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Hello,
I am trying to screw in the decking panels to the base frames but I find I am snapping drill bits and bending the decking screws. I don't know what I am doing wrong.
I am using the Parquetry Layout with Merbau Panels (see attached) in the good times decking manual. The instructions have me drilling 3mm holes along the joists (see circled location). I am wondering if I am hitting screws that were used in the assembly of the base frames (see additional photo).
I am using the recommended type 17 decking screws (8G x 65mm).
Have I read this wrong? If I have where should I be drilling? or is it some other issue I have encountered?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @steveof2620xdzs. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about the Good Times decking system.
I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you’re having with the screw placement. It sounds like you may be inadvertently hitting screws from the base frames while drilling, which is likely causing the issues with snapping drill bits and bending screws.
I’ll reach out to Good Times to see if they can provide advice on screw placement that avoids the base frame screws. I’ll get back to you as soon as I have more information. In the meantime, I appreciate your patience and apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.
Mitchell
Hi again @steveof2620xdzs,
I've been in contact with Good Times, and their recommendation is to drill at a slight angle for the pilot hole. This will ensure the screw misses the baton screw. The angle only needs to be very slight, and the screw will just glance off the side of the frame baton screws. They don't encounter this issue regularly, but it could be that your screws are perfectly aligned with the middle of the joists, whereas most people aren't as accurate and tend to miss the exact centre of the joist.
Let me know how you go, and I'll be more than happy to continue assisting until we resolve this issue.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
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