Hidden Deck Fasteners

John Hyatt

When the clip guys recomend hevey bodied adhesive I was always thinking it was not for the hold down power because the frame is going to move slightley during the weather changes and pop what ever joint was made, it was to make up for uneven framing that happens with the bad mill pt lumber (and any other framing lumber) has.

The idea being to stop squekes and poping as the stuff is walked on by a bunch of Folks because the decking cliped in is not actually fastened to the frame its floating in the slots. The ebty guys provide a little screw thats ment to go past the clip and into the decking but the install is really silly and pron to maney mistakes.

I use the adhesive puting down S American lumber because it protects it from all the water gassing off from the green pt lumber in the first few important weeks. J.

Btrbimmer

John,

Have you used the TC-120 on any of the hardwoods? Do you you groove with a biscuit joiner, or buy it grooved?

I know many people use the TC-G for TT grooved composite (the gun looks pretty cool), but I have not seen anyone mention the TC-120.

Also, these cost about more than twice as much as screws. Is it worth it?

Thanks,

Brett

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"Well, sir, opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one." -Clint

John Hyatt

I used those tc clips on timbertech 5/4 at the Wallets request the stuff comes pre groouved.

For the no fastener look on S American I go T&G material. There are a few little tricks to doing this and The George at East Teak has a special mill on file for me, basicely we inlarge the G an 1/8'' and round over the joint. T&G decking drains the same way fase fastened does thru the gap.

This is true no fasteners showing and works well just like the ipe jobs I have out over 10 years. Brett,,, if your strating out on ground leval like it sounds you are it might be a little advanced for ya.

On the other hand the up sale is very good,it requires fewer fasteners,is pretty simple ( to me ) goes fast and is a whole lot less money/time than using the clips and I can get more for it. J.

buildenterprise

Anyone see this nailer yet? I checked it out today at one of my suppliers, a friend of mine used it on a deck and he loves it.

http://www.hid-fast.com/index.html

Btrbimmer

This does not look suited for any of the S. American hard woods, and it seems an adhesive would be a good idea.

The web site does not provide much detail on which decking material is compatable or the spacing.

__________________
"Well, sir, opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one." -Clint

buildenterprise

It's mainly for PVC and composite decking I believe, I wouldn't try it on ipe but it IS a modified hardwood flooring nailer so maybe it would work for some hardwoods. The fastener has a leg that creates a heavy 1/8" gap.

Bone Saw

Ghhartman, thanx for hooking me up with dave, we met up last weekend at west marine down in balt, got the jaw and gun from him, I'll be giving it a whirl and some feedback soon. BTW I owe dave a beer or 10 next time I go down to the bay, never expected he'd give enough clips and screws to knock out SEVERAL projects with, like I said, always have been a fan of TC products

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ghhartmann

We want to help and we want the tools in the hands of the guys that can put them to the test.

Let us know how it works out and if you need anything else.

BTW It was John you met in Baltimore. I may have said Dave. Dave covers north of Philly.

Bone Saw

you are correct, apologies to john and dave for the mix. i owe john a beer, actually i'll be tied up at the city dock across from aquarium tonight and tomorrow he can stop over for a beer if he is in the area

__________________
Custom Decks & Carpentry LLC.
Chester County Custom Decks
Custom Deckbuilder Mainline
Philadelphia Deck Builder
Custom Decks & Carpentry on Facebook