Shear Nuts

This specially designed nut works with any bolt of a comparable size. It has a standard hex head on one end that is attached to a smooth, conical shaped extension. When the nut is tightened that hex head actually shears off, leaving the conical shape on the bolt. This component acts as a stable nut, but is exceptionally difficult to remove.

Your application will have all of the stability and strength needed with the conical nut, but these fasteners do not present an easy removal method.

Torx Screws

One of the most popular lines of security screws, Torx is the brand that is often used for tamper proof applications. These fasteners have a specially formed recess that cannot be tightened or loosened using a standard bit. If one of these bits are used it will be obvious that the screw was tampered with. If your application requires tamper resistance, rather than a serious deterrent against tampering, these screws are a good option.

There are many different types of tamper resistant fasteners that come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. Many times a manufacturer will use a specific style (or two) of tamper resistant screw, if only to streamline the bits required for assembly. If they also need to provide a bit to their customers for at home assembly, it makes sense to use the same style of screw in various locations.

Oddly Shaped Nuts and Screws

One of the easiest ways to produce a tamper proof or tamper resistant fastener is by making the shape unique. Sometimes it is the nut that is oddly sized and unable to be tightened by regular means; other times it is the screw head that includes a strangely shaped recess. Both of these designs work very well.

They can easily be maneuvered with the right tool, but otherwise these fasteners will need to stay put. This set up provides an acceptable level of security for many different applications.

No matter what option is used, tamper proof fasteners add value to your project and can be utilized to protect your customer and your business.

Why Buy From a Wholesaler?

The benefits of buying from a wholesaler are widespread. You’ll often get a bulk discount without the need to buy in bulk quantities. That’s because wholesalers put in large orders to the manufacturers, obtaining generous discounts, and then pass some of those savings onto your business.

Wholesalers don’t tend to have the storefronts and overhead costs that major retailers do. You could buy your building fasteners from the local big box building supply store, but remember that you are paying for their multimillion dollar advertising campaigns, massive staff and huge warehouse-type stores. Most often the wholesaler runs a more modest shop, possibly offering a retail location but working hard to keep their costs under control in order to supply you with the best discounts on fasteners and building materials.

How Much Money Can You Save?

Medium sized contracting firms have a wide variety of costs. Knocking 20 to 40 percent off of the price on all of the fasteners used in that company may not have a major impact. But if you run a small contracting business, possibly working on your own or with a small group of skilled laborers, the money saved from buying fasteners wholesale may represent a significant portion of your materials cost.

Maybe you charge out for time and materials. Buying fasteners wholesale will allow you to match the fastener prices charged by local retailers. This competitive edge could mean more business for your company and higher revenues generally lead to more profits and increased opportunities.

Just as you should keep an eye on the other costs associated with running your contracting company, you can reduce the total expenses incurred by purchasing fasteners wholesale. Find a reputable and established wholesaler that services your industry and work on building a relationship that will reap plenty of benefits for your business.

Wood Lag Bolts

Although some contractors use carriage bolts to attach beams to the posts on a deck frame, many opt for the simpler wood lag bolt. These deck fasteners are actually more like a screw, since they have a pointed tip and do not necessarily need a nut. You’ll still need a washer sandwiched between the hex head and the wood in order to distribute the load properly.

Joist Hangers

These brackets are generally made from zinc plated steel and are used to attach the joists in your deck framing. They work to distribute the weight of the wood and are a much safer, secure way to put together the perpendicular pieces of lumber that form deck framing. Often the lumber is simply nailed into a joist hanger, although in some cases screws may be used. All the joist hangers are covered by the deck board and can only be viewed from underneath once the deck is completed.

Spacers

When ACQ lumber is used to construct a deck and aluminum railing is installed on the same deck, certain levels of protection need to be applied. Due to the chemicals used in ACQ wood treatment it cannot have direct contact with aluminum. If it does, the aluminum will not last long. Spacers need to be installed between the two materials in order to allow both the longevity they are known for.

Most aluminum railing packages will include these elements, but ask at the local building supply store if you cannot find them or contact a fastener distributor to see what they would recommend. This can be a problem when wood posts are used in conjunction with aluminum railing or aluminum railing posts are bolted onto the surface of a pressure treated wood deck.

Be sure that you are fully stocked up on all of the deck fasteners required to construct your project. From deck screws to wood lag bolts, joist hangers and aluminum railing spacers, there are many different common and uncommon fasteners used during construction.

