Simpson Strong Tie Structural Screws Overview
Build safer and faster with the right structural screw for the job. This guide breaks down Simpson Strong‑Tie screw families carried by Fasteners Plus and shows where each shines.
Why Structural Screws Matter
Structural screws deliver consistent holding power, speed up installs, and help reduce callbacks. Choosing the right head style, length, thread, and coating protects your structure and your schedule. Below you will find a practical breakdown so you can select fasteners with confidence for decks, trusses, mass timber, and more. For more FAQ on structural screws, see our blog post here.
At a Glance: Simpson's Structural Screws Comparison
| Category | Primary Applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Screws | Joist hangers, straps, angles, post bases/caps in decks, pergolas, fences. | Sized to fit connector holes, provides predictable shear performance, and resists corrosion. |
| Truss Plate Screws | Metal plate fastening for roof trusses; factory build or field repair. | Reduces splitting, offers high pull-out resistance, and fits under truss plates. |
| Flat Head Structural Screws | Ledgers, stair stringers, beam-to-post connections, heavy-duty framing. | Flush finish for covered surfaces; strong clamping action without through-bolts. |
| Hex Head Structural Screws | Timber framing, pole barns, retaining walls, large header assemblies. | High torque driving, visible head acceptable, excellent for rapid installs in heavy timbers. |
| Multi-Ply Truss Screws | Laminated truss girders, multi-ply headers, built-up beams. | Long shank pulls plies tight; replaces bolts in many applications for faster assembly. |
| CLT Screws | Cross-laminated timber panel connections, glulam beam-to-column fastening. | Extra-long length for mass timber; follow engineered spacing and embedment requirements. |
Tip: Match head style to finish needs, choose coatings for the environment, and confirm spacing/edge distances with the project plans and Simpson install instructions.
Connector Screws
What they are: Screws engineered to pair with metal connectors like joist hangers, angles, straps, caps, and bases and in turn, replace nails.
Key Features
- Optimized shank and thread for high shear performance in wood connections.
- Head geometry fits connector holes for a clean, flush finish and predictable load transfer.
- Corrosion resistant coatings for interior and exterior use. Stainless options for harsh environments.
Benefits
- Faster installation and consistent driving compared with nails in tight connector locations.
- Repeatable performance that helps crews hit inspection targets.
- Reduced splitting in dense or engineered lumber when compared with larger‑diameter alternatives.
Use Cases
- Joist hangers and ledger accessories in deck framing.
- Angles and straps in pergolas and porch roofs.
- Post bases and caps in fence and column work.
Truss Plate Screws
What they are: Screws designed to fasten metal truss plates to wood members and to reinforce plated connections.
Key Features
- Narrow shank and point design that starts fast and helps limit splitting in chords and webs.
- Thread profiles that deliver strong withdrawal resistance for long‑term stability.
- Lengths tuned for common plate sizes and member thicknesses.
Benefits
- Reliable reinforcement without adding significant labor.
- Clean installation in factory truss production or on‑site repairs.
- Helps restore capacity in damaged or over‑driven plate areas during remediation.
Use Cases
- New roof truss assembly in residential and agricultural buildings.
- Field repair of truss joints after transport or jobsite damage.
- Reinforcement of hip and valley conditions where loads stack up.
Flat Head Structural Screws
What they are: Heavy duty wood‑to‑wood fasteners with a countersinking head that seats flush with the surface.
Key Features
- Flat, under‑head cutting geometry for clean countersink without blowout.
- Aggressive threads that pull members tight and reduce joint gaps.
- Self‑tapping tips that minimize or eliminate predrilling in most framing lumber.
Benefits
- Flush finish that is easy to conceal under flooring, sheathing, or trim.
- Strong clamping action that improves stiffness and reduces squeaks or movement.
- Fewer tools and through‑bolts needed on many remodel and retrofit tasks.
Use Cases
- Ledger fastening with approved hardware, stair stringer fastening, and rim reinforcement.
- Beam‑to‑post attachments where a flush surface is preferred.
- General heavy framing, blocking, and retrofit reinforcement.
Hex Head Structural Screws
What they are: High‑torque structural fasteners with a hex washer head that drives hard and builds quickly in large timbers.
Key Features
- Large bearing surface under the head for strong clamping and reduced embedment loss.
- Deep drive engagement for impact wrenches and high‑torque drills.
- Protective coatings for exterior and treated lumber applications.
Benefits
- Fast install times on long runs and repetitive connections.
- Excellent capacity at critical load points in pole barns and timber frames.
- Easy removal for temporary bracing and layout adjustments.
Use Cases
- Post‑frame construction including girts, truss carriers, and purlins.
- Retaining walls, heavy lintels, and large header assemblies.
- Timber pergolas and outdoor structures where a bold, visible head is acceptable.
Multi‑Ply Truss Screws
What they are: Long structural screws for stitching two or more truss plies into a single unit without nails or through‑bolts in many cases.
Key Features
- Extended lengths for full‑depth engagement across laminated members.
- Drive tips that stay straight through multiple layers for accurate placement.
- Thread patterns that pull plies tight and help eliminate gaps.
Benefits
- Cleaner aesthetics than bolt heads and washers on exposed faces.
- Faster production and field assembly with fewer components to manage.
- Serviceable connections that can be adjusted during layout and alignment.
Use Cases
- Roof truss girders, hip sets, and valley frames with multiple plies.
- Retrofit reinforcement of doubled or tripled members in remodels.
- Multi‑member headers and built‑up beams in floor systems.
Cross‑Laminated Timber Screws
What they are: Extra‑long, high‑capacity screws for mass timber projects including CLT and glulam assemblies.
Key Features
- Long lengths that penetrate thick panels and large members.
- Coarse threads for strong withdrawal values in softwood CLT and glulam.
- Head and tip options that reduce splitting and speed production on large assemblies.
Benefits
- Rapid panel‑to‑panel connection that keeps cranes and crews moving.
- Clean architectural look with minimal hardware exposure.
- Reliable performance for seismic, wind, and gravity load paths when used per design.
Use Cases
- CLT wall‑to‑floor and floor‑to‑floor stitching.
- Glulam beam‑to‑column fastening in hybrid systems.
- Prefab modular timber assemblies that demand speed and repeatability.
Selection Tips
- Match the head to the finish need. Use flat heads where you want flush, use hex heads where speed and torque matter.
- Choose the right coating. Use stainless near salt, chemicals, and animal confinement. Use exterior coatings for treated lumber and outdoor exposure.
- Mind length and embedment. Target full thread engagement in the main member and adequate penetration in the base member per plan.
- Follow the plan. Always install per the engineered layout and the manufacturer’s instructions for spacing, edge distances, and pilot holes when required.
