[danpuckett]

I use Fast Track and see that the track has pre-drilled and countersunk holes for screws, but the holes are small. I need screws long enough to go through the track, 1" foam, and into the plywood base. Does Lionel have such a screw or is this a local hardware store visit?

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Don't know if Lionel has them, but they're #2 screws, you're probably looking for inch and a half screws for 1" foam and into the plywood.

 

[Millstonemike]

You'll be hard pressed to find self tapping screws in #2 size that are longer than an inch.

One suggestion: Drive a #2 x 3/4"(?) screw through the track and into the foam and then remove it. Then coat the screw with wood glue and insert it (Elmer's white glue is fine). The wood glue will seep into the foam, bond with it and harden. That creates a quasi thread for the screw - like a threaded insert. And the wood glue won't bond with the screw so it can be backed out whenever. I use this trick on wood when a screw's hole has given way a bit.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

You're right, #2 screws longer than 1" are pretty scarce!

I like the wood glue option, I'll have to keep that in mind.

 

[sjm9911]

Another option is to use plastic mollys.

 

[Bill Webb]

You'll be hard pressed to find self tapping screws in #2 size that are longer than an inch.

One suggestion: Drive a #2 x 3/4"(?) screw through the track and into the foam and then remove it. Then coat the screw with wood glue and insert it (Elmer's white glue is fine). The wood glue will seep into the foam, bond with it and harden. That creates a quasi thread for the screw - like a threaded insert. And the wood glue won't bond with the screw so it can be backed out whenever. I use this trick on wood when a screw's hole has given way a bit.

Mike thanks for this idea. We will tuck it away for later use.

 

[Millstonemike]

I said "coat the screw" given the track is likely laid and covering the hole. For general repairs in wood, I completely fill the hole and let it sit for 5 min.'s to be absorbed by the wood. Use a toothpick or other thin point to get the glue into the hole.