How-to question...drilling and/or hammering into Elm?

Ravenlost · #1 07/08/07, 01:46 PM

Last week someone stole our mailbox so we are in the process of putting up a new one. We've had a length of Elm trunk for a couple of years that we plan to use as a post. The problem is, we can't get a nail hammered into it more than a 1/2 inch, nor can we get a screw screwed in. We've used both our battery operated drills with no success (hubby's is a heavy duty one that he uses in fence building).

I am bound and determined to use this tree trunk for a mailbox post. It is forked and all twisted from honeysuckle so it's very unique. Any ideas on how to attach the mailbox to it?

jacksun65 · #2 07/08/07, 01:52 PM

You will never get a screw or nail into it unless you drill a pilot hole first. When green wood like that or oak dries naturally it will harden like iron.
Had a house made of rough cut oak burnt up a hd circular saw trying to cut 2 2x4 s out of a wall ended up using the chain saw LOL. had to drill pilot holes just to hang pictures.

Ravenlost · #3 07/08/07, 02:46 PM

Will tell hubby to drill holes first. Don't know why I didn't think of that yesterday! He wants to attach the mailbox with tee brackets.

big rockpile · #4 07/08/07, 03:46 PM

How about Self Tapping Screws?

big rockpile

ace admirer · #5 07/08/07, 04:15 PM

pre-drill, but since he will probably be using a twist drill, have him pull the drill often to clear the flukes of sawdust (drill dust?) . or the drill may seaze in the wood.

Ravenlost · #6 07/08/07, 04:20 PM

Will do that ace admirer.

Thanks for all the advice y'all!

Rocky Fields · #7 07/08/07, 04:44 PM

Hey.

I don't know if you got it yet, but the trick is to drill the first hole with a very small diameter bit and work your way up a size at a time until the hole is the size you want.

RF

Ravenlost · #8 07/08/07, 05:43 PM

Thanks Rocky. We'll be working on it in the morning. Hubby had to go in to work today so won't get to it until the AM.

sammyd · #9 07/09/07, 06:34 AM

And oil the screw or lag bolt before you try to screw it in as well.

Wisconsin Ann · #10 07/09/07, 06:45 AM

And then take pictures of it when it's done so we can all see it

I love unique mailboxes and am trying to come up with one for our new place.

Ole Man Legrand · #11 07/09/07, 02:23 PM

Please share a picture. Thanks Jay

Ravenlost · #12 07/09/07, 08:38 PM

We're going to put it up tomorrow and I will take a photo to share. I think it looks great!