anyone know the best hidden fastener system to use with trex decking, solid composite, 1 1/2 inches thick boards?
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NOT Tigerclaws.
Joe H
I second that! Chuck
the Trex rep came by my office and showed me all the latest & greatest... including their new "Escapes"anyways he showed me a SS hidden fastener that takes one screw, is painted black, and is mfr'd for them by TigerClawso... my question is... why not TigerClaw ?
we've never done a hidden fastener yet....yetMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike, Trex is too hard, the claws will not penetrate as they are supposed to. You end up beating the snott out of it and still they won't seat.
I did one deck with them, ended up setting the plank in place, banging it to mark the points, then drilling each and every hole so they would go in. Added days to the project.
I'm sure with something softer they work as advertised, with Trex they don't.
If you search here, you'll find the same complaint from others.
Maybe they have something new, but I'll never try them again. I'm out in the boonies, ordered them via UPS. No calling the rep to "Show me how these wonderful things work"
Joe H
We just completed our first deck with Deckmaster brackets and I'm pleased so far. Tigerclaw seemed a bit Neanderthal-like, and Eb-ty and others that utilize a plate joiner or groove had their issues as well.View ImageView Image
I will plan to use them again. This is our first foray into hidden fastening, so take my stamp of approval with a grain of salt.
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Is one screw per board enough?
My business partner decided to do one instead of two. Honestly, I don't think that was much of a time saver but we'll see.If it's a problem we'll get more screws.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Fastenmaster IQ hidden fastening system, a little pricey, but it installs from the top side and does work very well.
I saw one that another guy did that appeared to be done with hidden fasteners, but was not. He used PL Premium glue and SS trimhead screws. Trex heats up with a screw going thru it and remelts as you pull the bit, was his explanation. Bury the head and it self, heals.
So I could see the holes when I got down on my knees, but not really noticeable from standing position
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We've used trim head screws before on Trex, but we did not get "self-healing" results. Maybe his materials or technique were better, but we didn't get those results.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Just passing on the idea without recommendation. I have only done one Trex deck myself. Most have been CVG fir or IPE`
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The system John Blakemore is, in my opinion the best. I have done quite a few with those and also a few with those tiger claw deals(waste-o-piece-o ##$%^&$).
A tip for those though is that we would alternate which side of the joist we put them on and also alternate between joists. Meaning if you are in a joist bay there is a hanger on your left joist on the inside and a hanger on the right joist would be on the outside. (make sence?) I don't know why but that system seemed to work the best for us.. Utterly fantastic results with the under screwing though. I even used them on a wood deck..Awewsome
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