When it comes to fasteners, what’s on the outside matters. Learn about coatings and fastener standards so you can use the best for your project.

Safety should be top of mind when you’re building a deck. After all, these are places where families will gather for years to come, so it is crucial to build with the best fastener for the job that will stand against the test of time.

Traditionally for projects like deck substructures, that meant using a big hot-dip galvanized lag screw—end of story. However, innovation has come a long way, and now there are an array of structural screws on the market to replace traditional lags with excellent performance and premium coatings to resist corrosion.

There are a few standards in place to safeguard and ensure the quality of these structural screws: AC257 approval and the ASTM G198 standard.

AC257 Approval: The Industry Standard

It’s no secret that pressure treated lumber is corrosive—the treatment that protects the lumber from moisture, rot, and insects can also cause wear and corrosion on your fasteners if you’re not using the right one. As a result, structural fasteners need to meet AC257 for use in pressure treated lumber, which requires fasteners to either be hot-dip galvanized or have a coating that is as good as or better than hot-dip galvanized.

Why is hot-dip galvanizing the standard? This code-approved coating is tested to meet ASTM A153, Class D, which regulates that the coating is applied thickly and uniformly. While the coating will wear over time, it will still offer excellent and comprehensive protection against corrosion for the lifetime of the exterior application. Hot-dip galvanized fasteners are commonly used for structural projects that utilize larger screws with a greater surface area coming into contact with more wood and for coastal or applications near water, as the coating can withstand direct exposure to water for decades.

ASTM G198 Standard: Above and Beyond

While hot-dip galvanized coatings are proven and reliable, the one potential drawback to using them is that they feature a hex head instead of a recessed Torx™ or star drive that many builders prefer. Some fastener brands, like CAMO®, saw this as an opportunity to innovate and bring a new solution to market, like our Structural Screws that feature our proprietary PROTECH™ Ultra 4 coating.

PROTECH Ultra 4 gained AC257 Approval, the industry standard, but we pushed our fasteners above and beyond, testing to ASTM G198. This standard tests 2X longer and replicates real-world weather tendencies the fasteners will face to see how they hold up while in contact with treated lumber. CAMO has the only coating on the market tested to ASTM G198—it was worth going the extra mile so you can sleep better knowing your structural connections will last thanks to the four layers of corrosion-fighting, UV-resisting, performance-enhancing coating.

Before you tackle your next deck project, remember that people will be gathering and doing life on their decks, and rusted, corroded fasteners have no role in that—especially in the structural connections. Do your research and use fasteners with the proper coating to resist corrosion so that you have peace of mind your job will stand against the test of time and keep families safe.

Learn about Stainless Steel fasteners and why they are the best choice for exterior projects.

No matter what project you’re tackling, you need to make sure you’ve got the right fastener for the job. Sure, you want the correct screw for the application, but it’s also critical to consider what the fastener is made of. Without a doubt, Stainless Steel is the best option for any installation as it offers the best protection against corrosion and will hold up over the project’s lifetime.

What makes Stainless Steel so great? We’ll get a bit technical here, but Stainless Steel has a “passive” oxide layer on its surface that prevents staining and rusting of the surface when exposed to oxygen. The elemental makeup of Stainless Steel fasteners also lends to their strength, hardness, and ductility, making them both high-performing and aesthetically pleasing.

Two common alloys are under the Stainless Steel category: 305 and 316. Let’s dive into the differences between the two and the applications for each type.

305 Stainless Steel

305 Stainless Steel offers high corrosion resistance in various outdoor projects, protecting against corrosion far better than a standard exterior coated carbon. That means it will keep your project safe and long-lasting while providing excellent aesthetics.

305 is required for exterior structures 3,000 feet to 10 miles from a saltwater shoreline. It is also an excellent alloy option for installing pressure treated lumber, PVC, composite, and capped composite deck boards no matter where you are. 305 Stainless Steel fasteners are widely available nationwide, so you can use these fasteners for any project.

