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Permalink Reply by Justin Hemming on May 9, 2012 at 0:03

Corner braces and flat straps from tool station on the inside of the sleepers did a good job recently.

I had two in each corner (per sleeper) and flat straps to join the two levels.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Construction+Materials/Builders+Met...

Justin

DurhamGardener.co.uk

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Chris Auld on May 9, 2012 at 7:39

http://www.screwfix.com/p/timberfix-plus-exterior-timber-screws-6-3...

 

I use these, quick and easy to drive in with an 18v drill, seem very strong.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by axeljk on May 9, 2012 at 7:43

I use 16 mm rebar and beat them like Billy oh down through 2 or 3 of them at a time. A 16mil flat bit and an extension for the holes.

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Permalink Reply by James @ KentGardening on May 9, 2012 at 9:46

I use Spax Wirox screws which are a high performance star drive screw. These shown below were predrilled but then they are oak sleepers, with pine sleepers I have used them straight through without any problem. Never had a problem with these snapping either upon installation or up to 2 years after.

 I would say though that the fixing you choose should reflect the loading you are expecting the sleepers to hold back so if its for a wall or terracing then the rebar mentioned above would be a better option, altho the manufacturers of the screws would probably disagree 

They are available most places but screwfix sell them here:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/spax-wirox-screws-6-x-120mm-pack-of-100/9...

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Permalink Reply by Simon Smith on May 9, 2012 at 17:14

I too use timberloks, you need an impact driver to get them in though without piloting. I was in a local merchant about 2 years ago and they had the 175mm ones in boxes of 500 for 45 quid. Needless to say i bought about 6 boxes so am stocked up for another year or two yet.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Andrew Evans on May 9, 2012 at 18:51

Thanks guys that has really given me food for thought! Prob go fro the special screws!

 

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Andrew Evans on May 9, 2012 at 18:59

On the same discussion do you use a chop saw to cut the sleepers (I will be using new sleepers) Have used  my chainsaw in the past but the cut was a bit too rough for my liking.

 

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Permalink Reply by chris nangle on May 9, 2012 at 19:12

timber locks are top screwws I fired some into 450 sq green oak cubes as small feet and left then out for a year,when I took then out they were as new .

when i made my sleeper beds at home I drilled them and used 10.mm stainless bar  too hold them together

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Permalink Reply by Simon Smith on May 9, 2012 at 22:36

I use the chainsaw for all plumb cuts. For the mitres i tidy them up with a circular saw. Sleepers are a bit un-weildy for a chop saw.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Andrew Evans on May 16, 2012 at 20:59

I ended up using timber locks. Very strong and went in very easy with my makkita impact driver.

Cost me arround £0.60 each, well worth it to be honest!

Thankyou all for helping me with my dilema. much appreciated.

Will add some pics of what i achived!

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