Best Deck Screws

Lakee911

Lakee911

I&C Engineer (mostly WWTP)
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Anyone have any good recommendations on 2-1/2" to 3" coated deck screws? I need approximately 1000 of them, and would rather not spend an arm and a leg. I originally planned on nailing the boards, but thought that it would be much better in the long run to screw them. This is in OH, BTW.

I've used the PhillipsII/Deckmate screws in the past with good luck, but I've heard some bad things about them breaking.

What's everyone else use?

Thx
Jason
 
Coated deck screws are a good alternative to stainless steel. But screws made in CHina, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, etc are made from inferior steel, probably are fudged on the proper thickness, and do have some tendency to snap if over torqued.
 
Actually, I find the deckmates tougher than most - for the same length, they tend to be one size up in circumference.

You could also go spiral-shank nails, if you've got a framing gun & compressor, it saves on time. If you're hand-banging them, though, stick with the screws, your elbow & wrist will thank you.
 
There are screws available with Torx heads, some with square drives, and some that use a #3 Phillips. All are better than the standard #2 Phillips.
 
I have a paslode 30 degree cordless nailer. I think that the only fastener that I can use is a galvanized ring shank nail (or a smooth one). I don't think that they have a spiral shank available. :(

I really wanted to use the nailer, but it's probably best if I didn't. Between the joist hangers and the deck board screwing, I'm in for a lot of manual labor...not much for my nailer. :(

Jason
 
Forget the phillips head and get either the box bit screws or the torx. They cost a little more but the difference is night and day.

One year I was building two elevated platforms in the woods. I started out with the phillips. When they ran out I switched over to box bit screws and the difference was amazing. Much faster and smoother.

Tom
 
I've used the square drive bits before. They're pretty nice. Do you have a name brand that you recommend?

Jason
 
I've had no problems with Deckmate screws (besides the color ;)). They drive smoothly; I've never had one snap even driving them unpiloted through pt 2x with an impact driver.

If you want the best, I'd get McFeely's stainless steel.
 
Although it turns out to be more work, nails are proven to be a stronger fastener. If you do the screws, squares the best, especially with a little soap on the end.
 
How do you figure its better, Charlie? I always thought that nails were less work anyways....nail guns in all. Nails have little tension strength and more shear strength and the opposite for screws, no?

I see those McNeely's fasteners are associated with Festool...they must be good! I'll look in to them. Thanks

Jason
 
Last edited:
For a deck where things need to be held down I find it hard to believe that a nail would out perform a screw.

I use whatever box bit screw HD carries.

Tom
 
deck

Why not use the "screwless" fasteners that use clips on the underside of the boards. They prevent warping and have a much "cleaner" appearance than screws.
 
IMHO, screws are better when used vertically (like in ceilings or decks). The teeth give way more "pull-out" strength than nails.

Nails are arguably better when used horizontally (like in walls or framing) because when force is applied laterally, they'll bend instead of snapping like screws.

If it were my deck, I'd use screws. Skip the soap. Use an impact driver.

The hidden fasteners like HJ suggests are nice too, but be prepared to pay in terms of price and time for these.
 
I agree that 'robertson' head screws aare the best...
I use them almost exclusively in wood if I am able...
 
What about the concern with the new pressure treated lumber eating screw that get damp. I've heard some horror stories aboiut conventional hot-dipped screws rotting in a few years. Especially when exposed to moisture. This is why many are going with stainless steel, or finding other methods. It's something to consider.

Molo
 
Jason,
deckmates are a fine screw to use. I think they may even be made right here in the USA.

Molo.

I am seeing a lot of new micro treated boards which are supposed to be far less corrosive then ACQ


Lou
 
I used a very similar product to do a deck a few years back and the appearance is beautiful and the install is easy.

Do a word search for Tiger Claw deck fasteners.
 
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