2x2 baluster

[buckeyebrewer]

I purchased a bunch of 2x2 Balusters to frame some compartments and storage. I'm having problems with the wood splitting with 2" deck screws. What is the best way to attach them? I'm imagining I may need to pre-drill? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Pre-drilling would be my suggestion.

 

[DaleH]

Also watch the grain of the wood before you pre-drill. You want to go thru it, not with it. Think of the grain as a stack of papers, like an old phone book ... if you're old enough to know just what the heck I mean! You want to drill throught the top cover and not in thru the side edge. As doing that on the book splits the pages, but on wood it also splits the grain.

Sounds like that wood is really dry if it splits that easily, but try the pre-drill thru the grain.

 

[KMixson]

Put a clamp around the end if you can before you pre-drill it. That will hold it together better while you drill it.

 

[Johnny]

Pre-drilling