It may help to install one screw in each leaf and check the alignment before installing the rest of the screws.
Using sheet metal screws in wood.
If you re attempting to attach sheet metal you should choose metal screws.
The advantage of the flat tipped screw is that it won t get stuck in the material and break off.
Sheet metal screws were originally designed for metal like for use in a b vent pipe but can be used for a number of other applications too.
A sheet metal screw is similar to a wood screw but has a pan head.
Usually sheet metal screws are tiny with a sharp point intended for piercing and driving into sheet metal.
They are easier to drive into metal and will offer a greater level of strength and security.
When installing screws use a cordless drill on slow speed.
For a continuous pin hinge like a piano hinge i would set only a couple of screws on each leaf to check the fit of the hinge before punching and drilling all the holes.
The sharp tipped screws are designed for drilling their own hole into softer materials such as wood and plastic so they don t need a pilot hole.
You can also drill this screw into the metal and wood using a socket bit on your drill.
Sheet metal screws are designed to fasten metal sheets to other items.
When you re drilling into harder material such as sheet metal you need to drill a pilot hole in advance.
You need a socket hex head screwdriver to fasten wood to metal with this type of screw.
Both types of screws are readily available in lengths between 1 4 inch and 3 inches adequate for just about any household fastening job.
Wood screws are unlikely to form a tight enough joint when used on sheet metal especially if they have a threadless shank.
They usually have pan heads and will probably work as a wood screw if you need a substitute.
Regardless of the material the driving point needs to be larger than the depth of the material being driven into.
While a sheet metal screw can be used to securely fasten wooden pieces a wood screw with a smooth shank portion won t create a tight joint in sheet metal and fully threaded wood screws may hold poorly.
However the opposite is not the case.
They can be used with plastics rubber or plywood.