There are three things you need to look for in quality deck screws that will let you know the fasteners are adequate. Material, length and head type are all key characteristics when shopping for these screws.

Which Material Is Best?

Although they cost more initially, you’ll never regret installing stainless steel deck screws in your backyard. Designed to last no matter what nature throws at it, stainless steel is the number one choice for any fasteners used outdoors. They look beautiful and shiny when left unfinished although many of the top manufacturers offer color coated heads to allow for a seamless finish.

General residential applications will do well with 305 (or 18/8) grade stainless steel, whereas marine locations and areas that have a high exposure to salt may need to go with 316 grade stainless.

Which Length Is Needed?

Most deck screws are available in lengths from 2″ to 4″, depending on the size of the screw. While you may find a use for the 2″ length, most deck builders and DIY enthusiasts are best to invest in a large quantity of 3″ long deck screws. These can be used to secure the deck boards down, as well as attach the fascia board, stair treads and railings. A #10 x 4″ screw may be useful in certain circumstances, but by and large the 3″ will do everything that you need.

Which Head is Best?

In order to avoid camming out most professionals use the square or Robertson head screws. Your screwdriver or bit “cams out” when it slips from the screw head, causing damage to the screw and quite possibly your tools. A square headed screw eliminates this problem, as does a torx head. Some manufacturers offer the torx head on their deck screws, but many stick with the traditionally preferred square head.

Your deck will look better when you have chosen deck screws in the right material, the proper length and the most efficient head. Invest in the best and you’re bound to be satisfied.

Why Flat Head Screws?

To provide a smooth surface for the most comfortable walking conditions and the best appearance, flat head screws are a must. They are countersunk into the deck board to provide that flush surface that’s so desired. Whether your deck is built from cedar, treated lumber or composite products, a flat head will create the finish you want.

Typically a deck screw is 2 1/2″ and that length is measured from the top of the head (which would be flush with the surface) to the tip of the screw. This is plenty long enough to secure the 1 to 2” deck boards that people are using today. Flat screws are generally available in Phillips, square or torx heads as well, so you can take your pick and grab a bit to get started on the installation.

Are They Necessary On the Framing?

Although round head wood screws are available, most people do not use them anywhere on a deck. You might use oval countersunk screws on the framing, railing and stairs although they do leave a slight mound. Only flat head countersunk screws are used on the deck board.

Other fasteners used in the framing include lag bolts and carriage bolts – both with the typical bolt heads (either round or hex). Because the framing is hidden for the most part the head of your fasteners is not as important, although for consistency and convenience the same type of driving method is often used. Whether you prefer a square or a torx head, keeping your bit in the power driver is much quicker than switching it out for each fastener.

In order to provide the smoothest, most attractive finish on your decking flat head screws are the only choice. Order them in stainless steel to provide a lifelong strength and resistant to corrosion as well. Then sit back and enjoy your beautiful outdoor living space.

Stats for the Typical Deck Screw

Most often a deck screw will be 2 1/2″ long and either a #7, #8 or #10 in size. Every so often you’ll find the need for a #12 screw. And thinner deck board will require 1 5/8” lengths.

Screws for use on decks, fences and other outdoor structures are most often driven with a square (or Robertson) head, a Phillips head or a Torx head. Each of these has advantages over the other with regards to commonly used tools, less wear or stripping and speed of installation.

Materials and Coatings for Decking Screws

The material you choose for your deck screws needs to be compatible with the material of your deck board. For instance, composite decking needs to be installed using composite deck screws – a good choice both for strength and looks. Wood decking, on the other hand, is best installed using stainless steel composite or hardware that has been tested for use with ACQ, the common chemical treatment for softwood lumber.

Composite deck screws can also be stainless steel, but are available in colors designed to compliment and match the colored deck boards, trim and railing components. Ceramic coated screws can be used with both pressure treated lumber and composite decking. A more widely seen option is epoxy coated deck screws. These are available in a wide variety of colors and the resin coating will not chip off as easily during installation (as can be the case with ceramic).

When building with ACQ treated lumber, always be sure that the fastener material is compatible with that chemical concoction. Check with the fastener manufacturer or read through the MSDS for ACQ or the screws themselves to find out which materials to avoid and which are safe.

Unless you opt for an invisible fastener system, the surface of your deck will be dotted with screws. Be sure to take the time and choose the best possible deck screws for your application. The final product will be worth it.

