Stripped Screws

The deck I just did was with those clips. I don't like the big gaps either. It was only 16' long so single board per row and yes if you're not careful it will "warp" when stored on site.

Were you using a ratcheting screw gun? Seems they strip easier with those. I use a standard drill as the noise of the other bugs the chit out of me.

Did you look into their website Chuck about what they recommend for stripped screws? Try the screw extractors? That plastic decking ain't cheap and I'd really hate to see you replace boards.

 

Building on this idea, the way the screws are made the head does not hold anything. The screws have 2 sets of threads one goes into the framing and the other which is coarser grabs the composite and being coarser suck the composite down to the framing.

If you get the correct size drill bit for the plug you can drill the head off and not compromise the attaching of the composite. Then you can install the plug and never know. If you can not seat the plug fully you can use a sharp wide wood chisel to shave it flush.

 

If the head edge is exposed, I've had luck using locking vice grips to spin them out.

 

Thanks Brad, I feel a little better knowing someone else didn't like the look because I kick myself everyday.

Our boards are 16' as well. We have a center board (different color) going down the center and 16' boards shooting from each side being cut at about 170 1/2".

I got two batches of boards delivered, you can tell they are worlds apart. One looks like a newer batch, boards straight, no warping, no bellying on the board.

The other batch which is the vast majority warped, wavy, bellying. You can see when it rains it just sits like a puddle on the board, the others, the rain rolls right off.

I was using both a impact driver and switched to a regular drill and I had issues and strips with both.

I did reach out to them, haven't heard a lick back!

I tried some screw extractors, problem is that dam screw is small and messing with it with those extractors is creating a bigger hold that cannot be plugged. I am sure I can find a larger plug to match if they worked but I am having no luck. Those screws don't want to come out because of their design.

Really good stuff ironpony and the direction I am going in if I can get my panties out of a wad and stop my hissy fit for the better part of a week. It will be a screw by screw basis and tedious but that's what needs to be done.

My wife and kids think I should check in to the mental institute. Lord knows if I did, what other crap they might find in this box of rocks on top of shoulders, they'd never let me out!!

Thanks all for the support, feeling my pain, wonderful suggestions and lastly reading my rants.....I know you all been there and can relate, every man and women has...!

 

Good luck Chuck. Take a deep breath and let us know how you make out.

Oh, and if you didn't hear from them, try again with both email and phone and let us know how you make out.

 

you can buy plug cutters in different sizes and cut your own out of the scrap