About 1 1/2 years ago I built a deck outside my tool shed. Yesterday I noticed one of the 5/4 TYP deck boards was popped loose at the end. I first thought sloppy screwing would be the blame but on inspection I see the 2 – 2 1/2″ deck screws are broken slick off just below the deck board.
I’m often amazed at the warping potential of SYP boards but I’d never expected it would be sufficient to snap off the screws. But then again I don’t know what Grip rite rates the shear of their deck screws at, it’s not on any specs I’ve seen at their site.
It’s an easy fix but I hope this is a cautionary tale to people who put such screws to load bearing applications.
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No corrosion?
could overdriving have weakened the screw at the thread start?
thanks
good questions....
No corrosion evident. I haven't seen that to be a problem with these screws before, anyway it's only been 1 1/2 years since install.
Overdriving is always a possible but both screws are snapped off and broken about 1/4"up from the joist. I don't know how that relates to the point of most stress but would guess it suggests from the deck board.
The deck boards came in a lets make a deal lumber pile at the lumber yard and sure enough had to be clamped in submission, no doubt they might be under more than the average deck board stress but still......
There's always the question.....
How's China doing with steel these days?
I've never been terribly impressed with the visible quality of Grip-rite screws, but it's often all that you can get at Home Despot.