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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.

How Does a Screw Work | Different Types & Uses

When you’re taking on a large project like building a deck or framing a new room, you’ll need an ample supply of screws and other fasteners. If you’re wondering about the different types of screws and when one will work more effectively than another, All Points Fasteners is here to help.

We offer multiple types of screws and have all the information needed to help you use them properly. We’re here to help you get your projects done right and done fast.

How Does a Screw Work?

The world of screws is vast, and you’ll find no shortage of different options when you shop for screws for your next project. How does a screw work?

A screw has the same overall shape as a nail, but it includes a spiraling groove travelling around and down the shaft. The head has several options, including hex, pan, flat and round.  Drives can be slotted or made with a Phillips head design for driving.

When you need to hold two materials or objects together, the groove helps keep the screw in place and the bond secure. To drive the screw into a material, you’ll need a screwdriver or drill that’s compatible with the head design.

There are many different types of screws, and while their exact uses differ, what a screw does best is hold two things together. What are different types of screws used for? Here’s a primer on the different types of screws available to you, as well as some key information as you evaluate what types of screws will work best to meet your needs.

What Is a Screw Used For?

Screws are fasteners for all sorts of construction projects, large and small. The reason there are so many different types of screws is that there are so many different ways objects and materials need to be fastened.

Sometimes screws are classified by the material they are used to fasten. For example, you might find you need concrete screws for fastening objects to concrete, wood screws for fastening objects to wood, or drywall screws for fastening objects to drywall. No one screw or fastening could possibly serve as a one-size-fits-all solution, because there are simply too many different needs and applications for screws and fasteners.

What Are the Different Types of Screws?

Because of how many different ways there are to use screws, you’ll find there are tons of different types of screws. Here are just a few of the different kinds you’ll find when searching for the right solution:

These are just a few of the different types of screws. You may find that the screw you need is classified into one of the categories above, but it’s also categorized by its drive type (Phillips, slotted, combination, star, etc.) or by the shape of its head (oval, flat, button, round, pan, etc.). In some cases, you may find a screw is classified by a combination of terms. For example, you might find that you need a slotted flathead metal screw.

What Is the Difference Between a Self-Tapping Screw and a Normal Screw?

With most screws, you’ll need to drill a pilot hole that creates threads and helps guide the screw into a secure spot. That’s not the case with self-tapping (or self-drilling) screws. When you choose self-tapping screws, there’s no need for a pilot hole. The screw creates its own threads as it is installed and remains tightly in place despite any activity or vibrations.

What’s the benefit of self-tapping screws?

Self-tapping screws save tons of time when you’re working on a significant project. For example, if you’re working to fasten objects and you need to use several dozen screws to get the job done, choosing self-tapping screws can significantly decrease the amount of time the project takes you. This is incredibly important in large construction projects where getting the project done on time is of the utmost importance.

These screws are also reliable, as they hold materials together firmly and have a long service life. Installing self-tapping screws with a coating can also prevent discoloration of the material due to rust or corrosion, making these fasteners ideal for harsh environments.

Get the Screws You Need at All Points Fasteners

At All Points Fasteners, we work each day with service contractors to ensure they have the screws they need to deliver outstanding results. We specialize in tracking down even the most difficult-to-find fastening solutions — so our clients always have access to exactly what they need.

You find nothing but products of the highest quality in our selection, as well as affordable pricing that helps your project stay under budget. We provide domestic quality at an imported price. If you can’t find the right part for your project, let us know and our experts will point you in the right direction. We’re committed to your satisfaction, so we’re always happy to work with you to find the products you need.

Browse our vast selection of screws online today or contact us to learn more.

Installing Drywall Anchors – Tips & Tricks

How to Install Drywall Anchors

When hanging artwork, shelves, TVs or other heavier items on hollow walls, you can drastically increase their security by installing wall anchors.
Anchors reduce the chance of the hung materials becoming too heavy for the screw to bear, and they also help to cut down the chances of damaging the surrounding wall. Once you sort out the details, installing drywall anchors and screws is an easy task anyone can accomplish with the appropriate tools.

What Types of Drywall Anchors Can You Choose From?
Before drilling headfirst into your wall, you’ll need to analyze the different types of drywall anchors to determine the best fit for your situation.
Some popular models include:

  • Hollow Wall Anchor: Also called “Molly” anchors, hollow wall anchors will often see use in medium-duty applications. They’re formed using a machine screw that’s been threaded through a slotted metal sleeve. Tightening the screw will cause the sleeve to expand, and its spread will rest against the inside of the wall to disperse the screw’s load. These anchors can usually hold around 50 pounds in 1/2-inch drywall.
  •  Toggle Bolts: “Butterfly” anchors are a classic type, and they’re arguably the strongest type of drywall anchors. The metal sleeves utilize two spring-loaded wings that open inside the wall. You need to fold back the wings and then insert the unit into the wall, and it will then spread back out to create a sturdy hold. Different models give you different holding capacities. Slender bolts can hold up to 30 pounds, while thicker iterations can hold more than 50.
  •  Plastic Screw Anchors: You’ll most often see plastic anchors for light-to-medium usage, making them exceedingly common. Its cost-efficient hardware that gradually expands as you thread the screw.

Tips for Installing Drywall Anchors

Once you’ve decided what type of drywall anchor you’re using, you’re ready to get to work. Here are five tips to consider when going through the process.

1. Find the Right Spot

As opposed to other mounting jobs, you can avoid using studs and instead pick anywhere that you feel comfortable. If you’re hanging multiple items, measure out the distances accurately to avoid overcrowding. Mark the desired spots with a pencil, then break out your drill.

