screw size to hold down Lionel fastrack to table

I think its a #4 screw.   Zap it into Youtube and they say in a number of videos.

Jim

Holes are too small in fastrack for #4.

I think maybe # 1 flathead as I have 2 from a cabinet which slip in nicely only problem is neither Lowes or Home Depot have this size.

Lionel  customer service says they use #4 and "push it in" !

I told them it is too tight a fit and I do not want to crack the plastic base of Fastrack and I do not want to drill ALL THOSE HOLES in each Fastrack.

Any thoughts?

Dick Byrne

byrne2rad posted:

Holes are too small in fastrack for #4.

I think maybe # 1 flathead as I have 2 from a cabinet which slip in nicely only problem is neither Lowes or Home Depot have this size.

Lionel  customer service says they use #4 and "push it in" !

I told them it is too tight a fit and I do not want to crack the plastic base of Fastrack and I do not want to drill ALL THOSE HOLES in each Fastrack.

Any thoughts?

Dick Byrne

I used #4 flat head.  Works fine and does not damage the track at all.

dick

Here is an older thread I read about to answer the same question. #4 screws work and I picked them up at local hardware store (ACE). Sometimes the hole in the track is a little snug, but I've never experienced it cracking the track. You don't need the screws on every piece, so if you find one where the hole is too small and you are worried, don't use screws on that piece and use a clip (see 2nd link). 

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...ting-lionel-fastrack

There is another thread on using paper binder clips on the backside of Fastrack to hold pieces together. I've tried them on a couple of loops and they do fit. 

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/fastrack-clips

The search feature in the upper menu tab is a life saver for answering a ton of questions. I'm an amateur by trade on this stuff, but there are so many experts out there who have answered about any question you have, that if you search you can almost always find an immediate answer to your questions.

Hope you find the screws you need.

#4 flat Philips wood screw works perfect.  I did a whole fastrack layout with them.  The screw fits perfectly flush and is not too tight.  Not sure where people are getting that from.  It screws through the track nice and easy.

Got mine at Lowes in 100 piece packs

#4 screws work fine, but are hard to find longer than 1". I even use #6 in a pinch and have no problems with cracking. I did get some 1 1/4" #4 at Fastenal, but had to order them.

byrne2rad posted:

What size screw to use and where can I buy?

#4 x 3/4" flat head Phillips sheet metal screw. Home stores or hardware store. If you want black oxide, you'll have to search.

McMaster-Carr flat or oval

They don't need a pilot hole and screw into anything. Of course, longer if you need it because of something under the track. #1 Phillips tip.