Senco DS300-AC For Decking

HandyHails

I just bought this . I want to get some feedback from you guys who have used this to secure the decking on decks. I have my first deck job of the season coming up, ( 12 x 16 w/ 2x6 decking), and would like to know if you guys think this would be the ticket.

I've never used a collated gun before and I'm looking forward to not having to spend an afternoon on my knees. Is this gonna be more trouble than it is worth?

Also, where is going to be the best place to get the 3" deck screws for this setup?

Thanks,

Josh

Tinstaafl

I haven't done decking with one, but I've used the drywall version. As long as it's in good shape and well-adjusted, you can definitely move along quite a bit faster than with a standard driver.

The drawback of that though, is that you're going to have a tendency to "randomize" your screw pattern. I hate wavy lines of screw heads on an otherwise neat & clean deck.

When you get it, definitely take the time to practice on some scrap before getting out on the job. As for sourcing the screws, I know HD carries the drywall screws--but haven't noticed if they have deck screws like that. You'll definitely pay more for collated; don't forget to budget for that.

HandyHails

I budgeted $200 for screws and nails for this deck. That was really just a guess though. I can get them online if I have to, but obviously would rather not. I start the tear down of the old deck next Thursday.
I think I'll practice on my own deck w/ a strip or two before I take it to a customers, thats for sure.

Thanks,

Josh

IHI

It is the ONLY gun we use when doing PT decking and it's a life saver...one of those tools you wish you'da bought years ago. I can drive screws at a rate of 4:1 vs an impact driver and 6:1 vs a typical 18V drill. The only downfall is on medium and large decks, it does wear out your shoulders, so if you have guys on site, you can whip decks out in no time flat by going in shifts. The first 14x20 deck we did it was all screwed down (5/4 PT decking with 2 1/2" screws" in 12 minutes, but there were two of us cycling to stay fresh and go like the dickens.

Few tricks:
it's trickey to line up the screws since the collapsable foot is pretty good size and hampers view. i took and painted lines across the center line of the foot and the sides so i can line the foot up with the previsouly snap lined lines. if you put the edge of the foot just inside the radius of the decking it comes out about perfectly spaced from the edge of the decking board.

We always picture frame our decks first and then we'll just start throwing the boards down and packing them in tight, and i use a wedge cut from wood to wedge in the last course to make them all tight jointed butted against each other. Then we take a string line with white chaulk/talcium powder and snap every floor joist for the entire deck. One guy or two can start screwing it down while the other's start railings, steps, fascia boards, etc....then the chaulk washes off with no trace with a garden hose.

You just made a very smart investment, 1 bucket of screws goes a looong ways, the pachaging is very decieving. We built a U shaped deck that was 48x8, 44x8, 48x8 and only used 2 buckets. I often borrow this gun out to freinds and they're all in awe of it when they bring it back. Depth adjustiment is simple/fast, loading is fast, screws drive ubber fast with no slipping/stripping...it's just a bad mamajama

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HandyHails

Sweet! I'm glad to hear it! This one came in the mail today and looks to be in great shape. I like the tip for the talcom powder in the string line. I'll use that a lot.

So just one more question. Where do you get your decking screws? 84 lumber supplies my lumber, but doesn't carry the screws. I have time to mail order them, but would rather keep away from the shipping if I can.

Thanks,

Josh

IHI

I just pick mine up from Menards, they carry the whole Senco line and all fastener's for everything. Average $37 a bucket. Home Depot carries them locally, two ma and pa lumber yards carry them locally. I'd try to get online and see if there's any Senco dealers in your area and see if they can help a person out by stocking them or at least specing them into decks bids when you order one. We still use the impact for the picture framing, and what not, but is'nt anyway i'm making the guys walk on their knees for production line deck screwing anymore...unless we're caught up and they need "busy work"

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HandyHails

The Tyrex and Senco brands are interchangeable correct?

I found these and think they should work in this gun.

Thanks,

Josh

deckman22

Reminds of a Pam screwgun.

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BreyerConstruct

Handy, where ya at?
Check with Green Hills, that's where we get 'em.


~Matt

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HandyHails

Green Hills told me they don't carry any Senco products. What gives?

BreyerConstruct

Sorry, just checked- we've got a Simpson QuickDrive... similear, but I don't think they're the same... sorry for the misinformation!
~Matt

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HandyHails

No worries, AD Moyer's got the 3" on order for me as we speak.