan is to screw the feet of the machines to the top of 8 foot long 4x4s, and then to screw shorter 4x4s, probably about 4 feet, to the top of them as crossbars to move the machines with pallet jacks. Basically, I'd have a rectangle 8 feet long by 4 feet wide with the weight being supported from above by the crossbars. I'm not sure how much the machines weigh, but as a guesstimate, I'd put them at about 600 lbs each.

My question is what type and length of screws should I be using for this? I may double up on the cross bars if it doesn't feel strong enough to safely carry the weight. Given I'm using 4x4s, I'll have about 7" of wood to work with, I imagine 6 inches would be a minimum length, but I don't know if I need some thicker screws, in which case I might need to drill some pilot holes.

Thanks for the help

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

I know it's overkill, but it's for specific dimensions, so I'm trying to find the simplest solution. I may go for 2x4 for the cross bars, it's probably fine, and I can double up on them if feel the need for more strength.

The only 8 foot pallets I ever see are made to be lifted from the long end, and they can't take a jack under the short end. Otherwise, that would be simpler, and I would just need to line something up under the feet to make sure they're sully supported.