Hidden Fasteners

13 years ago

I caught a bit of Ask This Old House and Tommy was using a newer fastening system to install, I think, Ipe decking. They were an odd "t" shaped, pneumatically driven fastener. They appeared to be driven in on an angle (like hardwood flooring) through the edge of the first course of decking and the top of the "t" stuck out, providing the "catch" for second course.

Seemed kind of interesting although I would imagine the price of a special gun would make it cost prohibitive for the average DIYer, unless the guns showed up at rental centers.

I'm not too keen on nailing decking but was wondering if anyone (John) had any thoughts on the system.

Comments (3)

john_hyatt
13 years ago
I cant picture them. J.
deckman22
13 years ago
Sounds like those tigerclaw clips. They have a special gun that shoots screws through the clip & into the wood. Their rep sent me one to try out on a job, but the customer wanted to use the clips I had all ready used on another job so I did not use it other than a couple of test shots.

The tigerclaw clips seemed plenty strong enough to hold ipe. I had a problem putting the clips on the end of the gun & getting it off, but I did not look at the installation dvd they sent. I'm sure once you got the hang of using it the installation would go quicker/easier.

If you are going to use their clips they might be able to send you a gun to use. I believe the guys name at tigerwood is Greg Hartman, look up their number & ask for him, he was very helpful.

Al
Related Professionals
Green Bay Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Layton Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · New York City Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Pecan Grove Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Verde Village Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Cliffside Park Home Builders · Norco Home Builders · Syracuse Home Builders · Cedar Rapids Flooring Contractors · Fargo Flooring Contractors · Germantown Flooring Contractors · White Bear Lake Flooring Contractors · Bonita Siding & Exteriors · Riverside Siding & Exteriors
GWgal
13 years ago
The system is called Hid-Fast. I believe the nailer is available for rent - I believe they have information about this on their website. I've used it and it works extremely well on ipe, although installation can be challenging simply due to the density of the wood. The end result is worth it, though.