316 Stainless Steel*

The best of the best, there is no better alloy for exterior projects than 316 Stainless Steel, which offers the highest corrosion resistance possible. 316 Stainless Steel is required in any coastal, marine, or waterway area within 3,000 feet of saltwater and is recommended within a 10-mile reach to combat aerosolized saltwater. They are also recommended in a variety of applications beyond saltwater exposure:

• Structures near swimming pools where the surface is exposed to chlorine
• Decks and docks that are continuously exposed to fresh water
• Agricultural environments that deal with chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides while also facing highly corrosive animal waste and frequent cleaning treatments
• Decks, patios, and structures that will face wood strippers, harsh cleaning agents, or ice-melting chemicals
• Installations of cedar, redwood, or hardwood decking where tannin release caused by carbon fasteners may cause staining and streaking
• Multi-level decks and structures in mountainous regions that require more flexibility and durability

If you want to install the following best practices and never have to worry about your fasteners holding up, choose 316 Stainless Steel for every exterior job. There are a lot of Stainless Steel fasteners on the market to choose from, but CAMO offers a comprehensive line of Stainless Steel fasteners, including screws and hand drive nails that start fast and hold strong, and collated nails to make quick work of framing projects.

Whether you are building a coastal deck, constructing a project on a farm, or working on any exterior structure, Stainless Steel fasteners will help you build better in every environment.

*Stainless steel is not corrosion-proof; it is corrosion-resistant. While it is the best alloy choice for fasteners in highly corrosive environments with strong chlorides, such as saltwater regions, pools, and areas where deicer is used, staining can still occur. It is important to regularly wash the installed screws to keep the heads and screw recesses clean from salt deposits and other residue.

May is Deck Safety Month—make sure your outdoor living space is ready for the season.

Did you know Spring cleaning isn’t just for the interior of your home? As the weather gets nicer and you start scheduling get-togethers and cookouts, it’s critical to do some Spring cleaning— and inspecting —of your outdoor living spaces to ensure they are ready for entertaining. Of course, we don’t just mean that the grill is in the optimal spot for cooking but that your deck is safe and secure for your friends and family.

The North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) takes deck safety seriously, and rightfully so, as they estimate that “over 30 million decks [in the US] are past their useful life and need to be replaced or repaired.” That’s why they stress the importance of checking your deck during May, National Deck Safety Month®.

There’s no better time as a homeowner to check your deck to make sure it’s structurally sound and as a builder to evaluate that you are building decks with safety front of mind.

For Homeowners: Check Your Deck

When you go out to clear off dirt and debris from your deck, it’s easy to look at the face of your deck boards, and if they aren’t splintered or cracked, assume your deck is good for the season. But deck issues are often underlying, so you’ll need to do more digging and prodding to ensure total deck safety. Luckily, you can use NADRA’s Check Your Deck® Consumer Checklist to help you evaluate any issues.

The checklist highlights key actions and things to look out for, like rot in the structural parts of the deck, like the joists, posts, and ledger board. You’ll also want to look closely at all the fasteners, tightening any that have come loose or replacing those that have corroded or rusted. Additionally, pay special attention to the stability of railings and banisters to prevent any possibility of them falling off. If any significant issues are present, NADRA recommends having a professional inspect and repair your deck; you can find inspectors and builders on NADRA.org.

Other items on the checklist pertain to the aesthetics and surroundings of your deck. We joked about the grill earlier, but you want to ensure it and other heat sources are away from flammable items or surfaces. Next, check your light fixtures, electrical outlets, and patio furniture to confirm they’re all in good condition. Finally, evaluate your environment: are tree limbs hanging over the deck that could fall, or is there a hornet’s nest you need to remove?

For Builders: Check Your Deck-Building Practices

As a deck builder, Deck Safety Month is an excellent time to review your crew’s practices to ensure you install to the highest standard so homeowners never have to worry about safety. Of course, brand affinity plays a significant role in the products you use, but it’s a good habit to take inventory of the products you’re using to ensure you’ve got the best ones for the job.

