It’s day one at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, and one of the most interesting booths I’ve visited so far was FastenMaster. Some people might not recognize the brand name, but you may have heard of all of the products under that FastenMaster name, things like Timberlok and Ledgerlok structural fasteners, TigerClaw hidden deck fasteners, Thrulok bolts for building decks, and the Cortex concealed screw system for installing synthetic trim and decking.
No more hurricane ties!
For those who don’t know, FastenMaster is also using their 6″ long Timberlok screws as a code-approved method for connecting roof rafters to the top plate of a wall. By driving the screw up through the top plate and into the underside of the roof rafter, builders can eliminate the need for hurricane ties. The screws are installed at about a 22 degree angle, and the company has a little jig to help guide the angle. I was told there is a new and improved product that will be coming to market this year that will build on this budding concept of using a structural screw to replace a hurricane tie, but the product managers refused to share the prototype with me at this point. They did promise that it’s going to be cool, and that while the current system does the job, the new and improved solution is going to capitalize on what the company has learned about this application. My guess is that means a different screw design, and perhaps a setting tool of some kind. More to come on that, hopefully Fall of this year.
Smooth faces for built-up beams
Another popular application for FastenMaster’s structural screws is for joining plys of LVLs to create built up carrying beams and headers. The current solution, the company’s so-called TrussLOK screw, has a hex head that protrudes from the face of the engineered beam after it’s fully driven. FastenMaster’s new solution, which I believe will also be taking the TrussLOK name (I may be wrong about this…), will replace that hex head with a flat style head. No more furring out the beam before attaching drywall! The drive system on the screw also got a makeover – the standard star drive set up is being replaced with a European design that has a deeper, more positive connection between driver bit and screw that should make installation a lot easier.
For more on FastenMaster products, visit www.fastenmaster.com
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FastenMaster's TimberLOK screws can be used to reinforce the connection between roof rafter and wall, eliminating the need for a hurricane tie.
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FastenMaster's improved TrussLOK screws drive flush to the surface, and use a new style of star-drive bit that engages the fastener deeper and more securely than previous designs. Translation? they drive way better!
