Headcote screws?

[David Meiland]

We have a deck to do with exposed screws. Anyone used Headcote screws? Does the powder-coat in the recess hold up if you drive them using an impact?

[JMS BUILDERS]

We have a deck to do with exposed screws. Anyone used Headcote screws? Does the powder-coat in the recess hold up if you drive them using an impact?

no better off using trapeeze if you have to fasten in that manner

[Greg Di]

David,

If it's cold out (less than 50), than you'll have to predrill everything even with Trapease screws. I spent all day predrilling today. Be sure you use a 3/16" bit, no bigger, no smaller or else you'll have problems with the screws spinning out.

Also, stock up of #1 square drive tips. The one (yes one) bit they toss you in the Trapease box breaks very fast with an impact.

I have had good success in warmer weather with the Trapease screws and a lower RPM corded screw gun. I find any composite screw to be tempermental when driving into ACQ. Some suck the board down tight and give you nice flush headset, others in the same box with just spin and spin. I don't get it.

[David Meiland]

Application here would be 3/4" hardwood decking into PT framing. I think the #7 x 2-1/4" screws will be OK (they're a #1 square drive). I don't want to go with larger heads. We'll have to predrill all of the holes thru the decking, obviously, and countersink for the heads of the screws. Still have to look in my toolbox and see if I the countersinks I have will work well enough.

[Greg Di]

Application here would be 3/4" hardwood decking into PT framing. I think the #7 x 2-1/4" screws will be OK (they're a #1 square drive). I don't want to go with larger heads. We'll have to predrill all of the holes thru the decking, obviously, and countersink for the heads of the screws. Still have to look in my toolbox and see if I the countersinks I have will work well enough.

A-ha...I didn't know you were talking hardwood. You don't want Trapease then.

The SmartBit countersink tool works well for Ipe and hard stuff. The old ones were $18 each and didn't have replaceable bits. I still see them on shelves so beware. The new version has a replaceable bit which you'll need after the first bit snaps!!! They make a countersink with a tiny head for trim screws.

Also, get a good screw extractor if you don't have one. I don't know if it's the impact driver, the stainless screws, or the inconsistent framing lumber, but whenever I have to face screw Ipe, I always snap a lot of screws and it can ruin your day.

As far as the Headcote screws go, I wouldn't trust the paint to stay on the heads regardless of how you drive them. Any painted head screw I've ever used looks gnarly after they are driven. The paint always chips no matter how careful you are.

[David Meiland]

Greg, that's what I suspected and you probably just saved me money and embarrassment. I think we'll just use regular SS and hope that the heads dull down a little bit. Never seen a SmartBit but I will look them up.

[Steve Unkie]

I second the SMARTBIT idea, but you may end up needing to use a larger pilot bit also. We had to do this to keep from snapping or stripping ss screws.

Steve.

[redwood10]

I actually have used the headcotes a lot. If you use the smartbit and sink them properly, the coating is no problem. We impact them all in. The only problem with the coating is if you need to sand and the screws are not set in enough.

I think that they are very transparent to the eye if they resemble the color of the wood.

That said, if your hardwood is going to be allowed to weather naturally, the SS screws don't look bad. Otherwise they stand out.

[Starborn Industries]

We have a deck to do with exposed screws. Anyone used Headcote screws? Does the powder-coat in the recess hold up if you drive them using an impact?

David,

In the interest of full disclosure, I will preface my post by letting you know that I am the Deck Products Specialist for Starborn Industries which is the company that owns the Headcote trademark.

Headcote stainless steel screws were designed with an extra deep #2 square recess. Because of this, the driver bit fits securely in the recess and chipping of the powder coating (if any) is very limited - even with an impact driver.

For applications / sizes / color matches, you can visit starbornindustries.com or contact me (contact info is listed below).

Thank You,
Ryan Unick
Deck Products Specialist
Starborn Industries, Inc.
732-381-9800
runick@starbornindustries.com
starbornindustries.com

[Bob scott]

David,
I also have used a ton of headcote screws and the paint doesn't chip.

This is mostly on azek, mahogany decking and regular pine.

They are way too expensive but they seem to work good to me when I need them.

Also, that countersink bit Greg is talking about works great with them. Most lumber yards around here have them.

Good luck


Bob

[rpuglisi]

i use head coat a lot with no problems . for speed drill with an electric drill and drive with a drill not impact driver ( too much time is wasted not driving the screw while the impact driver resets) the paint stays fine as long as u drill deep enough ( clear your chips from the bit ) for wood clogging the bit dipping the bit in h2o really pops the sawdust off the bit as it expands . if u dont sink deep enough foot traffic or snow shovels will wreck paint

[rpuglisi]

what the hhhh this thread is old .....

[S.Joisey]

Mr Starbourn must have really been digging around.