Replacing hinge screws with 3 inch screws?

[outshine]

One suggestion I came across a few times for securing an exterior door was to replace the short screws in the hinges with longer 3 inch screws.

However, as the least handy person on the planet, I know nothing about screws and want to make sure I use the right stuff. Home Depot had a bunch of different 3 inch wood screws (#10x3, #12x3, etc. different heads, etc.), and the guy working there seemed to know less about them than I do.

Does anyone know exactly what kind of screw I should be using for this purpose?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[2octops]

#10x3

[outshine]

Thanks!

I've seen people recommend using wood screws or deck screws. Are they the same thing?

[Raymond]

Plain wood screws are usually made from mild steel or brass. As such they can bend, break and be drilled or cut easily. Also the threads usually are tapered. Corrosion protected drywall type or deck screws are probably a much better choice because they are very hard, tempered steel. Drill pilot holes so you don't split anything.

Your intention is to pass through the .5" trim, the 0-1" air gap where the frame shimming is, and into the 2 x 4 stud that the door frame is attached to. Hopefully there will be more than one 2 x 4 for the screw to hold on to. Therefore, the 4" screw should be into the second 2 x 4 or at least through the first one. Do the same process to the strike plate and get a bigger strike plate if yours only has two screws.

Another practice that can strengthen a door is to put many 8" screws into the edge of the door itself on both sides if the door is solid. This is not appropriate if the door is hollow or a steel door.

[2octops]

Also be careful tightening the hinge screws down. You can pull the frame out of plumb if you tighten them to far.

[LockDocWa]

Another thing to consider,
If your screw does not hit the 2X4 behind the jamb
and you have used a typical 3" wood screw
The first part of the screw is not threaded
and you will not have anything holding your door in place.
So either make sure the screw actually hits the stud
or
Purchase screws that are threaded to the head

[easy-e]

In LockDocWa's picture also notice how large the heads of the screws are. You want to make sure they sit at least even or slightly below when the door is closed. If the heads are too big they will hit when you close the door all the way.

[outshine]

Thanks guys!

[outshine]

#10x3

Just bought a couple of #10 screws and they're actually a bit too big. I got a couple of #8's and they seem to fit perfectly.

Does that sound possible?

[easy-e]

Does that sound possible?

Yes, it all depends on the type of hinge. You can also drill the holes in your hinge a bit larger and make a deeper countersink. If you countersink too far the head of the screw won't have much material to bite into.

[outshine]

Thanks for the quick reply. Just did some digging around.

Am I looking for this: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Deck-Screw-2XB16

Or this: http://www.lowes.com/pd_9470-1278-PTN3S ... Id=3353706

Or neither?

[easy-e]

Those are the same screw

Most hardware stores should have them loose. You shouldn't have to buy a whole box.

[outshine]

Haha, are they? One said flat head, one said countersinking head... figured those were 2 different things?

And now for what's probably a really dumb question. I'm going to want to do the same thing to the doors in my parents house, and I already know there's no way my mom will let me put screws in her brass colored hinges that aren't also brass (or something close to a gold/yellowish color). Any chance that exists?

[easy-e]

Haha, are they? One said flat head, one said countersinking head... figured those were 2 different things?

It's the same thing. It's a screw with a flat tapered head so it fits into a countersink.

And now for what's probably a really dumb question. I'm going to want to do the same thing to the doors in my parents house, and I already know there's no way my mom will let me put screws in her brass colored hinges that aren't also brass (or something close to a gold/yellowish color). Any chance that exists?

They make brass and other decorative style screws that aren't galvanized but are still strong. Drywall screws come in black or gold and I've frequently broken the heads off or stripped them out because they are weak/cheap. The gold ones are the ones on the left in LockDocWa's picture. Spend a few extra pennies to get quality screws and just be careful and make sure to pre-drill as straight as possible to try to eliminate some of the possible problems you could have. Don't drill too big of a hole or strip the hole out because that defeats the purpose of going to a longer screw. I would even consider using a screw driver instead of a drill so I can control it and make sure it's perfect.

[2octops]

#10x3

Just bought a couple of #10 screws and they're actually a bit too big. I got a couple of #8's and they seem to fit perfectly.

Does that sound possible?

Then use #8x3.