Chipboard Screws Australia: Types, Size Guide & How to Choose
If you’re working with chipboard or particle board for furniture, joinery, cabinetry or shelving, choosing the right chipboard screws ensures your project is strong, durable and looks professional. This guide will cover everything: what makes a good chipboard screw, how to pick the right size and finish, installation tips, common mistakes — plus our full range of chipboard screws & accessories ready for shipping across Australia.
What Are Chipboard Screws?
Chipboard screws (also known as particle board screws or supachip screws) are specialized fasteners designed for engineered wood panels. Unlike ordinary wood screws, they are built to grip wood chips firmly, resist stripping or splitting, and often include features that make installation easier.
- Thread design: Deep coarse threads for better grip in loose, compressed wood fibres.
- Tip / point style: Sharp or self-drilling tips reduce the need for pilot holes, especially in thinner chipboard.
- Shank type: Full‐thread vs partial thread; smooth shank where needed to help pull two parts tightly together.
- Head style: Countersunk (flat head), ribbed, pan head, etc. Countersunk heads are common for flush finishes.
- Material & coating: Zinc plated, passivated, galvanised, stainless steel etc., for rust protection, especially in humid or damp areas.
Typical Uses & Applications
- Furniture panels and cabinetry
- Shelving, cupboard backs
- Built-in joinery and internal linings
- Bed frames, wardrobes
- Where chipboard/particle board meets other materials (e.g. metal brackets, hardwood trims)
- Where environmental conditions demand corrosion-resistant screws (bathrooms, laundries, covered outdoor spaces)
How to Choose the Right Chipboard Screw
| Feature | Why It Matters | Tips for Choosing |
|---|
| Length | Ensures sufficient embedment without protruding or damaging reverse side | As a rule, use screw length about 2.5× thickness of the top board; for multiple layers, sum up thicknesses. |
| Diameter / Gauge | Thicker = stronger holding; too thick may cause splitting | Gauge 6-8 for lighter loads; Gauge 8-10 for medium; gauge 10-12+ for heavy / structural or thick boards. |
| Thread Type (full / partial / smooth) | Affords different grip and pull-together functions | Use full thread for grip throughout, partial thread when you want two pieces to pull together tightly. |
| Head Style | Appearance and flush finish matter, as well as driving method | Countersunk for flush; ribbed to prevent spin-through; match head to driver type (Phillips, Pozi, Star etc.) |
| Material / Finish | Corrosion and durability | For indoor dry: zinc / passivated; for damp or outdoor use: galvanized or stainless steel. |
Chipboard Screw Sizes: Quick Reference
| Length (mm) | Gauge (mm / US gauge) | Common Uses |
|---|
| 20-25 mm | 6-8 | Shelf backs, thin panels, light cabinetry |
| 30-40 mm | 8-10 | Drawer sides, cabinet carcasses, joinery |
| 50-65 mm | 10-12 | Structural fixings, thick panels, heavy load bearing |
| 75 mm + | 12-14 | Special applications, deep fixings, decks or external subframes |
Installation Tips & Common Mistakes
- Pilot holes: While many chipboard screws are self-tapping, drilling a small pilot hole near edges or with large diameter screws helps avoid splitting.
- Use correct driver bit: Using the correct Phillips, Pozi, or Star/Hex driver avoids stripping head and improves torque control.
- Don’t over-tighten: Tightening too much will compress or damage chipboard fibres; stop when screw head is flush.
- Edge distance & spacing: Leave space from edges and between screws (e.g. at least 2× diameter from edge) for best strength and to avoid splitting or breakout.
- Make sure substrate is supported: If fastening into joists or slots, ensure material behind chipboard is solid or backed by something so screws have good grip.
- Choose the right finish for environment: Moisture, heat or outdoor exposure demands better corrosion resistance (galvanised, stainless, etc.).
FAQs
- Do I need pilot holes for chipboard screws?
- Not always. Many chipboard screws have sharp or self-drilling tips. However, for thicker sizes, near edges, or if you experience splitting, using a pilot hole of about 70-80% of the shank diameter helps.
- Can I use chipboard screws outdoors?
- Yes — as long as you pick screws with a corrosion-resistant finish (stainless, hot-dip galvanised, or specially coated). Also, ensure the chipboard itself is suitable or adequately sealed.
- How far should screws be from the edge of chipboard?
- A good rule of thumb: at least 2× the screw diameter from the edge. So, if your screw is 5 mm diameter, leave at least ~10 mm from the edge.
- How to avoid the screw head sinking too far?
- Use a countersunk head, don’t overdrive; back up the board from behind if possible; pilot holes can help control how flush the head ends up.
Why Buy From Us
- High quality materials and finishes — all chipboard screws stocked to meet Australian standards.
- Trade pricing / bulk packs available.
- Fast Australia-wide delivery & reliable shipping.
- Expert advice — our team is happy to recommend the right screw for your project (contact us / live chat etc.).
