Is Liquid Nails enough to construct my box?

[Pioneer]

I'm building a custom control box out of MDF.
Is Liquid Nails enough to keep that thing together?

[Farmboy90]

I used Liquid Nails but figured it wouldn't be enough.  A control panel is heavy.

So I added little 2x2 pieces inthe corners and screwed into them

[Stingray]

Probably would be provided you clamp it until the liquid nails properly set up. I see no reason to not put a few nails or screws in it just to be sure though.

-S

[Doc Thirst]

liquid nails is no joke.  As long as all your edges are clean of dust (very clean) and you clamp after glueing, it should be plenty strong.

[More Cowbell]

I thought about using Liquid Nails as well but reconsidered when I thought about the possibility of needing to repair or remove anything in the future. Even the remote chance led me to use screws instead.

[Pioneer]

Will the MDF split at the corners using screws or nails?
Wouldn't  metal  "L" brackets work well + Wood glue or liquid nails?

[mccoy178]

You should predrill your holes for your screws.  I would use regular wood glue, clamp the boards together, and while it is clamped, predrill holes and then drill in your screws.  That baby won't come apart then.

[MYX]

Elmers wood glue will work just fine. I did some tests and the mdf broke before the glue joint did. This was 2 pieces (1 flat, 1 length wise) and I did not clamp it. Once the box is built the box will strengthen it's self as a structure. MDF will slit easily if you try to screw too deep lengthwise (nothing rude meant here). I did some screw tests and found that if you pre drill (with countersink for asthetics), put a drop of wood glue in the hole, then add your screw, that sucker is not going anywhere. The glue around the screw and MDF strengthens that spot, therefore less chance for splitting ot stripping later. It is permanant though. Wood glue and clamp your wood joints.

[Pioneer]

Thanks for all the info everyone... I'll make sure to post my project when it's finished.

[Dagg]

I threw some metal dowls in as well as the liquid nails just to be sure.

[rwhip41]

If you are using glue, use some screws in the corners. With MDF, you could tear the surface of the "wood" structure since that is where all the stress distributes thru in a shearing direction (perpendicular to the direction of the joint). With screws, the stress is better distributed thru more of the wood structure.

If you are certain that the box will not be subject to damage, then liquid nails should work. I would build it to handle accidents now while it's easy to deal with.