what screws to use - sub enclosure

[Mossdahaus]

I just bought a JL Audio 8w0-4 to replace my old, tired, blown sub and was wondering what kind of screws to use? Also, should I drill some pilot holes for the screws when installing the sub. This is my firs ever experiance with subwoofers so please excuse my ignorance!

 

[pb2themax]

Depends what wood you are using. I assume it's MDF. Are you just screwing in the 8 screws around the perimeter of the sub? I'd use 1-1/4" coarse drywall screws. Try not to strip out the holes by overtightening.

 

[Eric VerValin]

Yep... I was going to say drywall screws too... might want 1 1/2 depending if that ring is fat... who knows... but drill a baby size hole... and screw it in by hand.. you can't screw it up that way.. and it would take a sledge hammer to get it out once you get 15 of those in there like that. They'll be squeaky and hard to turn in there.. but it'll hold.

 

[93rev2sev]

It's pretty easy to break the heads off of drywall screws when they bottom out on the MDF. It's what I'd use, but pilot holes are essential. Make sure the drill is in low gear (if you have a choice) and don't use a lot of speed.

If you are trying to put the sub in the stock sub box, you will need to enlarge the hole and fabricate a mounting ring that you will screw and glue to the lip of hole in the box.

 

[the4biddendonut]

Drywall screws work. I like to use pan head screws though.

The best thing to use are t nuts and bolts, especially if the sub is really heavy or you're going to remove the sub frequently. This is overkill for most people though.

 

[pb2themax]

I like hurricane nuts, but they are kinda hard to install if the sub box is already built. Its best to install them before the front panel is screwed on.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=081-1084