The Best Screws Use to Install Copper Gutters

Copper Gutters and the Screws Used to Install Them

If you’re looking for stylish rainwater systems for your home, copper gutters, installed with stainless steel copper plated needlepoint screws, will certainly tick all of the right boxes. Homeowners are continually on the lookout for rainwater systems that offer the striking appearance and adaptability that they demand of their guttering.

There are several reasons for choosing copper gutters for your home. Copper gutters are one of the most resilient and hard-wearing forms of rainwater system on the market and this is an important characteristic for many homeowners. Needless to say, the materials used in the construction of rainwater systems need to be extremely hard-wearing given that they will be buffeted by the elements on a daily basis and copper gutters are certainly one of the most well-equipped to deal with this.

In terms of establishing the most sought-after form of rainwater systems, it is definitely the case that copper gutters are one of the first thoughts that consumers will have when updating their guttering. It is important to realize, however, that copper gutters really should be installed by professionals in the field of guttering because this will ensure that you maximize their performance levels.

The stainless copper plated zip screws to install these gutters come in three different choices. One style is 410 stainless steel (magnetic) which is copper plated. A benefit of using 401 stainless steel is that you will be able to use your magnetic chucks which will make installation easier. A downside is that because there is some carbon steel in the make up of the screw, which makes it magnetic and also a little stronger, there will be some surface rust after time. But being used with copper gutters the effect will blend in with the patina of the copper.

Another choice is 18-8 stainless steel (non-magnetic) copper plated zip screw. Since this style has no carbon steel, no surface rust will develop, however, it will not be magnetic either.

And then there are the pure copper zip screw. These, though, are only available in 8 x 1/2.

Many gutter installers who do copper gutter also use pop rivets which are copper with brass mandrels. The mandrels are made of brass because brass is stronger than pure copper but won’t have a chemical corrosive reaction with the copper gutters. Copper rivets with steel mandrels are pretty common but finding them with brass mandrels can be more challenging.

Whilst copper gutters, installed with stainless steel copper plated zip screws, will cost a little more than other forms of guttering on the market, you certainly get a heightened level of performance for the additional cost. When it comes to getting the best bang for your buck in your purchase of copper gutters, it is best to head online and opt for professionals who can exhibit their credentials with a portfolio of their work.

Pure Copper Zip Screws or Copper Plated Stainless Steel Zip Screws?

Pure Copper Zip Screws or Copper Plated Stainless Steel Zip Screws?

At All Points Fasteners, we pride ourselves on delivering above-and-beyond service to our customers. We always encourage questions or general requests for assistance in selecting the right products. Something we often receive phone calls about is pure copper screws, a relatively new product in our inventory.

Many service contractors want to use these copper screws for installing copper downspouts, which makes perfect sense. A copper screw would hide nicely when used to fasten a copper downspout, and the results would look beautiful and seamless. But, before you place that order, it’s important to understand more about the performance of pure copper screws.

Pure Copper Screws Are Too Soft to Self-Pierce

Yes, pure copper screws at first glance look like the perfect solutions for installing copper downspouts. But there’s one huge drawback to using copper screws for this type of job. The pure copper screw is too soft to self-pierce the copper downspout, which means you would need to pre-pierce with another fastener before installation — something harder.

Of course, as a service contractor, time and efficiency are of the utmost importance. While pure copper screws might look great on copper downspouts, do you really want to spend the time to pre-pierce with another fastener? Most likely not. But, there’s good news: You can enjoy an attractive alternative that delivers the appearance you want without the need to pre-pierce.

What’s Your Best Alternative Copper Fastener Option?

What’s your best alternative to pure copper screws? We have two other types of screws that will do just the trick! Our 18-8 Stainless Steel Copper Plated Self Piercing Zip Screws work perfectly with the copper metal gutters without any surface rust. They’re not as hard as our 410 Stainless Steel Copper Plated Needlepoint Zip Screws but will self-pierce just fine in the copper downspout.

Many service contractors debate the merits of copper vs. copper plated screws, and this is a perfect differentiating example. The reason someone might choose copper-plated vs. pure copper screws is because they don’t require self-piercing, which in turn saves time on the project. In many cases, copper-plated screws serve as a perfect substitute for pure copper.

There is also one other alternative for you to consider. If you want a slightly harder material, check out the 410 Stainless Steel Copper Plated Needlepoint Zip Screws! They will have slight surface rust, but blend right in with the copper patina. Take advantage of these copper-plated stainless-steel screws to deliver the appearance and performance you’re looking for.

Why Choose All Points Fasteners?

At All Points Fasteners, we are passionate about connecting service contractors with the perfect fastening solutions for their work. We do this by offering a huge selection that includes both pure copper and copper-plated screws, as well as a wealth of other fasteners. If you don’t see what you need in our selection, we can even help you chase down those difficult-to-find parts.

You can count on competitive pricing at All Points Fasteners, too. Request a free sample of copper-plated stainless steel screws or pure copper screws to test out their quality, durability and “fit” for your upcoming project. You can also request a free quote to help you budget for an upcoming project. You’ll find our products meet the highest quality standards, and our pricing is fair and aligned with market value.

Rely on us at any time for help. Get in touch with specific questions, or just for general guidance as you navigate our selection and search for the fasteners you need. We know just how challenging it can be to find exactly what you’re looking for, but we also know how vital it is to have the right parts. That’s why we’re committed to providing above-and-beyond customer service and support focused on helping your next project reach its full potential.

Contact us today for a quote, a free sample or to ask questions about our selection of fasteners and other products.