Screwing hinges and other fittings to plywood

Hi All. Screwing hinges onto timber is okay? When it comes to plywood it isn’t so easy, that is when nuts and screws are handy and there are plenty available, however my favourite choice is  4 BA, but I am fed up with using pliers on one side whilst I screw from the other side. That is where a spanner cannot be beaten. Would some kind Modeller please tell me where I can get my hands on one???   Best wishes Kevin 

Terrys answer is perfect but you wont buy off the net or mail order so you gonna be a little stuffed with that one unless there is a local tool supplier that may have one in the Peckham area.

If you pilot drill the laminate before you put the screws in it will be fine without doing that you will split laminate.
 
Brian

Hi Terry .  Thank you, for pointing that out to me, I nearly missed the Tonbridge MRX , this Saturday, and Squires will be there.    Best wishes Kevin 

Hi Brian. I do buy from Squires, when I have a “ Basket “ and I can Phone 📞 the order. Or better yet go to a show ( MRX.)  . Like the one at Tonbridge, this coming Saturday.   Best wishes Kevin 

Hi Kevin,

There are  screws for plywood. Usually self tapping, coarse thread. Pilot hole helps.  Cheap ply will splinter anyway. Drywall screws are a cheap alternative, but will not stand too much torque and need pilot holes. If the ply is thin glue a square or block the other side. Helps spread the load. A 4 BA is a machine screw with fine thread, not meant to go into anything except tapped metal or hard plastic. If you use machine screws and nuts use washers to spread the load. Double nut or loctite.


Nigel

Hi Nigel. Thank you . I always use washers, provided that I have some, I have already remodelled the scenic break as far as the hinges are concerned. This new search for a 4 BA spanner is for general usage, after my finger tips are getting worn out. And pliers? Forget about them.  Best wishes Kevin 

Hi Kevin,

First post implied the problem was holding a #4 BA nut while attaching a hinge to plywood. 

I use a finger wrench from Lee Valley Tools, good for a variety of nut sizes. No longer available unfortunately. Otherwise an adjustable wrench works fine.

Nigel

Hi Nigel. Thank you. The idea of using a pair of pliers doesn’t appeal to me , and I ‘m not quite sure about an adjustable wrench, whereas  IMHO a fixed spanner will suit me better.   Best wishes Kevin 

Hi Terry. When I realised that Squires would be at the Tonbridge on the Weekend following this thread, I phoned up with my request and the “ Squires Rep “ that answered the phone said that he would sort out a selection for me.He did, I purchased. All very good and straightforward.  Best wishes Kevin 

Hi Nigel. Yet another reply. When I returned home from the Tonbridge MRX with my new 4BA socket, I found that I had a screwdriver (Robertson) no less , the one with a square end, just handy to fit my new Socket Best wishes Kevin