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Wood screws in MDF...are pilot holes needed?
Billkwando:
I'm adding a 2nd speaker to my Dynamo cab (thanks Nephasth!) so I can get stereo sound from my Neo Geo board, and there are no screw holes for a 2nd speaker install:
As you can see, it's a very tight space in there (had to buy a stubby screwdriver in preparation) so there's obviously no room for a drill. What would be the best way to get the screws in...just get to twistin'?
I didn't wanna split anything.
Insights?
I also have to say I'm deathly afraid of dropping something back there and hitting my yoke. LOL
RandyT:
MDF doesn't usually split in that direction when there are no pilots, unless close to an edge, but it will "pile up" around the screw. Probably not a big deal when mounting a speaker, but it's a pain when you need to mount something flush and there's nowhere for the material to go.
Your problem will likely be getting the screw started. If you have a spring loaded center punch, and you can get it in there, it will break through the hard surface of the MDF and make starting the screw easier. Still won't be fun, I'm afraid.
Billkwando:
--- Quote from: RandyT on May 03, 2011, 12:20:07 am ---MDF doesn't usually split in that direction when there are no pilots, unless close to an edge, but it will "pile up" around the screw. Probably not a big deal when mounting a speaker, but it's a pain when you need to mount something flush and there's nowhere for the material to go.
Your problem will likely be getting the screw started. If you have a spring loaded center punch, and you can get it in there, it will break through the hard surface of the MDF and make starting the screw easier. Still won't be fun, I'm afraid
--- End quote ---
I don't have a punchy thing, alas.
I know it's gonna be hard. I'm not even gonna try to drive the screw with the speaker attached. I'll use the grill to guide where I put the screws, then back them out and put the speaker in. To wire the other speaker, I had to use one of those drill goosenecks to unscrew the existing screws.
The stubby I got is a Mintcraft racheting one, so hopefully that helps:
It's magnetic too, which makes all the difference for this application.
Xiaou2:
If I were you, Id just probably just glue it in place.
Epoxy putty or similar.
OR - you could pre-drill it from the other side, then patch and paint the holes.
LeedsFan:
Another option (other than glueing) is to use car number plate stickers to hold it in place. I go to Motosave and they sell these stickers that are about 3-4 inches long (25p each). They are double sided sticky for putting number plates on cars. They are very strong, but not so strong you couldn't get them off later if you needed to. I've bought lots of these and cut them to size for different things.
Or you could use double sided rubber strip if you can find it. Maybe even velcro? Just make sure to wipe out the area clean first (use a rag with some solvent) to get rid of any fine MDF dust still lingering in there.
Normally I look upon this sort of suggestion as a bit of a bodge job. But in this situation you really are gonna have some trouble getting a screwdriver in there. Path of least resistance, and all that. Nobody's gonna see it anyway.
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