Warning: My old boss said to never use pocket screws on face frames

He told me that about five years ago when I was still an apprentice, saying they always work loose and look bad. I ignored him and used them on a kitchen job last month because it was faster. Sure enough, two of the upper cabinet frames have visible gaps now after the humidity change. What's your go-to method for joining face frames that actually holds up?

3 comments

3 Comments

felix_coleman872mo ago

Yeah, that humidity will get you every time. Dowels and glue have never let me down for face frames, way more solid than screws. Clamp it up good and let it cure fully before you move it.

young.sarah2mo ago

What glue brand do you find works best in high humidity? I've had some issues with Titebond III setting up too fast when it's really muggy out.

umab3523d ago

Have you tried slowing it down by adding a little bit of water to the mix? I know that sounds weird but in my experience it helps Titebond III not set up so fast when it's sticky out. Just a tiny splash stirred in changes the drying time a good bit. And yeah, what Felix said about dowels is spot on - the mechanical grip takes some pressure off the glue joint anyway. Take it easy on the clamp pressure if you try the water trick though, it can get a little slippery.