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I've been reframing a closet door and have two studs that I've driven screws into and am now fastening sheets of drywall. I did this pretty haphazardly as a result of not having the correct tools initially and then gradually acquiring them.

So my question is, in the context of this picture, and for something that's non-load bearing, how should one think about woods' integrity in relation to having a bunch of screws driven through it often in close proximity and from multiple directions?

On a spectrum, from: A) I need to be very careful going forward and ensure I know where I'm driving screws, otherwise this piece of wood could spontaneously snap, or even that this piece of lumber has been irreparabley damaged and I should start anew

Or B) It's fine just sloppy but not a big dealenter image description here

user8340913
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2 Answers2

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Wood is usually quite forgiving to us idiots.

As long as you keep away from the edges and ends a piece of 2x4 can take more nails and screws than most peoples arms can drive in(nail guns are cheating).

Trying to drive 1/2 dia screws within a half inch of an edge might take a chunk of wood out of the 2x4 and you will end having to move the screw.

Pilot holes are very good near the ends and edges to prevent splitting.

crip659
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Two basic rules

1- Always use screws made for the job/material, wood for wood

2- more importantly always pre-drill to avoid splitting the wood

How to choose pre-drill size. It has to have the diameter of the screw body (the inner part). Just choose a drill and holding it parallel (overlapping) to the screw so to see how it fits.

DIY75
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