Screw/washer alternative for hardware cloth ideas

[Ruralhideaway]

It's a PITA...IMO. I pre assembled my screws and washers, nice to sit and give my bum knee a break, and stuck them in a block of styrofoam mounted on wood (for weight) where they were easily plucked out with one hand for installation.

That's a great idea. If the screws I want can't be had this is the way to go. Stabbed fingers will be avoided anyway, and could likely tape that set up to the ladder. Or to a hook to put on a rung even better. Then you could also hang it wherever. Thanks @aart !

 

[lazy gardener]

I buy fender washers by the pound at a discount salvage store. That's where I get A LOT of my hardware type stuff. $2.00/# for just about any thing from nuts, bolts, wing nuts, wood and metal screws, and fender washers of all sizes including i.d. and o.d. When I'm using fender washers, I simply keep a pocket or dish full of them. As I load the screw into the drill (magnetic bit holder) I grab a washer, and drop it over the screw, or simply use a finger to place it over the location where the screw will go. It really doesn't add that much extra time. The washers are loose enough that the head of the screw catches them well, but they slide easily on the threads.

 

[aart]

That's a great idea. If the screws I want can't be had this is the way to go. Stabbed fingers will be avoided anyway, and could likely tape that set up to the ladder. Or to a hook to put on a rung even better. Then you could also hang it wherever. Thanks @aart !

Needed to keep it horizontal, on ground or a bucket 'bench' or top of step ladder, was using short screws (1 1/4") most the time so they didn't 'stick' in styro that great. YMMV.

 

[lazy gardener]

Aart, I like your "bottle cap" washers! Once, hubby simply couldn't find a washer for a simple repair. And he was not about to drive the 45 minutes to an hour to go buy one. So, he drilled a penny!

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Necessity is after all the mother of invention!

 

[DwayneNLiz]

I truly thought a screw with built in washer must exist!

what about roofing screws?

http://www.flashingsdirect.com/10x3-4-self-drilling-screws/

or these
https://www.strongtie.com/strongdrive_metalscrews/xl_screw/p/strong-drive-xl-large-head-metal-screw

 

[Ruralhideaway]

what about roofing screws?

Hey some of those are 5/8", that's big enough I think as long as you are careful with placement. Alternate screws at the top corner of the mesh, then next row down stretched and installed bottom corners.

Are those safe for screwing into various lumber do you think? I'll have everything from telephone poles to 1x6.

 

[TheOgdensmenagerie]

Those are self tappers which can be used if you find the right ones. Typically these are used in metal. I believe they make some for wood but the heads are normally smaller than the pan head screws showed in earlier examples.
I have searched and searched with no avail for an easier solution to this problem. I also use the preassemble them method.
If you have 5 bucks and a small kid the job gets much easier.

what about roofing screws?

http://www.flashingsdirect.com/10x3-4-self-drilling-screws/

or these
https://www.strongtie.com/strongdrive_metalscrews/xl_screw/p/strong-drive-xl-large-head-metal-screw

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Ridiculous! There are even nails with washers on them. Amazing to me that this doesn't exist. Lathe screws are so close. If using 1/4" hardware cloth it would be perfect.

 

[TheOgdensmenagerie]

Ridiculous! There are even nails with washers on them. Amazing to me that this doesn't exist. Lathe screws are so close. If using 1/4" hardware cloth it would be perfect.

I agree! I'm expanding our run area and not looking forward to the process due to this. Luckily my toddler will help with the washers.