Length of screws for woodwork/best sealant for joints?

[dustbru]

Hi. Can anyone help me please? I would like to know what length of screws to use on the replacement wood that I am fitting on my Morris Traveller as all the existing screws were corroded away? Also, I would like to know what is the best sealant to use on the joints of the woodwork frame? Finally, should I use zinc plated screws? Thanks.

[les]

If I were doing this I'd use brass screws, the length should allow the screw to enter the timber to be joined by a little over half the thickness. You should drill a pilot hole first, especially for brass screws. Some people use a steel screw first, to 'path the way' so to speak, then remove and substitute with brass. Glue joints with waterproof Uni-bond and make sure the final coating you use is well applied around the joint.

[MarkyB]

I'd suggest soaking the joint areas with wood preservative while you have access to them.

[beero]

I know nothing about the woodwork on travellers but can tell you that zinc coated screws will rust eventually if used externally. Use brass or stainless steel screws.

[ASL642]

Use brass/stainless screws, and as above soak as much of the wood as you can (all if it's a complete rebuild) in Cuprinol5 before fitting. Let this really soak in until the wood cannot absorb any more. Then finish in your choice i.e. varnish, oil etc.

[dustbru]

Thank you all for your advice.

[dbrat]

From my experience the best thing to use is the 1/2" x 6g. You can also get phospher bronze or brass ones. You can check this site out to see if this sealant works for you.
http://www.squidoo.com/waterproof-sealant

[Dominic]

I'd also make sure the screw holes were well injected with cuprinol prior to fitting the brass ones.