Color and Type Options for Zip Screws

Zip screws, are a standard fastener in many construction applications. With a range of available zip screw colors and finishes, professionals can make their work look cleaner without sacrificing durability.

What Are Zip Screws?

Zip screws have many other names, including needlepoint screws. These screws have self-piercing points and twin-fast threads that work with 24- to 30-gauge sheet metal. Many industries, including HVAC and roofing, use this type of screw for projects.

Types of Zip Screws

Zip screws are often plated with zinc for applications in areas such as the HVAC industry, but there are other materials available, as well. In addition, there are variations in the designs of these screws for different functions. Some types of zip screws include:

• Rust-resistant: In gutter construction and other outdoor applications where rust is a concern, ceramic-plated and stainless steel zip screws are standard. Ceramic plating is often tested by up to 1,000 hours of salt spray to ensure protection. Stainless steel screws include magnetic and non-magnetic styles.
• Auger points: These fasteners have a cut out at the screw point, allowing displaced wood to escape and prevent splitting. With high/low threads, auger point zip screws offer greater resistance to pull out.
• Gutter styles: Needlepoint screws designed for gutter construction use a #10 shank and high profile 1/4″ hex head. These gutter styles also include a fillet under the head for added strength.

Zip Screw Colors

Colored sheet metal screws are often used in roofing applications where builders want the fasteners to match the roof color. Using painted sheet metal screws can make your project look cleaner and more professional.

Since colored zip screws have many applications, there are many colors available to suit your needs. Whether you need white painted sheet metal screws or a more unconventional color, you can find what you need at All Points Fasteners. We carry a variety of 20 hues for your projects. For example, if you are looking for a specific green to match what you are working on, you can select from our forest, leaf, marine or moss green tints. With a paint chip, we can also color match for your project.

Find Colored Sheet Metal Screws at All Points Fasteners

All Point Fasteners carries a range of self-piercing screws for your sheet metal applications. You can also find specialty zip screws with coatings and gutter configurations. Explore your options today and make your next project durable and professional. Request a quote or contact us today to receive more information about our products.

Designer Screws Other Than Zip & Tek Screws

Not Just Zip Screws and Tek Screws!

Having been in the fastener industry for contractors since 1986 selling zip screws and tek screws you would think there would be nothing new to learn. Wrong! Although we specialize in screws mainly used by the Heating and Air Conditioning and Gutter industries , more and more I am hearing from OEM’S or engineers who are desperately looking for screws that don’t exist. They needs head diameter’s that are smaller so that they will fit in between narrow grooves, points that will penetrate hard plastic, then go through 30 gauge steel and then tap into stucco then into wood. And they are being used outdoors in the snow but should be rust proof but not as expensive as stainless steel. And all in the same screw! It’s a wonder I have a hair left on my head!

In years past, designer screws were a source of frustration for me because one of my contractors would pick up a screw that he really liked on a job site and then want me to locate a source for them. After many hours, maybe days, of diligent searching, I would finally find out that someone like a major hotel chain had the screws made especially for them to install the cabinets in their hotels and getting the same screws with the same dimensions was never going to happen.

Well the good news is that some manufacturers have changed their willingness to do smaller orders so that the chance of having these ‘designer screws’ manufactured is much higher now than it was in the past. Within recent months, we have been successful in procuring parts that in the past would have been impossible to supply. Of course, there are still minimums to be met but instead of having to order containers of screws in order to get the manufacturers interested, we can get away with a pallet or two. Good news for some but still not low enough for others.

Still, there are many more options available to choose from than there were 20 years ago, starting with coatings to keep screws from rusting as quickly. Take a look at our ceramic coated zip screws, available which with painted heads as well. These parts work great in areas where weather conditions are moist. We will soon be supplying needlepoint screws which are stainless steel as well as ceramic coated which will bring increased rust resistance.

Self-tapping Ceramic Coated Zip Screws

Self-tapping Ceramic Coated Zip Screws

What are ceramic coated zip screws? Everybody is used to seeing common self-tapping needlepoint screws, also known as zip screws, which are plated zinc. These screws are primarily manufactured for inside installations since zinc plating is not really rust resistant enough for outdoor use. Zinc plating is usually available in three colors – white zinc (the most popular), blue zinc (very attractive for screws that are exposed) and yellow zinc (very popular plating for cabinet installers).

Another familiar variation to zip screws are standard zinc plated with the heads of the screws painted to match the gutters or siding.

A much less well known option is the ceramic coated needlepoint screws. Other names used for ceramic coating is Ruspert and Dacromet coatings. These ceramic coated zip screws offer more resistance to rust. The entire screw is coated, including the shank, with a method which can safeguard them with a 500 hour or 1000 hour salt spray tested product. These same screws can be bought with the heads color painted as well. This offers additional protection as well as matching the color scheme of gutters and siding. They are not as rust resistant as, say, stainless steel self-piercing screws, but they do very well in applications that need a little more resistance to rust.

MATERIAL /FINISH: CERAMIC COATED CARBON STEEL (1000 HOUR SALT SPRAY TESTED)

The ceramic coating is a non-organic, tri-layered ceramic surface coating developed to attain the best possible performance in the numerous pollutive and atmospheric conditions that cause corrosion. The 1st layer: a metallic zinc layer, the 2nd layer: a high-grade anti-corrosion chemical conversion film, and the 3rd top layer: a baked ceramic top coating. The distinguishing feature of the silver ceramic coating is the tight joining of the baked ceramic top coating and the chemical conversion film thanks to the cross-linking effect. These layers are bonded together with the metallic zinc layer through chemical reac tions, and this unique method of combining layers results in a rigid and dense combination of the coating films. The coating does not attribute its anti-corrosion properties to merely a single material, but the synergy of these three layers, which combined have superb rust proof qualities.

