This guide was created by Jeff and Jon from Today’s Craftsmen. It’s a practical, in-depth look at confirmat screws—specialized fasteners designed to join melamine, particle board, and plywood with strength and precision.
These screws are a staple in flat-pack furniture and cabinet construction, and they offer unique advantages over traditional wood screws. Jeff and Jon explain what they are, why they work so well, and how to use them effectively in your own projects.
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What Makes Confirmat Screws Different
Confirmat screws are thick, blunt-tipped fasteners that combine elements of both screws and dowels. Their large threads and wide shank—typically around 5mm—are designed to grip engineered wood products like melamine and particle board without splitting or pulling out.
They’re often used in mass-produced furniture, including popular flat-pack brands, but they’ve also found a place in custom cabinetmaking and DIY furniture builds. The design allows them to pull pieces together firmly and stay tight over time, even under stress.
Why They’re a Go-To for Melamine and Particle Board
Traditional wood screws often struggle with engineered wood, especially melamine. These materials don’t have the same internal strength as solid wood, so screws can strip out or fail under weight.
Confirmat screws, on the other hand, offer a large surface area at the head and deep threads that bite securely into the material. This makes them ideal for constructing cabinets, shelves, and furniture that needs to handle real-world use without coming loose.
Jeff and Jon emphasize that this holding power is one of the biggest advantages of confirmat screws. They don’t just connect pieces—they clamp them together with lasting strength.
Pre-Drilling and Tools You’ll Need
Using confirmat screws isn’t complicated, but it does require proper hole preparation. A two-step drilling process is recommended: one hole for the threads and another countersunk area for the screw head.
You can do this manually using a standard drill and a confirmat screw bit, or you can automate it with a CNC machine if you’re set up for that. Either way, the goal is the same—precision.
Jeff and Jon show how to align the workpieces carefully, often clamping or biscuit-joining them first before drilling. This ensures that the pieces meet at the correct angle and that the fasteners do their job effectively.
Strength Test: Confirmat vs. Wood Screws
To demonstrate the difference in performance, the video includes a strength test. Jeff and Jon create two nearly identical plywood mockups—one joined with confirmat screws, the other with traditional wood screws.
Under pressure, the wood screw assembly starts to loosen and show signs of failure. Some screws even begin to pull out or break. In contrast, the confirmat screw version remains solid, with no sign of movement or failure.
The takeaway is clear: for certain applications, especially when using plywood or melamine, confirmat screws offer a significant performance upgrade.
Best Use Cases
Jeff and Jon outline a few projects where confirmat screws really shine:
Flat-Pack Furniture: Whether assembling kits or creating your own, confirmat screws offer reliable joints without the need for glue or complex joinery.
Cabinet Construction: These screws keep corners tight and flush, holding up under the weight of stored items and repeated use.
DIY Furniture: For hobbyists building desks, shelves, or workbenches with engineered materials, confirmat screws provide a sturdy, simple fastening method.
They also mention that these screws can be removed and reinstalled without compromising their grip, unlike many traditional screws that lose effectiveness after a few uses.
Additional Tips and Considerations
If you plan to use confirmat screws regularly, investing in a dedicated bit or drill guide can help speed up the process. These tools improve consistency and reduce the chance of splitting or misalignment.
It’s also important to choose the right size screw for your material thickness. Oversized screws can blow out the sides, while undersized ones might not hold tightly enough.
Jeff and Jon recommend testing on scrap pieces before committing to your final project. This gives you a feel for the tool setup and helps prevent mistakes when working with finished parts.
Final Thoughts
Confirmat screws may not be flashy, but they’re one of the most dependable fasteners available for engineered wood. Their strength, ease of use, and ability to create long-lasting joints make them a valuable addition to any shop.
Jeff and Jon walk through the process step-by-step, making it easy to understand how to use confirmat screws properly and where they fit best. Whether you’re building a simple shelf or assembling a full set of cabinets, these screws are worth considering.
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