But if you do, you’re going to regret it. Why? Because deck screws that clash with or stand out on your deck board can ruin the entire look of your deck.

Why Colored?

So you’re wondering why to bother with color. Take a look at the flooring under your feet. Unless you’re outside on the grass or standing on a concrete slab, the fasteners are generally hidden. Carpet staples are hidden away and hardwood and laminate slats are grooved and clipped together for that smooth look. Tiling will display the grout along the edges, but a good installation means that the grout itself becomes a part of flooring in appearance. Everything is consistent.

If you invest in decking that has a beautiful color like cedar or provides a low maintenance finish like composite, you are not going to want it marred by silver metal screw heads every 16 inches or so. What you want is that smooth look and colored deck screws help you get there.

Even with hidden fastener systems you can use black deck screws to affect a better overall look. On that PVC railing you’re looking at for the front porch there are white screws in just the right size to provide a clean, crisp finish. Most manufacturers have a wide selection of colors for the decking – choose from any of the 18 that Headcote offers in their standard deck screw line.

Colored screw heads are available in ACQ rated deck screws and in stainless steel. You can find them on screws made especially for composite decks and deck screws in all of the common (and plenty of the uncommon) sizes. Take a piece of deck board with you to check the color or simply order what the manufacturers or distributors recommend based on the decking being used.

Have a nicer looking deck surface. It’s worth that extra minute to choose the right colored deck screws. Now get on with the project.

Make Up of a Good Deck Screw

Not all are created alike, so beware of cheap imitations and knock offs. Quality deck screws have a certain design that includes elements and shaping to help make installation easier. For instance, the best deck screws have an augered tip for better entry into the deck material. This sharp tip cuts down on splitting and cracking that can occur when using lower quality lumber. It also makes installation faster on those hard materials like Ipe and Mahogany.

Driver Choice

This is a bit of a personal thing, but many of the pros prefer a square driver that has a deeply recessed head for better handling. That being said, there is nothing wrong with a Phillips or a Torx deck screw – it will depend on the kind of tools you like to handle and the bits you have the greatest success with.

Other Head Details

Although the driver may not be a big deal, there are plenty of other details about the head that will provide strong support and a better overall look. Be sure that you find the color of screw head that best matches your decking. If not, the deck surface will look patchy and unprofessional. Opt for colored heads in black if you are using a hidden fastener system.

Depending on whether you are looking for less exposure to the fastener or not, you’ll need to choose between trim head screws and flat head screws. Both should also be formed with nibs for easier countersinking.

Best Materials

Top notch deck screws are usually stainless steel. Perfectly suited for use with ACQ treated lumber and guaranteed to resist corrosion no matter what the exposure to moisture, stainless fasteners are well worth the extra investment in the long run. Second best are the zinc plated screws rated for use with ACQ.

Don’t waste your time and money on lesser quality. Opt for the best deck screws and put together a professional deck for your home or customer.

Nails, screws, bolts and lags – decks run the gamut of different fasteners. Each area is held together with a certain type.

Footings and Framing

Depending on how the foundation of your deck is installed, there may be post saddles or pins used on the footings. In other situations a wooden post is bolted into a floating pier or post spike.

Bolts and lags are used in the framing. Often the ledger board is bolted into the house and the beams are lagged into those wooden posts. Different contractors use different deck fasteners depending on their personal preferences and the applicable building codes.

Deck Boards

Most often deck boards are attached using deck screws. This provides a better finish on the decking and with the right tools, is installed just as quickly as nails are.

Deck screws offer a better finish when they are epoxy or ceramic coated. This type of fastener allows for color matching and a smoother, better looking finish. If nails are used the surface will be marred by silver/grey marks and it will be much more difficult to remove damaged deck boards. These coatings also offer better corrosion resistance.

Railing and Stairs

Nails can be used in the stairs and on railing components, although this is still a common place for screws. Since deck boards are often used for the stairs, the same deck screws that were used on the deck surface are seen. Nails often fasten the stringers to the framing.

Railing pickets are screwed in, although much shorter screws are used. When tempered glass is used the framings may be nailed, but with aluminum pickets and component products, everything is fit together with screws.

All deck fasteners need to be corrosion resistant, whether that is through a plating or coating or due to the material itself. Stainless steel fasteners are ideal for outdoor projects like a deck and well worth the extra expense. For a dependable, long lasting finish choose deck fasteners with the highest levels of strength.