FastenMaster Common Questions (FAQ)

Try FastenMaster DeckMatch product selector app to find the perfect FastenMaster plugs or color-matched screws for decks and trim.

Every box of Cortex includes deck screws, plugs, and special driver bits. The screw cuts a precise cylinder into the decking board. The plug is inserted into the board. The special driver bit controls the depth of the installed screw and the cylinder depth. Using the Cortex deck screws and driver bit ensures you will have the proper fit.

If installed per the instructions these plugs are difficult, if not impossible to find. Many people report once the Cortex deck plugs or Cortex trim plugs are tapped into place, they blend in and disappear. As the deck boards and plugs weather they typically blend in better.

Cortex deck plugs and Cortex trim plugs are designed to stay in place.

• Plugs are sized with a slight interference fit between the cylinder and the installed plug
• Plugs are made from the manufacturer deck boards so thermal expansion and contraction doesn't result in a plug being squeezed or being loose in the cylinder. Plugs grow and shrink at the same rate as the board does so the slight interference fit is maintained at all times.
• As the screw is driven in, it is cutting the cylinder below the decking's surface the screw imparts a texture on the inside wall of the cylinder. This texture gives the plug a friction fit.
• After the screw is driven to depth with the setting tool the plug is firmly driven into the cavity with a hammer. This compression drives air out from beneath the plug and seals screws head off from the elements.

• Cortex for Azek Decks & Trim
• Cortex for Trex Decks
• Cortex for TimberTech Decks
• Cortex for Koma Trim
• Cortex for Versatex Trim
• Cortex for Boral Trim

The 100 sq ft box contains everything needed to fasten 100 sq ft of deck boards to joists spaced 16' apart. It contains 350 screws, 400 plugs, and 3 special driver bits. The 300 sq ft box contains everything need to fasten 300 sq ft of deck boards to joists 16' apart. It contains 1050 screws, 1200 plugs, and 6 special driver bits. Note: If the joists are spaced 12' apart add 1/3 more to the total.

A contractor-grade 1/2" chuck drill powered by an 18v battery or a corded unit drawing 7 amps or higher is recommended. An impact driver may be used on PVC boards such as Azek or Trex Escape.

No, Cortex for Trim screws are specifically designed for thinner trim boards. The plugs are a different size and made from a different material.

FastenMaster has two options for fascia: plugs & screws. If you have Trex fascia boards, then Cortex for Trex Fascia is what you'll want to use, as it provides a smooth, clean, completely fastener-free appearance. Cortex plugs for Trex fascia are made directly from the board, so they will not be a match for non-Trex fascia boards. For all other fascia boards (non-Trex), TrapEase Fascia Screws are a great product, as they have been designed for fascia board expansion and contraction. They feature a painted head to color-match the fascia board and are corrosion and fade-resistant.

FlatLOK is a multi-purpose structural wood-to-wood fastener that is an alternative fastening method to using nails and through bolts when attaching multi-ply LVL, dimensional beams, interior corridor ledgers, and girder trusses. FlatLOK requires no predrilling and features a flat head that sits flush to allow for easy application of drywall or trim. The TORX ttap drive system maximizes bit fit and reduces the potential for stripping. The TORX ttap drive bit is included in every box.

HeadLOK is a version of a TimberLOK with a 5/8" diameter disc type head. It uses a spider drive recess and driver bit which are supplied with the fasteners. HeadLOK is also available in versions for various thicknesses of steel. HeadLOK fasteners can be used in nearly any place TimberLOK fasteners can. It is particularly useful to fasten structural insulated panels and fasten rigid foam during deep energy retrofits.

LedgerLOK is the first wood screw engineered to fasten a deck ledger board to the rim joist of a house without predrilling. These code-compliant structural wood screws replace traditional ¹⁄₂” lag screws and are available in both hex-head and flat-head styles.

ThruLOK is a multi-purpose structural wood-to-wood fastener that replaces carriage or through bolts and requires no predrilling. It is perfect for specific applications such as multi-ply beams, girder trusses, deck posts, and many other places where a traditional carriage or through-bolt is used.

TimberLOK is the "duct tape" of FastenMaster's LOK line. It is available in common sizes. TimberLOK's small size is deceptive compared to its strength. One of the most interesting uses for the TimberLOK is attaching a rafter or a truss to a double top plate of a wall. In most cases, a single TimberLOK can replace a hurricane tie and the 10 nails it uses.

