O-27 track screw size

[thankey]

I’ve been told that a number 4 sheet metal screw is best for affixing O-27 track. I took a section of track to hardware stores (Home Depot & Lowes) and in both cases the screws were just a slightly too large. They did not slip through with no resistance but the threads hung up a little. There were pan head sheet metal screws. The number 2 seemed way too small. What is the best type and size screw to use?

Any recommendations for roadbed, if any, on a layout intended to recapture the mid-late 50’s? I have some 1/8" cork that I’m thinking about using.

With the tie being about 1/8" high and the cork being the same, would a 1/2" screw be long enough to fasten to the plywood?

[luther_stanton]

I am using a mixture of Atlas and O Gauge track (the black ties) and I am using the Atlas track screws on both.  I have not used O 27 gauge track but I would think the mounting holes between O and O 27 would be the same.

 

I am using 15/32” plywood for sub road bed with 1/2” MDF (Multi-Density Fiber) board for the roadbed.  The Atlas screws are long enough to go all the way through the MDF road bed and just grab into the plywood.

[cheech]

i use both O-27 and GG tracks.  I am fastening --- in the process--- using #3 screws.  the length is dependent on how much you have to go thru to get to the plywood. HD and Lowes don't carry this type of item and if they do, its 4 or five in the pack.   I bought them on line at www.boltdepot.com.  product i chose was #4261 (brass) but they have other type of heads and materials.

ralph

[cpsteamer]

i use both O-27 and GG tracks.  I am fastening --- in the process--- using #3 screws.  the length is dependent on how much you have to go thru to get to the plywood. HD and Lowes don't carry this type of item and if they do, its 4 or five in the pack.   I bought them on line at www.boltdepot.com.  product i chose was #4261 (brass) but they have other type of heads and materials. ralph

Just a suggestion but if you can get round/pan head screws with socket/square drive/ robertson drive. These fit snuggly on the end of your driver bit and won't fall off as you place the screw and make driving much easier. Unlike slotted or phillips they drive much easier and don't slip.

Ken

[otftch]

I've used the #4 pan-head sheet metal screws for years.The slight resistance as the screw goes in can be used to your advantage.It keeps he screw upright as you drive it down.I've use 1/2,3/4 and one inch depending on what i go through.Just don't distort the tie by making it too tight.

                                                              Ed

[brianel027]

K-Line marketed a package of 100 screws that I believe were #3's. But as mentioned above, could go in crooked unless you drill a tiny sink hole, or keep a steady hand on them as you turn them in.

Gargraves currently still has a package of 100 #4 screws that are blackened with a round Phillips head, which makes for ease when installing. The K-Line ones were straight which could also make them harder to put in. All this too, depends on your table top surface. Remeber, screws will amplify your train noise from the track into your board surface. You need some screws, but you don't need to go overboard.