CAMO deck screws and hidden clips fasten square-edge and grooved decking for deck builders. Edge Screws keep the fastening hidden on square-edge boards, while clips give grooved boards a fastener-free surface. Start with the board edge, then choose the fastening system.
CAMO is National Nail’s brand of deck fastening systems, exterior fasteners and installation tools. It launched in 2011 with its Edge fastening system. It’s known for hidden fastening, with screws, clips and installation tools that work together.
Deck screws for square-edge boards
The Edge system puts the fastening at the board edge and leaves the face clear. That’s the reason to choose it when the finished surface matters to you. Plan tool access at walls and stair risers before you fasten the surrounding boards.
For stand-up edge fastening, the 2-3/8-inch Collated Edge Screw fits 1–1-1/2-inch-thick pressure-treated, cedar, redwood, uncapped composite and PVC boards and runs through DRIVE’s orange Edge nose piece.
For face fastening on 1-inch-thick composite or PVC boards, the 2-1/2-inch Collated Face Screw runs through DRIVE’s black Face nose piece.
Hidden clips for grooved boards
For grooved boards running at 90 degrees across wood joists, EDGE clips fit that layout. They sit on the joist until fastening and create a 3/16-inch board gap. That gives you a defined gap as you set each row.
WEDGECLIP accommodates any deck pattern on wood joists with grooved composite, PVC or hardwood boards. WEDGEMETAL accommodates any deck pattern with grooved composite, PVC or hardwood boards over 14–18-gauge metal joists.
Match the tool to the fastener
DRIVE handles Collated Edge Screws, Collated Face Screws and CAMO Universal Deck Clips with interchangeable nose pieces. You can fasten standing up and change the nose when the fastening method changes. That’s useful on a deck that calls for more than one fastening method.
ClipDRIVE attaches to a drill and provides stand-up fastening for CAMO Universal Deck Clips.
For EDGE clips, you can also fasten by hand with the NEVER-MISS Guide. The guide is included in 450-count and 900-count Universal Deck Clip pails.
Keep the guide seated and the gaps deliberate
Hidden fastening depends on where the screw enters the board. Chips trapped beneath a guide can lift it and move that entry point, making the fastening more visible. Clear debris from beneath the guide before driving the next screw.
Board spacing deserves the same attention. For most square decking installations, CAMO recommends secondary spacers to allow for expansion, contraction and drainage.
Package coverage gives you a starting estimate. Closer joist spacing, borders and extra framing at board ends can increase the fastener count. Count the fastening locations in your layout and allow for dropped or damaged fasteners.
EDGE clip specifications and DRIVE tool fit
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| EDGE clip framing and layout | Wood joists; 90-degree deck patterns |
| EDGE clip board spacing | 3/16 inch |
| EDGE clip construction | 305 stainless steel gusset and screw; nylon plastic spacer body |
| EDGE clip package counts | 90, 450 or 900 |
| EDGE clip listed coverage | 50, 250 or 500 square feet, respectively |
| DRIVE Edge nose piece | CAMO Collated Edge Screws; orange nose piece |
| DRIVE Face nose piece | CAMO Collated Face Screws; black nose piece |
| DRIVE Clip nose piece | CAMO Universal Deck Clips |
| DRIVE handling | Reversible handle and quick-change nose pieces |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will CAMO screws work with composite decking?
CAMO has different screws for different composite boards, so the cap matters. Collated Edge Screws are specified for uncapped composite, while Collated Face Screws are offered for composite, capped-composite and PVC decking. The face screw’s cutting lead edge helps it finish flush with the board.
How does the CAMO hidden deck fastening system work?
CAMO hides the fastening at the edge of square-edge boards or uses clips in grooved boards to leave the face clear. The edge screw has a small trimhead to reduce its visibility, while the clips use a gusset to hold the boards down. Your board edge determines which method fits.
Do you need a special screw gun for CAMO deck screws?
CAMO collated screws are designed exclusively for the DRIVE tool, with a separate nose piece for edge fastening and face fastening. You can drive them standing up, and the packages include the matching driver bits. That tool requirement applies to the collated screws, so it’s worth distinguishing those from loose screws.
What size CAMO deck screws do you need?
The 2-3/8-inch CAMO Collated Edge Screw is specified for 1–1-1/2-inch-thick pressure-treated, cedar, redwood, uncapped composite and PVC deck boards. The 2-1/2-inch Collated Face Screw is specified for 1-inch-thick composite and PVC boards. Match both the board material and thickness; screw length alone doesn’t tell you whether it fits the job.
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