Favorite cleat glue and screws?

[thinktankair]

When I read to cleat and screw a floor section together, what type of glue and screws do people use? Are just regular wood screws OK? Should I use galvanized? Regular wood glue? Gorilla glue? Thanks! I can't wait to get the floor done!

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I can only guess you are talking about a floor repair. In most cases, avoid using a cleat and screws. If you feel you must, use the best glue possible. I use a PL construction adhesive. I cannot remember the number but it is not sold at the big box store. I buy it at an industrial supply house.
Usually a small patch is matched by a soft area some where else on the sheet and it is far better to replace the entire thing. Any dark brown or black plywood is in the process of rotting and it is just a matter of time.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Has something changed since this post?

[perryg114]

Maybe he thought this was a golf sight.

Perry

[J. Morgan]

Gorilla glue will work fine, as will coarse thread drywall screws.

While it may be true that the replacement of an entire sheet is better, a properly applied patch can be more than good enough.

[rwnash]

I have done a few floor repairs, the approach depends on where and how much is bad and what material was originally used. I like to remove only as much of the original floor as is necessary; a gently used sawzall can be a real help. If you have too, dig out the rotted wood supporting the C channel. On one job I did it in sections; replaced part of the floor and then moved on.


I don't use cleats; a tapered scarf joint allows you to slide a replacement plywood patch in from the top. For plywood a 6 to 1 taper seems to work quite well. And don't worry too much about getting a perfect fit; thickened epoxy is a good gap filling adhesive. (I also don't use my best wood working tools around C channel and frame members!) One of my "best" repairs looked ugly - a half dozen weird shaped pieces with epoxy filled gaps - but it was solid.


Good luck.


Whit Nash