For instance, CAMO®, a 2023 Deck Safety Ambassador and brand that built its name on the deck top with innovative deck fastening systems, now offers code-compliant Structural Screws that deliver the same reliability and durability to the substructure and beyond. These Structural Screws are third-party tested and certified IRC and IBC code-compliant by DrJ engineering. These screws start fast, drive smoothly, and hold strong in every popular interior and exterior structural application and may be an excellent option for your crew to try this year.

When evaluating the fasteners you’re using, keep coatings in mind too. For example, CAMO’s Structural Screws are available in a proprietary PROTECH™ Ultra 4 four-layer coating that protects your connections against the harshest environmental elements. Each layer works together for optimum corrosion resistance, UV and environmental protection, and torque reduction for a high-performing, long-lasting screw. It’s the only screw coating on the market tested to ASTM G198 standard, which required 2X longer testing and 3X more samples than the industry standard. If you’re building in marine settings or near water, use hot-dip galvanized structural screws and 316 Stainless Steel fasteners for every other connection.

Before laying down deck boards, take the extra step to extend the deck’s life by using deck tape. CAMO offers Joist + Ledger Deck Tape that adds uncompromised moisture defense to joists and ledger boards. The flexible butyl Deck Tape also delivers exceptional performance to protect your project from harsh elements like UV radiation and even extreme temperatures.

Finally, when it comes to fastening the decking, consider using fasteners that will preserve the life of the board so homeowners don’t have to deal with splitting and cracking. For square decking, use CAMO Edge screws that fasten the board through the edge, making a strong v-lock connection into the joist. Edge screws feature a patented rake tip that augers board material while being driven. That action makes space for the screw and prevents splitting and cracking without the need to pre-drill holes on most boards. For grooved boards, rely on CAMO Universal Deck Clips that are up to 88% stronger than competitors’ clips in reducing lateral movement and up to 50% stronger in uplift holding power, thanks to the stainless steel gusset that locks the boards down. A bonus of using CAMO fasteners? CAMO backs its fasteners with a warranty, so you and the homeowner will have invaluable peace of mind.

Don’t get the grilling and deck-building season underway before you take the time to check your deck and make sure you’re using the right products to help you build better.

Safety is a concern in every aspect of our lives, and when it comes to designing new products for everyday use, it becomes a top priority. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to a job site, or embarking on a road trip, ensuring your safety on the road is essential. We understand the importance of staying connected while on the move, and that’s why we’ve curated a list of the top 5 car mounts that not only keep you connected but also adhere to hands-free laws, ensuring your safety is never compromised.

1. iOttie iTap 2 Magnetic Dashboard Car Mount Holder:

The iOttie iTap 2 Magnetic Dashboard Car Mount Holder tops our list for its sleek design and powerful magnetic hold. This mount attaches securely to your dashboard, providing a stable and easily accessible location for your device. The magnetic feature ensures quick and effortless attachment, allowing you to focus on the road while staying connected.

2. iOttie iTap 2 Air Vent Car Mount Holder:

For those who prefer a vent-mounted option, the iOttie iTap 2 Air Vent Car Mount Holder is an excellent choice. Its compact design doesn’t obstruct your view, and the adjustable cradle allows for a customized viewing angle. The air vent placement ensures your device stays cool during long drives, and the secure grip keeps your phone in place, even on bumpy roads.

3. iOttie iTap 2 Magnetic CD Slot Car Mount Holder:

If your car has a CD slot that rarely sees any action, repurpose it with the iOttie iTap 2 Magnetic CD Slot Car Mount Holder. This mount seamlessly integrates into your car’s CD player slot, providing a stable base for your device. The magnetic attachment ensures a quick and secure connection, making it easy to mount and dismount your phone with a single hand.

4. Scosche MAGDMB MagicMount Magnetic Car Phone Holder Mount:

The Scosche MAGDMB MagicMount Magnetic Car Phone Holder Mount stands out for its versatility and strong magnetic grip. With its adjustable base, this mount can be attached to various surfaces in your car, offering flexibility in placement. The powerful neodymium magnets ensure your device stays in place, even on rough terrains, providing a worry-free driving experience.

