Are Hidden Deck Clips Faster Than Traditional Fasteners?

Are Hidden Deck Clips Faster Than Traditional Fasteners?

Are Hidden Deck Clips Faster Than Traditional Fasteners?

Hidden deck clips are designed to install grooved decking materials. While some contractors may prefer traditional fasteners for deck installation, hidden deck clips are faster than deck screws, hands down.

Between traditional fastening methods, edge screwing tools, and hidden deck clips, there are clear winners based on several factors. 

Let’s look at each method and the factors you should consider before purchasing.

Traditional Fastening Solutions for Decks

Securing deck boards to joists by drilling through the top face of the decking material is the traditional approach. Whether natural wood or composite, a typical approach involves pre-drilling decking boards to avoid splitting and then driving a fastener for a flush finish. 

While this is a familiar process, it’s far from the best as it leaves holes in the deck surface. 

Deck Screws

Are Hidden Deck Clips Faster Than Traditional Fasteners?

Deck screws are specifically designed for outdoor applications in wood and composite materials. Deck-specific screws like our DeckForce® line are available in several popular colors that make them easier to conceal in a finished deck. Purpose-built features in our deck screws include self-drilling points, aggressive auger threads, and wedge lock heads that countersink easily without damaging material.

When drilling into composite materials, the plastic content requires specific features for the best results. Instead of a wider head, a composite deck screw has an undercut trim head that won’t mushroom and clear-out threads that remove the material as they drill. 

DeckForce composite screws also include a self-drilling point and saw teeth for faster starts.

Edge Screws

An edge screw system uses a specific tool to set screws at the right angle for a fastener-free deck surface. Installers clip the tool onto a deck board and then drop one screw into each side before driving. 

This process leaves a smooth surface behind, but the tool must be removed between each installation. For large decks, this step is time-consuming due to how long it takes to use the tool.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Deck Fasteners

Traditional deck fasteners are durable and versatile enough for other outdoor applications. Available in most hardware stores, they’re easy to find and simplify completing building tasks.

Cost Effective

Because you can use deck screws for many different outdoor projects, they’re a good choice if you’ve got several to complete. 

Simple to Install

Driving deck screws is a simple task. If you’re pre-drilling, that’s the first step in the process for composite or PVC. Then, install the fastener into your deck board using the approved driver bit. Some screws have self-driving points that make pre-drilling unnecessary, but that feature varies depending on the brand.

A side benefit of using traditional deck screws is that they can also be used in other non-structural outdoor building projects.

Easy to Replace

If you need to replace a traditional fastener in your deck, it’s an easy process. Use the appropriate driver bit to remove and replace the screw.

Mar Deck Surface

There’s no way around the fact that installing screws into the face of your deck boards leaves a hole behind. Even with matching plugs to hide the fastener marks, you can still tell where you drilled into the surface.

Require Pre-Drilling

Many deck screws require pre-drilling to reduce the chance of mushrooming or cracking. Unless you’ve purchased screws with self-drilling points, you’re in for a longer day on the job.

What Are Hidden Deck Clips?

Are Hidden Deck Clips Faster Than Traditional Fasteners?

Hidden deck clips are designed for grooved wood, composite, and PVC deck boards. Instead of drilling through the face or side into the joist, deck clips lock into the groove. 

Grip-Rite Ninja hidden deck clips are robust and secure, with a #316 stainless steel marine-grade fastener and unique features for a powerful and reliable hold. Engineered with the Grip-Bite clamp for maximum hold, it supports straight, diagonal, and herringbone deck patterns. It’s compatible with Wolf®, TREX®, Fiberon®, TimberTech® by AZEK® and other leading brands.

Pros and Cons of Hidden Deck Clips

Hidden deck clips are an efficient and secure method of securing grooved deck boards. For installing a deck, there’s nothing faster or more straightforward to use. 

Clear Deck Surface

By design, hidden deck clips leave a smooth and seamless deck surface. When installed correctly, the fastener sits far enough below the surface to be invisible. Grip-Rite Ninja clips feature a black oxide-coated fastener that hides between deck boards.

Consistent Spacing

Installed correctly, hidden deck clips provide consistent spacing for grooved deck boards. Hidden deck clips ensure a uniform space between deck boards regardless of the design.

Wind and Weather-Resistant

Not all deck clips perform well in high-wind areas, but the Grip-Rite Ninja hidden deck clip does. The fastener’s aggressive threads, razor-sharp serrated teeth, and secure fit make it ideal for wind-prone areas.

With a marine-grade stainless steel fastener and other non-reactive components, it won’t corrode or rust over time.

Only Compatible with Grooved Deck Boards

Because they’re designed to work with grooved deck boards, there aren’t other applications where hidden deck clips are compatible. If you’re looking for a workhorse around the yard, this isn’t going to fit the bill. 

Hidden Deck Clips Are Faster than Traditional Screws

Different manufacturers make different claims about how much faster their system is than traditional fasteners. However, deck builders consistently find hidden deck clips significantly faster than conventional methods. 

There is no pre-drilling or cumbersome tool to move into position; just clip, drill, and move on to the next board.

Grip-Rite Ninja Hidden Deck Clips: Fast and Reliable in Grooved Deck Installation

Installing grooved deck boards with the Grip-Rite Ninja Hidden Deck Clip is the perfect way to get a beautiful, long-lasting deck in less time than traditional methods. Our improved design won’t fall out of grooves while you install it and won’t corrode or rust for the lifetime of your deck.

Find out Where To Buy and get the job done right!

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