Hmmm...so you are saying they should have piloted? These guys install hundreds of wardrobes a year and the workmanship is of good quality..
I think you may be fighting a losing battle here. I have read the page you linked to and can obviously see where you have got your information from. However it is not just about stopping the edge from splitting, it is also about direction and quality of fixing. In other words the pre drilled hole makes sure the screw is exactly where it is supposed to be, and that it is grabbing enough without compacting the MDF/MFC etc etc around it. I have fitted quite a few wardrobes and kitchens made with MDF and though I usually use a KREG I have been forced to butt joint and screw through from a side a few times. I would not dream of doing this without using a drill/countersink and I do not think I am alone.
The folk of this parish are so up to date with new tools and materials they know about new arrivals before the stuff has come off the production line. Literally in some cases. So I would be suprised if there was a screw in existence that someone here has not tried and got an opinion on.
The forum here, and other such like, are a font of knowledge and I use them as a resource to learn from. I am all for cutting corners when there are no consequences, but I am not sure it is a very common occurence.
Rupert, do you make kitchens yourself? Is it something you are getting into? (Sorry if this is a daft question, I haven't read many of your threads I don't think). Perhaps you could try these screws yourself and give us your opinion. I fear it may be a ploy to make people more confident about putting them together themselves????
Anyway.my 2p and all that.
Neil
PS - An impact driver will drive a screw below the surface as though it has been countersunk, but the finish surrounding the screw head is not so good and you are also forcing the wood below the head into itself, which I doubt is a good thing.
