EB-TY - EB-TY

Editor's Review: Fasteners for Grooved Decking

EB-TY makes eight different-size, biscuit-shaped, black polypropylene fasteners. The main difference between models is the height and width of the spacer legs. The height of the leg on regular models works on decking that is 1 in. and thicker, and the short-leg models are for 11/16-in. and 3/4-in. decking. The different leg sizes gap the decking at 1/8 in., 3/32 in., 1/4 in., or 3/16 in. Although some are fastened with screws driven straight down, most EB-TY models have oblong holes in the top so that you can drive screws diagonally through the bottom edge of the deck plank. The diagonal screw attaches both the EB-TY fastener and the leading edge of the decking to the frame.

A couple of models also have hollow tubes formed into the leg—the company calls them “Live Cylinders”— designed to absorb expansion and contraction. The shape of EB-TY fasteners matches standard biscuit-joiner mortises that you can custom-cut in the decking at each joist position.

Although not widely publicized, EB-TY fasteners also can be secured with 1/2-in.-crown stainless-steel staples.
The staple legs drive right through the plastic fastener and into the joist.

Price: $1.35 to $1.74

Editor Test Results: