Applications & FAQ

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FASTENER APPLICATIONS

SPAX® Multi-MATERIAL Construction Screws

For flush or countersunk installation, use SPAX® Unidrive or T-STAR plus flat head construction screws. Where flush or countersunk installations are neither possible nor desired, SPAX® pan head construction screws provide superior draw down and holding performance.

• Fabricating wood shelving
• Replacing loose or stripped screws
• Installing cabinetry
• Sawhorses
• Installing window framing
• Outdoor furniture
• Installing plumbing supports
• Installing plywood or OSB
• Countertops
• Fixture to concrete
• Furring strips to concrete
• Thresholds to concrete
• Medium-duty hanger supports to concrete
• Brick molding
• Drywall
• Composite trims
• Hinges
• Indoor furniture
• Outdoor lighting
• Pegboard
• Modular storage units
• Wooden bridges & wooden walkways
• Heavy wood timbers
• Shelf brackets
• Signs, clocks, pictures
• Subfloor sheathing
• Stair treads
• Recreational wood crafts
• Siding
• Wood fencing

SPAX® PowerLags® STRUCTURAL WOOD TO WOOD CONNECTION FASTENERS

• Deck ledger board attachment (DrJ TER No. 1711-01)
• Deck rim joist and girders
• Deck railing and balusters
• Multi-ply - LVL beams and girder truss assemblies (DrJ TER No. 1802-03)
• Retaining walls
• Exterior privacy fences
• Clothesline poles
• Sign posts
• Outdoor furniture
• Pergolas
• Gazebos
• Shelving
• Sheds
• Mailbox posts
• Mailboxes
• Landscaping timbers
• Spas

SPAX® T-STAR plus Wafer Head Screws

• Installation of fine cabinetry

SPAX® Rear Panel Screws

• Attachment of back panels to bookcases, storage units and cabinetry

SPAX® MDF/Hardwood Screws

• Assembly of medium density fiberboard (MDF) cabinetry and storage units
• Oak and other hardwoods to help guard against splitting
• Connecting cabinetry through the front style frames
• Attachment of lightweight, high-density polyurethane trim and moldings

FAQs

Why do you call your fasteners “multi-MATERIAL?”

The SPAX® fastener has patented features that allow it to perform in a wide variety of applications and materials other than wood, including concrete, masonry, light gauge sheet metal (24ga.) and plastics.

What does Unidrive mean?

Unidrive is a Phillips/Square Drive combo system for the SPAX® fastener. The user has the option of using either a Phillips drive bit or a Square drive bit to install the SPAX® fastener.

Where are SPAX® fasteners available?

SPAX® fasteners are available at most local home improvement retailers, industrial supply houses and online specialty woodworking outlets in the U.S. We are currently working to build a nationwide network of lumberyard and building materials suppliers.

Your packaging says “no pre-drilling.” Does that include concrete?

No pre-drilling is referencing application with hardwoods — not concrete. Concrete applications for our multi-material fasteners require pre-drilling with a carbide bit before installing the SPAX® fastener. Required hole size is published on the back of our product packaging.

Are there any tips to using SPAX® multi-material fasteners in concrete?

Yes. Keep in mind these are primarily medium-duty fasteners, and each application is different. Always use the correct diameter fastener for the applications and carbide bit required. Embedment into the masonry should be ¾” min. to 1-1/4” max. Also, pre-drill the hole ¼” deeper than thread engagement for maximum performance of the fastener. Here is a pilot hole drill chart for these applications:

Can I use SPAX® fasteners in treated lumber?

Yes! Our 304 series stainless steel deck and construction screws, as well as our multi-purpose construction screws with HCR-X™ and powerLags® with high corrosion resistant (HCR®) coatings are compatible with ACQ lumber.

What exactly is HCR®?

HCR® (High Corrosion Resistant) is a dual barrier coating system designed to extend the longevity of the SPAX® fastener when installed in treated lumber applications. The first barrier is an electrically applied substrate with a proprietary organic topcoat offering 1000 hr. salt spray performance. NOTE: HCR® from SPAX® is typically green in color.

What is HCR-X™?

HCR-X™ (Extra High Corrosion Resistance) is the latest proprietary dual barrier coating system developed by SPAX® U.S. It offers similar corrosion protection to that of SPAX® HCR® coating in that it has been approved for use in freshwater environments and for use in treated lumber. Note: HCR-X™ from SPAX® is typically grey/silver in color.

What are SPAX® screws made of?

Excluding our 304 series stainless steel line, all of the SPAX® fasteners are heat treated to Grade 5 durability carbon steel, from the small #6 diameter fasteners up to the ½” diameter PowerLags®.

What is the difference between blue zinc (silver) and yellow zinc?

The first difference is the color itself, which gives the user an option for aesthetics. The yellow zinc is a slightly higher grade of plating for corrosion protection vs. the blue zinc.

How many fasteners do I need?

We would like you to decide that by the practical life expectation you have for your specific wood project or concrete application.

Why can’t I use the PowerLags® in concrete?

The PowerLags® thread pitch and threads-per-inch design is different than our multi-purpose fasteners. PowerLags® are designed to be high-performance fasteners for wood-to-wood applications only.