Most deck builders will try to avoid having two boards butt end to end on any deck project. However, it isn’t always possible. Decks that are more than 20 feet long, as well as most decks built with random length lumber, will always require boards to be joined end to end. Hidden deck fasteners cannot always accommodate these butt seams. In the past, builders would either have to sister a joist below the butt seam, create their own solution, or bridge the seam with a single fastener. Attaching a sister joist below every butt seam is time-consuming. A homemade solution can be equally time-consuming and may be questionable in its integrity. Bridging two board ends with a clip meant as a single board/joist fastener is never going to hold as well as it is meant to.
TigerClaw has developed a solution for the butt seam issue – the TigerClaw Butt Seam Clip. The Butt Seam Clip is a mirror image of the TC-G. Using this clip in conjunction with the TC-G allows a builder to install the two clips side by side on a single “2 by” joist. This TigerClaw Butt Seam Clip is equal to the TC-G in speed, ease of use, and strength.
TigerClaw TC-G is one of the most widely used hidden deck fasteners for all types of grooved deck boards. The speed and ease of installation, versatility, strength and hold-down power make this a builder’s favorite clip.
The Butt Seam Clip comes in handy for two other applications:
- When the ends of the deck planks are going to be cut flush to the joists for a flush fascia or trim. Use the TC-G on your right outer joist and the Butt Seam Clip on your left outer joist to keep the fastener well inboard and out of the way of your circular saw.
- When the builder runs out of TC-G clips and only needs a couple dozen clips to finish the job. Instead of having to buy the 90 clip bag of TC-G he can now buy this less expensive bag of 55 Butt Seam Clips to finish the job.
Every bill of materials for a grooved deck installation should include at least one bag of TigerClaw Butt Seam Clips.
TigerClaw is available at DIY Home Center.