2. Use an Appropriately Sized Drill Bit

Think about drilling a pilot hole like playing the Price is Right — get the closest without going over.

Your drill bit should nearly mirror the diameter of the anchor, but try to keep it a tad smaller. That slight size disparity creates a better hold when compared to larger holes, which will be too loose for the anchor to grasp. If you’re feeling weary about the process, start at a reasonably small drill bit size, test the fit and move up to the next size until you find your proper match.

3. Prepare the Screw and Anchor

If you’re using toggle bolts or hollow wall anchors, begin threading the screw in before installing them to give it a good headstart.

4. Secure the Anchor

You can then firmly press the wall anchor into the wall. For toggle bolts, you should hear the wings snap into place. When installing plastic anchors or molly anchors you should be able to slide them all the way in without any difficulties. If your plastic anchors need a push, you can lightly tap them with a hammer to get them flush with the wall. Be careful not to swing too hard, as you could damage the wall.

5. Drill the Screws

You can then drill the screws into place. Approach the screws from a 90-degree angle to ensure they go in straight, and drill slowly to prevent stipping the unit. The screw head should sit flush with the anchor head.

Find Your Drywall Anchors and Screws at All Points Fasteners

Now that you know how to install drywall anchors and screws, you can procure the best hardware for the job at All Points Fasteners. We offer free samples, monthly deals and custom requests to create a stress-free experience. Browse our different types of drywall anchors today and contact us to ask any questions you might have.

Four Common Materials Screws Are Made of and Which to Use

Screws are vital to the success of many different projects, whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or a service industry professional. However, you should consider some critical areas before you invest in screws for your next job. In this guide, we will answer all of your questions about screws:

  • Does it matter how screws are made?
  • What are screws made of?
  • What does the coating on screws do?
  • How do I decide what screw to use?

All Points Fasteners has the strongest screws and fasteners you need for your projects. Contact us today to learn more.

How Are Screws Made?

There are two different manufacturing processes for making screws. Most screws are made with the thread rolling method. Machining is used to make small or specialized screws that cannot be made by thread rolling.

The first step in making a screw with the thread rolling method is called “cold heading.” A wire is fed into a machine to straighten it, then cut it to length. The machine then cuts the head into the desired shape.

There are three techniques that can be used to cut the blank screw to give it threading:

  • Reciprocating die: There are two flat dies — one is stationary, and the other moves back and forth. The screw is rolled between the two dies.
  • Centerless cylindrical die: The screw is rolled between two or three round dies to create the thread.
  • Planetary rotary die: As the screw is held stationary, several die-cutting machines spin it around.

 Between these two screw manufacturing processes, thread rolling is better. The screws are more durable and high quality, avoiding weaknesses in the metal. The screw threads are placed precisely as well, so all screws are the same.

What Are Screws Made Of?

Screws can be made from all sorts of materials, yet there are some that are more popular than the others. The four most common screw materials are:

  • Steel: This is by far the most common material used for manufacturing screws, and there’s a simple explanation for why — steel is less expensive than some other screw material options.
  • Copper: Copper screws are good for fighting against corrosion. If a screw is going to be exposed to the elements, copper helps to ensure the screw performs durably over the long-term.
  • Aluminum: Aluminum isn’t as durable as other materials, but it does have one thing going for it — its weight. Aluminum is just about the lightest weight fastener you can find.
  • Titanium: When you need a blend of strength and lightness, go with titanium. You’ll often pay a premium for titanium screws, but that extra cost pays off big time when you need a fastener that is robust but doesn’t weigh much.

What About Coatings?

Screws are often coated to make them even better by giving them desirable qualities. Screw coatings open up a vast number of possibilities when you’re seeking the right fastener for a specific situation. For example, screws can be coated in copper, ceramic, zinc and other materials, which can provide extra strength, extra protection against corrosion or even an aesthetic quality that might otherwise be missing.

For example, a zinc-plated steel screw will better fight corrosion than a steel screw on its own. Likewise, a copper-plated screw may look more attractive in a prominent place than a steel screw would.

Which Screw Should I Use?

No two kinds of screws are alike. Before you buy screws for your next project, consider these points to make sure you are getting the right kind.

First, identify what materials you are screwing into. Different kinds of screws are made to fasten different materials. For example, the strongest wood screws are made for joining two pieces of wood. Once you’ve determined the material, measure its thickness. You’ll want to get a screw that is long enough to pass through the material and at least halfway into the next for a secure grip.

The next consideration is material. This decision will be based on where you plan to use the screw — indoors or outdoors. For an indoor project, you may be able to use a less expensive screw that looks pleasing if it will be visible. Outdoor projects need certain kinds of screws since they will be exposed to temperature changes and moisture. Then, consider the coating options to gain even more ideal qualities.

Find High-Quality Screws at All Points Fasteners

Now that you know everything you need to know about screws, it’s time to find the perfect screws for your next job. Are you ready to secure high-quality materials for your next job? Find them in our selection at All Points Fasteners.

We pride ourselves on offering a vast and varied selection of screws made of different materials that match particular specifications and feature various types of coatings. When you’re looking for something specific for a unique job at hand, we have the solution. If we happen to not have the screw you need, we’ll find it for you.

In addition to our wide selection, you’ll find competitive prices, fast shipping and outstanding customer service when you choose All Points Fasteners. We are dedicated to making sure you get exactly what you need as quickly as possible.

Browse our inventory of different screws today, and to learn more about our fasteners,  contact our team with any questions you have. Complete our contact form or call us at 800-483-6354.

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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.

Learn More About Gutter Zip Screws with Our Product Primer

Gutter Zip Screws

Gutter zip screws primer. We are proud to present the third in our series of product primers.

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 gutter screws

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.

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)

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