FastenMaster Common Questions (FAQ)

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

Cortex for Decks is made for 5/4” thick Azek, EverGrain Classic Colors, TimberTech Twin Finish, Trex Accent and Trex Escape decking. It is not recommended to use Cortex with any other brands. The deck plugs are made from the exact same material as the decking boards to ensure color matching.

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. By using the Cortex for Decking screw and driver bit you are assured of the proper fit.

Cortex 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 screw’s head off from the elements.

FastenMaster requires two screws 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 hand rails.

FastenMaster products are backed by a manufacturers warranty.

• FastenMaster TimberLok Warranty
• FastenMaster LedgerLok Warranty

The TrapEase screw is the original composite deck screw. Throughout the years it has become a favorite of contractors and do-it-yourselfers. When TrapEase was designed composite deck boards were less dense than those manufactured today. The TrapEase II screw was designed several years ago to work in the newer, more dense composite deck boards to give a flat, professional look without predrilling. Its smaller head and top threads give it that advantage. Some prefer the smaller head style of the TrapEase II over the original TrapEase. TrapEase still remains very popular and following the directions on the box assure a professional appearance. Many prefer the larger #2 square drive citing slightly easier installation. Both are outstanding choices.

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 which 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.

ThruLOK is a faster, easier, stronger approach to the carriage and hex head bolts with its nuts and washers. ThruLOK requires no predrilling and only a drill to drive the fastener in.

The TrussLOK (the red screw) is designed for joining only engineered wood products together. Its usage in sawn lumber is not recommended. The threads have wings which break up the fibers in the LVL to reduce the chance of splits in the beam. It is available in three lengths specifically designed to join either 2, 3 or 4 LVLs together.

The TrussLOK-Z (blue screw) is designed to join multiple plies of 2X lumber together. This is commonly done when ganging up 2X plies for girder trusses, floor joists or vertical studs/beams. Its short thread and long shank is designed to clamp the plies together, prevent board jacking and keep the stronger shank between the plies for maximum strength.

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 of 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.

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. HeadLOKs can be used nearly any place a TimberLOK can. It is particularly useful to fasten structural insulated panels and fasten rigid foam during deep energy retrofits.

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.

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.

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