Star Drive Deck Screws have Arrived!

Stainless Steel Star Drive Deck Screws

Also Known as Torx, 6lobe, and Hexalobular Drive

Star Drive Deck Screws are here by popular demand! Star Drive Deck Screws are functionally the same as our standard Square Drive Deck screws, however they feature an unconventional drive style that offers many installation benefits including higher torque possibilities and more resistance to cam out than a conventional style like Phillips or slotted.
The “Star” drive style for screws (like many things in the industry!), goes by many names including Torx, 6lobe and Hexalobular and is characterized by having a fastener recess with six points of contact which allow for these benefits.

Stainless Steel Deck Screws in all drive styles feature a notched Type 17 point to help cut into the wood or composite boards being installed, as well as sharp cutting threads for stronger retention. Stainless Steel Deck Screws are used primarily in outdoor applications due to the corrosion / rust resistant properties of the metal, making them a good choice for long-lasting applications.

For more information on Deck Screws in both Star Drive and Square Drive and to browse our selection visit our Decking Fasteners section today!

Stainless Steel Security Socket Set Screws

Stainless Steel Tamper Proof Socket Set Screws

18-8 Stainless Steel Pin-In Set Screws

Socket Set Screws in this selection are driven with a special hex key or allen wrench designed to accommodate the hex drive with a central pin (pin-in). This pin prevents tampering with the fastener after assembly because it cannot be driven by a standard bit or hex key. Socket Set Screws are also referred to as Grub Screws, or simply Set Screws. Stainless Steel Set Screws are used in applications where a flush surface is key. Because they are headless fasteners, this property also adds a level of security to the screw, since it is resistant to gripping devices and anything besides the corresponding bits.

Socket Set Screws, Grub Screws
Set screws are commonly used in pulleys, tracks, manufacturing, surfboard fins, handles and grips. Tamper proof screws are commonly seen in public areas because removal of the fasteners will be difficult, if not impossible without the correct bit. Because of this, they are commonly found in public restrooms, safes, hotels, campgrounds, jails and food processing areas. Stainless Steel tamper proof screws are ideal because the corrosion and rust resistance of the metal makes these screws suitable for long-lasting applications.

Shop Tamper Proof Set Screws Today!

Waxed Nylon Lock Nuts

Thread galling, or fastener seizing (locking nuts and broken bolts) is a common problem with when working with stainless steel and other soft metals. We discuss thread galling in-depth in previous posts as well as on our Fasteners 101 Page. We are excited to offer a new solution to this common problem: Waxed Nylon Lock Nuts.

Waxed Nylon Insert Lock Nuts are treated with wax to act as an on-board anti-seize which saves time and money because an anti-seize solution does not have to be applied to every stainless steel fastener assembly. The anti-seize is already in the nut (via the wax). This time-saving property makes Waxed Nylon Insert Lock Nuts ideal for assembly lines, factories, or anyone looking to skip a step and save time.

Waxed Nylon Insert Lock Nuts are functionally the same as regular Nylon Lock Nuts, however the wax treatment adds lubricity which deters thread galling commonly seen in stainless steel fasteners.The nylon material prevents loosening from vibration and cross threads to stop the nut from backing off of the fastener.

Shop Waxed Nylon Insert Lock Nuts Today!

Self Drilling Screws – Sheet Metal Screws with a TEK Drill Point

Self Drilling Screws

Also Known as TEK Screws, Drill Point, Self Drillers and Self Tapping

Self Drilling Roofing Screws

No Matter what you may call them, a Self Drilling Screw is a time saver! Self Drilling screws feature a distinct flute or drill point at the end of each screw, as well as self tapping threads to turn a three-step installation into one quick job. The TEK drill point, as well as the self tapping threads of the screw eliminate the need for pilot hole drilling and hole tapping before screw installation. Self Drilling Screws are used primarily when fastening into steel or other metals, and are typically used to join materials like sheet metal.

Self Drilling Screws are primarily made of harder metals, or treated to make the material harder. Typical materials include hardened Zinc Plated Steel, and 410 Stainless Steel. This is to ensure that the drill point is a harder metal than that into which the screw is being installed. 410 Stainless Steel is ideal for Self Drilling Screws because it maintains the corrosion resistant properties of standard 18-8 Stainless, but can be heat-treated up to 40 Rockwell C. This is why self drilling screws are commonly used in roofing applications in combination with a watertight neoprene sealing washer, and for attaching metal roofing and siding panels to metal stud framing.

Not All TEK Screws are Created Equal

The distinguishing drill point of a Self Driller is what makes them unique, however these points come in different lengths for different applications. The Drill Point of one of these screws is given a TEK number, which can be determined by the length of the flute. TEK points are available in TEK 2, 3 and 4-5. The typical 25 to 16 gauge metal will require the use of a TEK 3, but 14 gauge and below will require TEK 4-5. This is why TEK 5 screws are used for fastening into structural steel. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the TEK number (the longer the drill point), the thicker the metal. It is fundamental that the point is high enough on the TEK scale to pierce the metal being drilled into.

TEK 3 Pancake Head Self Drillers

TEK 5 Hex Head Self Drillers

Check Out Our Selection of Self Drillers Today!

For More information on Self Drilling Screws, including seeing them in action, check out our video below

What are Tapcon Masonry Screws?

BUY TAPCON MASONRY SCREWS

Phillips Flat Head

What are Tapcon Masonry Screws?

Tapcons are a type of masonry anchor used for light-duty fastening to concrete, brick, block, and other masonry materials. They are commonly called Concrete Screws or blue screws because of their appearance and how they function. Like all Masonry Anchors, Tapcon Concrete Screws are installed into a hole drilled into the material. They are available in both Slotted Hex Head and Phillips Flat Head varieties.

Tapcon Screws work by tapping threads into a pre-existing hole with advanced thread-form technology. The threads of the screw cut into the material surrounding the hole, ensuring a solid and snug fit. The diameter of the pilot hole is determined by the diameter of the screw. It is essential that the hole be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw so that the threads can tap adequately. For 3/16″ diameter Tapcon Screws, a 5/32″ drill bit is used for the hole and for 1/4″ Tapcons a 3/16″ masonry drill bit is used. Tapcon Concrete Screws are removable. However, it is not recommended to reuse the same hole because the cutting threads can compromise or destroy the holding power.

Slotted Hex Head

Tapcons are most commonly seen in the Blue Climaseal™ ceramic coating finish. This blue coating is uniquely applied to the alloy steel fastener in multiple stages through dip-spin technology. The coating provides extended protection against corrosion and rust for the fastener, making the concrete anchors suitable for exterior and long-lasting applications.

Check Out Our Selection of Tapcon Concrete Screws Today!

In This Video

Our Fastener Expert shows us how to install concrete screws.