FastenMaster screws and deck fasteners are for deck builders, remodelers and framers connecting wood framing and installing decking and trim. For the ledger connection, LedgerLOK is designed to drive without predrilling. That’s a useful place to save a drilling step when you’re attaching a ledger to a house.
FastenMaster is a construction-fastening brand and a division of OMG, Inc. Its LOK Line consists of structural wood fasteners. Its deck and trim fastening systems serve professional contractors.
LedgerLOK for the house ledger
LedgerLOK is intended to attach deck ledgers to houses, replacing traditional lag screws or through bolts. Its design lets you skip a separate predrilling step where the installation requirements allow it. Have the ledger held in position and the screw locations laid out before driving.
Length selection starts with the thickness you’re fastening through and the required penetration into the supporting wood. Picking by ledger thickness alone misses part of the connection. Use the LedgerLOK length specified for the actual assembly.
LedgerLOK comes in hex-head and flat-head options, with hex and TORX ttap drives listed. Match your bit to the screw before the crew starts.
Match the structural screw to the connection
TimberLOK is a wood-to-wood screw designed to eliminate predrilling when attaching two pieces of wood. ThruLOK uses a self-tightening nut as an alternative to traditional through-bolts, with stated applications for deck posts at rim joists and beams at posts. FlatLOK has stated applications for connecting multi-ply LVL, LSL and PSL beams and for girder trusses.
Match deck fasteners to the actual board
For board compatibility, FastenMaster’s color-match tool takes the decking brand, board collection and board color, then lists matching products with SKU and packaging information. Those details identify the board you’re actually installing. Make the selection using all three.
Cortex conceals fasteners with plugs made from the same material as the matching deck boards, while collated strips keep the plugs organized for one-handed use. Tiger Claw’s stainless steel hidden deck clip is intended for grooved boards. TrapEase is designed specifically for composite decking with a non-mushrooming design that addresses raised material around the screw head.
Deck Frame Coating is a rubberized waterproof coating that forms a moisture barrier intended to deter rot and decay on deck joists, beams, ledgers, stair stringers and posts.
LedgerLOK specifications
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Intended connection | Deck ledger to house |
| Traditional fasteners replaced | ½-inch lag screws or through bolts |
| Listed lengths | 3 5/8 inches to 5 inches |
| Head options | Hex head and flat head |
| Drive options | Hex and TORX ttap |
| Predrilling | Designed to drive without predrilling; follow the installation requirements for the connection |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FastenMaster deck frame coating used for?
FastenMaster Deck Frame Coating forms a rubberized waterproof barrier on deck joists, beams, ledgers, stair stringers and posts to help deter rot and decay. It protects the framing you’ve built, but keeping water from collecting in that framing still matters.
Can LedgerLOK screws replace lag screws on a deck ledger?
LedgerLOK is designed to replace ½-inch lag screws or through bolts when attaching a deck ledger to a house. That doesn’t mean you can copy an existing bolt layout and assume the connection is right. Screw length and placement need to follow the installation requirements for your assembly.
Do TimberLOK screws need pilot holes?
TimberLOK is designed to connect two pieces of wood without predrilling. That can save you a separate drilling step, but the installation requirements for your connection still determine whether a pilot hole is needed.
What are ThruLOK screws used for?
ThruLOK is an alternative to traditional through-bolts for joining deck posts to rim joists and fixing beams to posts. It uses a self-tightening nut and is designed for installation without predrilling. You still need the fastener specified for the thickness of your connection.
What are FlatLOK screws used for?
FlatLOK is used for connecting multi-ply LVL, LSL and PSL beams and for girder-truss connections. Its low-profile flat head helps where a projecting head would get in your way, and it uses a TORX ttap drive. The fastening pattern depends on the assembly you’re connecting.
What makes TrapEase screws different from ordinary deck screws?
TrapEase is designed specifically for composite decking, with a non-mushrooming design that addresses material pushed up around the screw head. That raised material is what can leave you with a bump at the fastening point. Compatibility still depends on your particular deck board.
Do FastenMaster Cortex plugs match Trex decking?
Cortex has plugs for compatible Trex decking, made from the same material as the boards they’re paired with so they expand and contract together. You need a match for the board collection and color, not just the brand name. Plugs are available in kits or separately.
What bit do HeadLOK screws take?
HeadLOK screws take a Spider Drive bit. If you’ve already got a TORX ttap bit out for another fastener, it isn’t the specified drive for this screw.
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