Here's something I came up with today (I don't claim its rocket science).
Ever wonder those holes you pre-drilled are really lined up before you start to drive them? Put a short piece of insulated wire into each of the holes first and then pull it out right before you put the screw in.
I think it is even handier when their is glue involved and the clock is running. You can even stick the wires in to the top piece before you apply the glue. YMMV.
Here's something I came up with today (I don't claim its rocket science).
Ever wonder those holes you pre-drilled are really lined up before you start to drive them? Put a short piece of insulated wire into each of the holes first and then pull it out right before you put the screw in.
I think it is even handier when their is glue involved and the clock is running. You can even stick the wires in to the top piece before you apply the glue. YMMV.
***************************************************Use an extra bit the same size as your predrill can't miss, too. Usually, I run a screw in the first hole before I do the rest, if location is really critical. Then all the rest will be right, too.
-- Jim in NC
Yes, running a screw through the first hole will help you locate where it goes. But getting the first screw into the right place does not guarantee it will be trivial to fit the second screw, particularly if the parts are big and heavy (2by lumber) and the holes are too narrow to just drop the screw into. Having it marked helps preclude an error--especially if there happen to be extra holes in your boards! Though, you probably never got yourself into that kind of situation.
Having these screws right does not mean it will be easy to attach this heavy assembly to another one. Marking their connection points with (2 pieces of) wire or drill bits makes it easy. I left my wires attached in their Romex insulation, and used them 2 at a time. I definitely agree with you that assembling 2 parts only require two screws to be marked.
As a relative newbe, I know my experience doesn't compare to yours. But I found wires (~drill bits) this way to be handy. And, I think, the more that the glue that is squeezing out onto ones hands, the more it will be appreciated as handy, at that time! I think it was the "glue" that really irked me! : )
Thanks for reading.
Bill
Depending upon how the wood is arranged, I apply glue, line up the pieces to be joined, and shoot a brad or two to keep things aligned while I clamp and/or drill & drive screws. That's not always practical to do but works great in the right situation.
John S.
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