Advice on timber gate

buzz11

I'm looking to replace the screws on my timber gate, the existing tek screws are rusting so I want to replace these with stainless steel.

Is there a better way to fit the screws than bedding them in the timber as they were originally done? see photos below.

If I use a washer, then I'm left with ugly screw heads visible so hoping to avoid that.

Thanks !

tabby aspreme

Wurth do a stainless steel decking screw, worth a look.

iamtony

You could maybe make the holes disappear easily enough if you wanted. Buy a bit of wooden dowel 8mm or something like than then drill the hole a bit bigger with 8mm wood bit a few mm down. Fit the new screws then stick a piece of dowel in after the screws. Cut flush then sand it smooth and apply your stain over it.

recipio

Wood plugs made from the same wood ( looks like iroko ) , covering the screws are by far the best.However you need a plug cutter in a drill press to make them. You also need to insert temporary dowels in the holes to drill out new holes. If you are stuck give me a PM and I'll send some on to you.

dathi

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oak-solid-wooden-tapered-mushroom-head-button-plug-50pcs-9-5mm-/281108261591


or you could buy mushroom plugs like above

buzz11

Thanks folks for your suggestions, I'm going to tackle the job in the spring during a dry spell, I noticed the gate metal frame needs painting so will do it all in the one go when the weather is better

recipio

buzz11 wrote: »

Thanks folks for your suggestions, I'm going to tackle the job in the spring during a dry spell, I noticed the gate metal frame needs painting so will do it all in the one go when the weather is better

Just noticed that the screws are going into the metal bar. You will need to find a self tapping screw in stainless steel. ?