Replies

1. 
   fingers | Nov 25, 2009 07:31pm | #1

   I just did a small job with Cortex screws from Fastenmaster.  The screw cuts its own counterbore which you then fill with a plug.  In the material I was using the match was perfect and invisible from more than two feet away.

   If they hold up over time it would be good.  They are fast and easy.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/25/2009 11:32 am ET by fingers

2. 
   joeh | Nov 25, 2009 07:58pm | #2

   I used them once with trex.

   They took forever, had to drill each piece after trying to knock them together as advertised.

   They will not penetrate trex.

   Joe H

    

1. 
   JamesP | Nov 25, 2009 09:44pm | #3

   So you had to drill where the tiger claw "penetrates" the composite? The composite I am using has the groove down the length of the board. Will that make a difference?

1. 
   joeh | Nov 25, 2009 10:59pm | #4

   Can't tell from here.......

   I used TREX, it's too hard for the teeth to sink in.

   If you have a groove it seems the manufacturer might have a recommended system?

   Joe H

    

3. 
   raymond128 | Nov 26, 2009 12:51am | #5

   Hi James
   I have used the Tiger claw system a bunch of times with composite decking that has a groove built in on the side.

   I really like it. it's a time saver especially if you are working alone.

   I have used the Ipe clips with Ipe once along with a biscuit joiner to make the grooves....great system just waaaay too much work and too slow.

   hope this helps.

4. 
   Simon32 | Nov 26, 2009 01:19am | #6

   We just finished a deck using Gossen Tuscan Cherry grooved boards w/ the clips and screws provided by Gossen.  They are made by Tiger Claw and worked great.  We usually use an undermount system made by Deckmaster which is slow and time consuming.  The Tiger Claw system w/ the grooved boards was about 3 times as fast.  Two of my guys installed about 350 sf in a morning using the system.  The guys said they want to do all of our decks from now on using the grooved system w/ iTiger claw clips.  Hope this helps.

5. 
   rocketdog | Nov 26, 2009 06:26am | #7

   I used Eb-Ty's with my grooved TimberTech.  Easy to use and no predrilling.  Go to mcfeelys.com.   They've got loads of deck fasteners.  I got my color coordinated through-deck SS screws and bits from them for the edges of the deck.  Predrilled a bit and had NO mushrooming.  Screws are invisible.   Ran out unfortunately and bought some form HD to finish up, they were ####:  mushrooming, stripped and cammed out tops  

6. 
   jameslee | Nov 26, 2009 02:26pm | #8

   If your board already has a groove then I would recommend the fastener from Fiberon.  Fiberon is a composite decking but their clip is fast and easy.  I am surprised that the product you are using does not come with its own clip.

7. 
   DanH | Nov 26, 2009 08:04pm | #9

   Just buy whatever and leave em somewhere in my garage. They'll be hidden before you know it!

   A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter
8. 
   caseyr | Dec 03, 2009 07:46am | #10

   I used something called "The Hidden Link". The reason I chose it was that it was the only fastener system I found that I didn't have to fasten the first and last deck boards to the deck through the face. (And also because they were available at my local lumber yard). They are a fairly simple device and easy to use. However, they are not the least expensive as a case of 100 (with screws) set me back somewhere around $134, if I remember correctly. This link will give you more info:

   http://www.shadoetrack.com/

9. 
   Lawrence | Dec 03, 2009 08:38am | #11

   James... have some class and stay away from composites.

   I simply won't use them until they offer a respectable warranty... you should read the tripe BS they are currently offering as a warranty... that goes for all of them. (ie. when they cover labor and disposal costs for warranteed materials)

   What type of composite fasteners is a moot point imho.

   L

   GardenStructure.com~Build for the Art of it! Decks Blog

1. 
   DanH | Dec 03, 2009 03:29pm | #12

   And what warranty do you get on wood?
   This country will not be a permanently good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a reasonably good place for all of us to live in.  --Theodore Roosevelt

1. 
   Lawrence | Dec 03, 2009 04:07pm | #13

   Dan... glad you asked.http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=127191.1
   GardenStructure.com~Build for the Art of it! Decks Blog