5. Kenu Airframe Pro | Universal Vent Car Phone Mount Holder:

Compact and efficient, the Kenu Airframe Pro is a universal vent car phone mount holder that provides a secure grip on your device. Its sleek design blends seamlessly with your car’s interior, and the expandable grip accommodates a wide range of smartphones. The adjustable arms make it easy to insert and retrieve your device with one hand, ensuring a hassle-free and safe driving experience.

In a world where staying connected is essential, prioritizing safety on the road is equally crucial. These top 5 car mounts have been carefully selected to help you stay connected safely while adhering to hands-free laws. Whether you prefer a dashboard, air vent, CD slot, or versatile mount, these options cater to diverse preferences, ensuring that your focus remains on the road ahead. Drive safely, stay connected, and make your journey enjoyable with these reliable car mounts.

There are a lot of structural screws on the market—see how CAMO’s structural screw line can help you build better.

As its name suggests, a structural screw is a fastener used in building an exterior or interior structure. CAMO structural screws are rigorously tested and are capable of doing some pretty heavy lifting and making critical connections in everything from house framing to deck building.

While there have been fastening solutions for these connections before, like lag screws and nails, innovation has led to various structural screw lines on the market that are code-compliant, perform well, and offer some more features and benefits than fasteners of the past. Let’s look at CAMO® structural screws to get a sense of what these screws can offer.

A Solution for Every Structure

Whether you’re working on an interior or exterior project, you can use a fastener from the full line of CAMO structural screws to get the job done. The line includes Framing screws, Multi-Purpose screws, Multi-Ply + Ledger screws, and Truss screws:

• Framing Screws are specifically designed and load-rated for interior and exterior framing applications and replace 8d, 10d, and 16d nails. They offer better holding power and stronger connections in wood-to-wood framing or deck blocking applications.
• Multi-Purpose Screws are a reliable option for various general construction projects and replace lag screws in deck posts, beams, and handrails. They are available in flat head and hex head and in 1/4″ and 5/16″ diameters for you to conquer any project.
• Multi-Ply + Ledger Screws hold strong and finish flush in multi-ply wood headers and beams, interior and exterior ledger boards, and general construction applications. They replace lag screws in general construction and traditional nailing patterns that don’t always draw the wood together.
• Truss Screws secure the truss and rafters to the top plate, stud to the top plate, and, thanks to their exterior coating, deck joists to beams. They are the ideal replacement for hurricane ties in general construction and decking applications. They are also easy to fasten at the right angle with the hands-free truss guide included in every pail.

Tested and Code-Compliant

Our complete line of CAMO structural screws has been independently tested, audited, and certified as IBC and IRC code-compliant by DrJ Engineering, an accredited certification body. Our screws have received technical evaluation reports (TER) from DrJ certifying code compliance for general screw properties and specific structural applications. They also feature our proprietary PROTECH™ Ultra 4 coating system that has been tested to meet or exceed ASTM G198, withstanding corrosion 2X longer than the industry standard—the only coating on the market to do so. Our hex head screws are also available in the standard hot-dip galvanized coating, which is excellent for coastal applications.

Intentionally Designed for Easy Use

Each type of CAMO structural screw was engineered to start fast, drive smooth, and hold strong with no pre-drilling required, saving you time on the job. They are sleek in their design compared to a beefy lag screw and are heat-treated to add strength. They all feature sharp points that start fast, a Type 17 slash point that reduces splitting, and an aggressive thread TPI and angle for increased holding power. Our Truss screw is fully threaded from head to tip for maximum holding power, while the rest of the screws feature a straight knurl that reduces torque for easy driving in their applications.

Speaking of easy driving, all you need to install CAMO structural screws is your cordless drill and the included driver bit. Be sure to set the drill to the low speed and turn up the torque to the highest setting to let the screw do the work, and you’ll be done before you know it.

So before you pick up another box of lag screws or nails for your next framing or structural project, consider investing in high-performing, code-compliant structural screws to help you build better.