Compatible with metal coated and painted surfaces, fasteners coated with silver ceramic are resistant to acid and alkaline attack, galvanic corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement.

These fasteners conform to corrosive gas test standard (Kesternich) DIN50018 and give a Salt Spray Fog test to exceed (JISZ2731) 1000 Hours. (ASTM B117)

Zip Screws for Siding

 Zips Screws for Siding

A remodeled home may be constructed of the best internal materials and have the safest and most up-to-date wiring and plumbing. But, if the exterior doesn’t look good, many possible consumers will routinely reject it. Amongst other factors, climate and environment can make siding replacement necessary over time. When deciding on siding, you may want to consider, “What are the ideal products for the job?” These products include the materials used in the zip screws used to install siding.

At All Points Fasteners, we have a wide selection of vinyl siding screws and other zip screws for drilling into vinyl siding. We’ll help you find the right screw type for your siding project to complete it efficiently and quickly.

What Are the Different Kinds of Siding?

The types of siding include:

• Vinyl.
• Wood.
• Asbestos.
• Asphalt.
• Aluminum.
• Hardboard.

There is no solitary siding option that suits all construction. The background of siding is lengthy, and products have become popular and then declined in favor.

Vinyl

The most prevalent variety today is vinyl, a plastic compound first found in 1872. It became commercially viable in the 1930s and was widely used in home construction after the 1960s. It has retained much of its popularity since that time, and vinyl for this function consumes a big percentage of production.

Many of the difficulties associated with vinyl have been overcome, allowing it to become the dominant material used today. It competes directly with aluminum. Vinyl siding these days generally covers up older products such as wood.

Wood

Wood was the predominant choice for years. When available, wood is attractive, occurs naturally, doesn’t require a chemical processing plant, and adds charm and warmth to a home. It is still a very popular form of siding, but environmental and manufacturing issues have made it less economically possible for many people. Wood must be repainted just about every few years, and damp climates can cause it to deteriorate over time.

Asbestos

Through the 1950s, many homeowners began to cover their home’s wooden exteriors with asbestos, prior to acknowledging asbestos’ inherent health hazards. This kind of siding was manufactured until the 1970s, and there are still homes with this form of material. Its main advantage was fire and insect resistance, but as soon as other products became obtainable, asbestos use was largely deserted.

Asphalt

Another economical siding alternative was asphalt. This low-cost building material was one of the least attractive options available and consisted of a base sheet covered with a thick, gooey black mixture that contains crushed rock. This material was very weather-resistant and could be disguised to look like other materials such as brick. After an initial boom during the post World War II years, the use of asphalt was eclipsed by aluminum.

Aluminum

Aluminum siding was also a post-war phenomenon of the second half of the 20th century. It is lightweight, relatively easy to install, and covers worn and unattractive older exteriors with a minimum of effort. Aluminum rarely needs repainting, won’t rust, and in general, has been considered a much more viable and permanent solution to external home needs.

The biggest disadvantage of aluminum is production. Creating aluminum from bauxite is energy-intensive and can be environmentally degrading. This metal is easily dented and won’t bounce back into shape.

Hardboard

Hardboard, a material composite of wood chips and epoxy resin, was touted as a substitute, but there were really serious moisture retention issues. Because of those issues, vinyl regained the lead in siding popularity.

What Are the Benefits of Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl has been the popular siding choice for years because of its many benefits. The advantages of vinyl siding material include:

• Cannot dent.
• Moisture-resistant.
• Won’t snap in subzero temperatures.
• Doesn’t need grounding.
• Won’t erode.
• Cost-effective during construction.

How Do I Decide Which Siding to Use?

Deciding on the correct material for siding installation means finding the right material appropriate to the style of construction (zip screws or tek screws, which are self-tapping, included) and overall budget. For example, using vinyl to cover the exterior of a stately Victorian home would be a mismatch and simply not look right. On the other hand, using expensive wood siding on a tract home may not be the most practical solution, either.

A very good idea is to gather samples before deciding on alternative material and look at other homes in the neighborhood to see what has worked best. Once the choices are narrowed, then it is time to start working out the details of construction with the contractor of your choice.

What Are Zip Screws and Why Should I Use Them for Siding?

Zip screws are fasteners with a threaded design and fine point that can pierce through hard materials, like siding, and create their own hole. Its penetration capability comes from its threading, which extends to the pointed end. After the first penetration, a second thread catches the material for quicker fastening. Zip screws are made with a heat-treating process for long-lasting strength.

At All Points Fasteners, many of our zip screw options have a hex head. Compared to other head styles, the hex head is more secure during and after installation. They are available with zinc plating, ceramic coating (for additional corrosion resistance) and stainless steel with ceramic coating.  All these are also available with painted heads to match your siding.  With all these options available, you are sure to find the right zip screw for your project.

Contact All Points Fasteners About Screws for Vinyl Siding Today

If you need siding screws for vinyl, come to All Points Fasteners. We have the hardware you need to get the job done and help your siding last for years. Our large selection is sure to have what you need.

For answers to your questions about zip screws for siding, contact our team by completing our online contact form or calling 800.483.6354.