What Makes a Stronger Zip Screw | Design Features to Consider
Zip Screws: What Makes a Stronger Zip Screw?
We, at All Points, believe that whether you call them Sheet Metal Screws, Self-Piercing, Self-Tapping or Speed Point, whether you are using them for HVAC, Gutter or Siding, one thing is certain, time is money and you can’t waste either. I’m sure there’s nothing more frustrating than balancing on a high pitched roof and having to deal with snapping, misaligned screws. Nothing worse than doing something twice.
Another problem you come across is bombarded with the overwhelming amount of screws to choose from. Well hopefully, we can shed a little light on some choices that are out there.
Here are some things to consider:
Hex Washer Heads: Our Hex Washer Head Screws are very popular in the industry. The Hex Head is desired because of its strength and stability. An important thing to consider is the height of the Hex Head. The higher the Hex Head, the more stable the screw. The drill chuck has a broader surface to use to reduce the tension placed on the head of the screw. Since the grip is more secure, there is a much lower chance of stripping the screw head. Which I’m sure you know the nightmare trying to remove a stripped screw head can be. In addition with a high performance hex head will help secure the chuck which will help stabilize the drilling and prevent “wobbling”.
Fillet: This feature strengthens the screw without increasing the size of the screw shaft.
Dacroment Salt Spray: This is a treatment that help to slow the natural oxidation of the metal. This is such a fantastic feature, especially since the forecasts are pointing to another icy, wet winter though out the entire U.S and a good part of Canada. (Credit to www.farmersalmanac.com)
Another fact to keep in mind is the type of screw you are looking for. Again, it will save time and money choose the right screw for the right job. For example, a #10 HWH Screw and a #8 HWH Screw will both work for Gutter Instillation, however, with the wood used in current construction projects have more knots than wood from twenty years ago. The #10 HWH has a thicker shaft and the threads are closer together, which slows the screw rotation. The slower rotation causes the screw to self-drill at a more controlled speed. This allows it to drill through knottier, denser wood, where as a #8 HWH has a thinner screw shaft and closer drill threads which increases the chance of snapping and stripping if used for the wrong application.
Our last suggestion to consider is the material the screw is made of. There are a few to choose from. First there is the Stainless Steel/Copper Plated Screw. This screw works really well with Copper Gutters. This screw is made with a 4/10 gauge steel allows this screw to be used with a magnetized drill chuck.
Another type of screw that works well with Metal Roofs, are Copper Screws. These screw more closely match the Copper Roof. They are made with a 18-8 gauge metal which means there is a higher percentage of copper. This means they are not magnetic, but they better match the natural patina of the copper roof over time.
Stainless Steel screw are another great option. Not only are they strong and durable, but they can be easily used with a magnetized drill chuck. They can be painted to match a lot of the popular colors of the newest styles of today’s metal roofs. Its durability is also a great option for the tiny house trends that becoming a creative option of mobile living.
Hopefully you have found this information informative and useful. With the trends of construction constantly changing, it’s hard to know what is out there. Good thing here at All Points, we are here to answer any questions you may have.
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Gutter screws. They’re not what they were during the ’80s or ’90s. Like everything else, time has evolved from what used to be a standard 8 x 1 1/2 hex washer needlepoint zip screw to our beefy, 10 x 1 1/2 hex washer head needlepoint zip screws with a high profile 1/4″ hex head and a fillet underneath the head to give it extra strength. One nice feature of this screw is that, even though it has a #10 shank, it has a 1/4 hex head, which is standard with a #8 screw. Since the gutter and siding industry uses #8 screws, the #8 style head was used on this screw so that the installers wouldn’t have to constantly be changing the chucks in their drills from 1/4 inch to 5/16 inch magnetic drivers. In addition, there is a high-profile head on the screws so that they will stay in the drivers and not fall out.
Ceramic Zip Screws for Gutters
Another option for zip screws used in siding and gutters is the choice to have a ceramic coating, with anywhere from 500 to 1200 salt spray hours of testing. Ceramic-Coated Needlepoint screws are some of our most popular gutter screws at All Points Fasteners. Compared to traditional gutter screws, ceramic zip screws are well suited for environments with a high frequency of rain or moisture, such as beachfront and coastal properties. They are also ideal for use in humid climates.
Ceramic zip screws have a few advantages over traditional zinc plated and stainless steel options. They are more rust resistant than standard carbon steel zinc plated but not as expensive as stainless steel screws. When you’re working on a small- or medium-sized project, ceramic screws are one of the most economical options.
Dacromet® Screws for Gutters
Screws with this Dacromet® coating are perfect for areas that are exposed to moisture and wet weather. They are also available with the heads painted to match popular siding colors. Dacromet® is one of the most advanced screw coatings on the market today and offers superior solvent resistance. Each Dacromet® screw delivers four-way corrosion protection that’s suited for use with decks, roofs, siding – and most importantly, gutters.
Dacromet® coating is incredibly thin, typically is no more than 0.5 mm thick. This feature makes these screws ideal for applications that necessitate minimal interference between the screw and its coating. What really sets Dacromet® apart from its competitors is its exceptional heat resistance of up to 800 F or 426 C. Dacromet® goes above and beyond just gutter applications and is even used in aerospace construction.
Screws for Copper Gutters
For copper gutters, there are many more options available than what was in the past. Choose from stainless steel zip screws, magnetic and non-magnetic, and copper-plated stainless zip screws to match the copper gutters. As one of the most resilient forms of rainwater collection, copper gutters make a stunning and practical addition to any home.
Copper gutters require screws without carbon steel to prevent surface rust. This requirement makes choices like stainless steel non-magnetic zip screws the top choice for copper gutters, while our copper zip screws and copper rivets also work.
Search Our Selection of Gutter Zip Screws at All Points Fasteners
All Points Fasteners has the inventory and experience necessary to find you the perfect gutter sip screws for your projects. Contact us online today to learn more about our premium product inventory or get help from a gutter zip screw expert.