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An Overview of Structural Screws

There are a lot of structural screws on the market—see how CAMO’s structural screw line can help you build better.

As its name suggests, a structural screw is a fastener used in building an exterior or interior structure. CAMO structural screws are rigorously tested and are capable of doing some pretty heavy lifting and making critical connections in everything from house framing to deck building.

While there have been fastening solutions for these connections before, like lag screws and nails, innovation has led to various structural screw lines on the market that are code-compliant, perform well, and offer some more features and benefits than fasteners of the past. Let’s look at CAMO® structural screws to get a sense of what these screws can offer.

A Solution for Every Structure

Whether you’re working on an interior or exterior project, you can use a fastener from the full line of CAMO structural screws to get the job done. The line includes Framing screws, Multi-Purpose screws, Multi-Ply + Ledger screws, and Truss screws:

  • Framing Screws are specifically designed and load-rated for interior and exterior framing applications and replace 8d, 10d, and 16d nails. They offer better holding power and stronger connections in wood-to-wood framing or deck blocking applications.
  • Multi-Purpose Screws are a reliable option for various general construction projects and replace lag screws in deck posts, beams, and handrails. They are available in flat head and hex head and in 1/4″ and 5/16″ diameters for you to conquer any project.
  • Multi-Ply + Ledger Screws hold strong and finish flush in multi-ply wood headers and beams, interior and exterior ledger boards, and general construction applications. They replace lag screws in general construction and traditional nailing patterns that don’t always draw the wood together.
  • Truss Screws secure the truss and rafters to the top plate, stud to the top plate, and, thanks to their exterior coating, deck joists to beams. They are the ideal replacement for hurricane ties in general construction and decking applications. They are also easy to fasten at the right angle with the hands-free truss guide included in every pail.

Tested and Code-Compliant

Our complete line of CAMO structural screws has been independently tested, audited, and certified as IBC and IRC code-compliant by DrJ Engineering, an accredited certification body. Our screws have received technical evaluation reports (TER) from DrJ certifying code compliance for general screw properties and specific structural applications. They also feature our proprietary PROTECH™ Ultra 4 coating system that has been tested to meet or exceed ASTM G198, withstanding corrosion 2X longer than the industry standard—the only coating on the market to do so. Our hex head screws are also available in the standard hot-dip galvanized coating, which is excellent for coastal applications.

Intentionally Designed for Easy Use

Each type of CAMO structural screw was engineered to start fast, drive smooth, and hold strong with no pre-drilling required, saving you time on the job. They are sleek in their design compared to a beefy lag screw and are heat-treated to add strength. They all feature sharp points that start fast, a Type 17 slash point that reduces splitting, and an aggressive thread TPI and angle for increased holding power. Our Truss screw is fully threaded from head to tip for maximum holding power, while the rest of the screws feature a straight knurl that reduces torque for easy driving in their applications.

Speaking of easy driving, all you need to install CAMO structural screws is your cordless drill and the included driver bit. Be sure to set the drill to the low speed and turn up the torque to the highest setting to let the screw do the work, and you’ll be done before you know it.

So before you pick up another box of lag screws or nails for your next framing or structural project, consider investing in high-performing, code-compliant structural screws to help you build better.