Good Morning, I am installing a good bit of 5/4 PT decking this weekend and was wondering which decking screws or nails you all prefer. Which ones have held up the best and have not backed out over time? Thanks in advance for any info. Dale
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10d hot-dipped spiral - 2 per joist, set flush.
Regards
CCA or ACQ wood?
"was wondering which decking screws or nails you all prefer"
Dale,
First, forget nails for the decking. Decking and the joists under it move a lot over time. Nice to be able to tighten any fasteners that rise up, as they enviably do.
I've really gotten to like those new galvanized and triple coated TORX head all purpose screws. They are strong, and have a nice long unthreaded shank, so you can often get by without predrilling.
Stainless, is another "good" option, but is significantly more expensive, not as strong, and will require pre-drilling. But it does have a proven track record of longevity.
Jon
I have been using the deckmate screws from the evil orange empire because they are convienient, I am tempted to switch over to mcfeeleys square drive screws or star drives as well.
"I am tempted to switch over to mcfeeleys square drive screws or star drives as well."
JR,
I get these from the local non-orange big box, made/sold by "Midwest Manufacturing" $8.00 5lbs box. I've been very happy with them.
Jon
Jon,
8bucks for 5lbs..? Where do I send ya money? they are 5.49 a lb. here..local ACE Hardware.
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Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
"Where do I send ya money? they are 5.49 a lb......"
One of the reasons I moved to Wisconsin....Where you can buy a decent sized house with lots of land for less than $100K in a good area, nickle sized washers for a penny, and a box of screws for $8.00. (that price was from a few months ago, don't know what they are up to now)
...and easily earn $20 to $40 an hour if you have have 3/4 of a brain. Winters suck though.
Jon.
square drive stainless steel galvanized or coated will corrode heavily in a few years check stainless fasteners by swan secure
"galvanized or coated will corrode heavily in a few years check stainless fasteners......."
Ed,
May depend on the climate, and the application. Here's a pic of a ten year old screw I just drove up out of my deck I built ten years ago. Cedar decking on CCA PT joists.
Looks like new. Usually exposed to heavy snow in the Winter, heavy dampness in the Spring and Fall. Stainless fasteners by far are the best, BUT are a PITA to use, and way, way pricier.
Jon
Edited 5/18/2004 12:22 pm ET by WorkshopJon
that is in good shape pulled up some real trashy nails and screws over the years, that's why i'm sold on the stainless you know manufacturer on that?
I see some vendors are selling what they term as ceramic coated screws. Anyone have experience with them? I would assume they are too new to get a good feel as to how they stack up long term.
"you know manufacturer on that?"
Ed,
See the prior post. Sold under the name Midwest Manufacturing for well over ten years. I get them at Menards, an Wisconsin based, Midwestern big box.
Jon
thanks, and that is a good price like someone said another post mentioned deckmate from hd know theyr'e about $6.lb., buy them for adjusting door hinges
Im using McFeeleys no corodes right now. There suposed to be able to with stand somthing like 100-200 hours of salt spray.
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