The FastenMaster VersaLOK is a flat head, heavy-duty wood screw available in three lengths (6”, 8”, 10”). The VersaLOK fastener offers higher design shear than ¹⁄₂” lag screws and requires no predrilling. The superior TORX ttap drive system provides the stability contractors require for demanding applications.

FastenMaster requires two screws to be used to attach the deck board at every joist. Not following this requirement can void the screw's warranty. If the joists are spaced the standard 16' apart and the deck boards are perpendicular (90 degrees) to the joists, simply multiply the number of square feet by 3.5. In this example, 100 sq ft would require 350 screws. If the joists are spaced closer at 12' apart and the deck boards are perpendicular (90 degrees) to the joists, multiply the number of square feet by 4.7. For example, 100 sq ft would require 470 screws. If the deck boards are placed at 45 degrees to the joists, be sure to add 1/3 more fasteners to the totals above. These totals above do not include steps, fascia boards, or handrails.

FastenMaster's TrapEase 3 is the ultimate composite deck screw. It's the only fastener guaranteed to create a clean, finished look without predrilling in all three types of synthetic decking: composite, PVC, and capstock. TrapEase 3 screws feature an anti-fade color-coated head and are available in colors that will match top deck brands.

Stainless Steel screws have two advantages and two disadvantages when being compared with screws made of case-hardened steel. Stainless steel offers a level of corrosion protection greater than steel. Stainless steel screws are usually more flexible than case hardened steel screws. Stainless steel screws are more expensive than case-hardened screws and are also softer than case-hardened steel screws. Stainless steel screws should be used in the entire deck where it is near the ocean or a source of salt, where composite or PVC deck boards are supported by sleepers, and where air circulation beneath the deck board is poor. Stainless steel screws are recommended when attaching composite or PVC decking over a single piece of wood. This is commonly done on fascia boards that are attached to the outside of joists and where composite decking is applied directly over wood decking. The combination of using very durable deck screws made from case hardened SAE 1022 steel to fasten down the composite deck boards to joists and flexible stainless steel screw in areas where it is needed will help build an economical and long-lasting deck.

FastenMaster's GuardDog Exterior Wood Screws have been trusted by pros for over 20 years. These versatile screws are commonly used for cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated decks, railings, fencing, and more.

The following clip shows the new updates made to GuardDog screws in 2021.

FastenMaster's PAMFast is an auto-feed screw system that uses an auto-feed screw gun and compatible screws to easily install subfloor, decking, drywall, and more. The PAMFast screw gun is fully assembled for use while standing, but also adjusts to being handheld for wall applications. The PAMFast gun is meant for use with PAMFast screws or FastenMaster Trapease 3 screws.

PAMFast auto-feed fasteners are designed for various wood and steel frame applications. There are PAMFast screws designed for installing subfloor, wood decking, composite decking, drywall, tile roofing, cement board, steel framing, and crating or pallets. Click See the selection of here to find which PAMFast screw is right for your application.

The PAMFast AutoFeed Screw Gun holds 50 screws per collated strip, which makes installation fast and eliminates the struggle of handling loose screws.

The FrameFAST Structural Framing System changes the way framers frame. It utilizes one tool, one screw, and three interchangeable heads to provide a code-compliant replacement to standard hurricane ties, clips, and straps. The patented delivery system ensures correct installation angle and offset every time, while eliminating the need for ladders, nail guns, and hoses.

The FastenMaster Non-Load Bearing (NLB) Connector is a system for attaching non-load bearing walls to trusses and joists above. Installation is up to 10x faster than traditional methods because the NLB Connector allows the installer to replace the current method by easily making the non-load-bearing lateral connection in one step – with no pneumatic nail guns or hoses required. Plus, connections can be completed with just one fastener while standing on the subfloor, eliminating the need for ladders.

The FastenMaster Lateral Tension System (LTS) is a lateral load resistance system that is designed to transfer the lateral forces on a deck to the wood frame it attaches to. LTS is built to resist 750 pounds of tension and installs in four locations along the length of the ledger board.

The TrussBRACE Roof Truss Support system provides both lateral and diagonal restraint in one application. The design allows for easy web member bracing and roof sheathing application, with no need to remove temporary braces before sheathing. TrussBRACE increases safety, improves efficiency, adds stability, and saves lumber, time & money.