Best MDF tips

[screwpainting]

Just built a router fence out of some old bits of 18 and 25mm mdf and had all the usual problems with screws splitting the ends.
I'd been reading the excellent Nikis jigs thread and remembered him saying that superglue could 'turn balsa wood into iron'! So, I drilled pilot holes and put a drop of superglue in each one then let it go off.. The result was brilliant, absolutely no splitting and not even any swelling of board thickness. Seems that the superglue soaks in and forms like a nut within the fibers..
I've probably re-discovered something everyone else knows here but I was mightily impressed with how this worked.

Just thought I'd share.

 

[Steve Maskery]

When I need to drill into MDF edges, I drill a hole in the face, close to the edge, and glue in a dowel. That way I am screwing into wood face-grain, not MDF edge-grain.

 

[novocaine]

as long as it's just the tips you should be fine, anymore and it's a grey area.

and a serious response
pocket holes are great for MDF. about the only time I use them (that and in framing)

 

[Adam9453]

Use spax mdf screws, no splitting or bulging and good strength. I only recently discovered them but they are mighty good.

 

[Karl]

When I need to drill into MDF edges, I drill a hole in the face, close to the edge, and glue in a dowel. That way I am screwing into wood face-grain, not MDF edge-grain.

Or just use Spax mdf screws. No splitting, even close to the edge.

 

[JJ1]

In my limited experience MDF shouldn't split with the right diameter screw and an appropriately sized pilot hole. MRMDF is much better quality than the standard MDF and the relatively small extra cost is worth it.