How to screw a tin-can (for pencils) to wood surface (so won't fall off)?

Oops...hit send by accident.

Drill the hole in the bottom of the can a bit smaller than the screw, screw the screw into the can, then twist the can into the pilot hole in the shelf to get it started, finish off with a screwdriver.

Use a sheet metal screw instead of a wood screw and R's tip will work even better.

Joe

Thanks for the pickup. I thought it, but the instructions didn't seem to arrive at my fingertips. I think my pillow is calling me.

I'd use a drywall screw on the end of the magnetic bit holder I have in both of my electric drill motors.

It would be done in less time that it is taking me to write this message.

Jon

On Thu 29 Jul 2010 08:27:26p, David Combs told us...

So buy one. Or buy a screwdriver with retainer clips to hold the head. SIMPLE as that!

Most people know if they have the right tool for the job, the job is easy.

#1 is the only one you'll need, but I'll toss out a few extras.

2 - Use Velcro on the bottom of the can.

4 - Stop being so clumsy.

I'd use a magnetic nutsetter, and zip screws. The sheet metals screws HVAC guys use with six sided heads. But then, I've got the nut setter and the zip screws already. This project is a good excuse to buy yourself a magnetic nut setter or two. Think of the children, man!

-snip-

$20 shouldn't break the bank- I'd buy a magnetic electric screwdriver-- or magnetize a screwdriver.

-snip-

Now, if I was in your situation, I'd wait until the next time I'm in a department, hardware, or big-box store and buy myself the right tool for the job. Depending on how I felt that day it might be a $100 screwdriver set with a gazillion fittings to drive everything from screws to nuts-- or a $1 magnet to magnetize my old beat up screwdriver.

if I was in a rush, I might try a little beeswax on the head of the screwdriver to see if it would hold the screw. [or slap a refrigerator magnet on the screwdriver, near the tip. That might magnetize it enough to hold a screw]

Jim

Go to Office Depot and pick up some double sided sticky foam tape. It comes in different thicknesses or you can layer it. I have tons of the stuff because it comes with all kinds of telecom gear that I have installed. It can be amazingly strong when used correctly. I can't imagine that your pencil holders will be subjected to extreme forces requiring epoxy or mechanical fasteners. Heck, use Velcro so you can easily empty any crap that invariably collects in pencil holders.

TDD

Get a strong magnet and stick it to the shaft of the screwdriver.

nate

That would be my suggestion. Velcro strip wrapped all the way around the can and a piece on he wall and it's done. You can put the can back with your eyes closed. I use those small red plastic coffee cans. Light and hold a lot.

That's funny, you read 13 replies and didn't notice that I suggested that in the 8th reply.

Actually, I'd prefer that you second my first suggestion.

A small piece of tape holding the screw to the driver allows for the positioning of any screw at any angle, even straight down - no balancing required.

Sure, you need an extra piece of "equipment" (tape) but that's a trick I've been using since my days as an Electronics Tech in the USCG many (many) years ago.

The screwdrivers with the claws work pretty good too, but the tape allows for access to much smaller areas.

I'd add some but I think they got this covered!

Or, put a sheet metal screw through the shelf from the bottom.

Make the pilot hole in the can.

Screw the can down over the sheet metal screw. Most likely friction with the wood will keep it from turning. But if not, hold it with a screwdriver. The advantage of this method is easy removal.

But that's not how I'd do it.

I'd use a hot glue gun. Put a quick dab of glue on the shelf, stick the can down, done. Secure, but easily removable.

Use your framing nailer and toenail it to the shelf.

Hire someone to hold the can.