Fasteners | Copper State Bolt and Nut Co.

Nov 23, 2015

Building a porch and deck is a job in which wood is usually the central component. As such, it is wise to apprise yourself of the best structural fasteners for all the drilling, framing and connecting in store for you. Should you go with the traditional lag screw, or is the more expedient structural screw the better fastener for this particular job? The good news is that Copper State Bolt & Nut Co is a construction industry stalwart that has a vast inventory of everything you would need – from power tools and demolition hammers, to fasteners and rods.

Understanding the Difference Between Screws

You’ll find that galvanized screws and stainless steel may be needed during the construction of your porch. As such, it is important to apprise yourself of the strengths and weaknesses of both options. Although galvanized – zinc-coated – steel fasteners are excellent in applications where corrosion resistance is imperative, keep in mind that the zinc is solely there to protect the steel, and in so doing, will wear off after a time. As such, you don’t want these fasteners used in any place where structural integrity is paramount. Instead, consider these screws and fasteners for your project:

• Acorn nuts, wing, lock and hex flange nuts for securing the socket fasteners
• Threaded rods made of zinc and steel, in lengths of a meter – as well as an 18 hole assortment package
• A wide variety of cap screws for metal siding – including socket heads, flat heads, vented socket and button socket screws
• Bolts and cap screws of different classes, including stainless steel
• Washers

Although the cost of stainless steel is much higher than the other options, there’s no denying the superior structural integrity. If you’re using tropical hardwood in your porch and deck construction, for example, anything coated with zinc will eventually start to corrode as the zinc degrades. Plus, coated nails and screws might bleed and stain the wood – a look that few property owners want. Copper State Nut & Bolt Co. carries an assortment of over 304 different recommended stainless steel for above ground applications, guaranteed to stand fast and work well, whatever the project.