The recently introduced Camo Edge Pro is an auto-feed, stand-up screw gun for installing deck boards. It drives collated screws diagonally through the edge of a deck board for a fastener-free surface.

The most notable feature of Camo compared to other hidden-fastener methods is that you can install pressure-treated deck boards tightly together; as the  boards dry and shrink, a correct 1/4-in. gap develops. The Edge Pro also can be used for installing composite, PVC, or hardwood decking with a gap that can be created with nails, shims, or manufactured spacers.

The tool is powered by a corded Milwaukee screw driver that comes with the $380 kit. It drives collated 2-3/8-in. Camo screws, which are available in both 316 stainless steel ($210 per 1000) and coated steel ($88 per 1000). The 2-3/8-in. length is used with both 1-in.- and 1-1/2-in.-thick decking. It took me 15 minutes to get the hang of using the Edge Pro efficiently. The tool is set against the decking and lined up with the center of a joist. Then the long handle is angled so that the tool’s foot is sitting flat on the deck board.

Driving screws is a two-step process. First you push down on the side handle to compress the feed assembly. Then you push the driver forward to engage the screw.

The driver is similar to the type used for installing drywall. You start it spinning and then push the screw into the decking. The Camo screws’ chisel point doesn’t penetrate as fast as the point on a regular deck screw, so you have to start with a light touch and let the screw pull itself in. Once you’ve got the feel for it, I estimate that you can install deck screws four times faster than if you were using a cordless impact driver or drill. The tool does have one drawback: You can’t use it when you’re within 3 ft. of the house, as there’s not enough room for its long, angled handle. You’ll have to fasten the decking in these spots another way, such as with the Camo Marksman Pro.

Collated Camo screws are sold in boxes of 1000 (20 strips of 50 screws), which is enough to fasten 280 sq. ft. of 5-1/2-in.-wide decking. Every box of screws includes two 6-in. driver bits.