GRK Fasteners RSS™ 5/16 x 4 Rugged Structural Screws, SS 305, 45 PCS

Using these GRK RSS 305 stainless 5/16"x4" screws for framing my new deck. They're working great! I've been predrilling holes to ensure the wood doesn't split, especially near the ends of boards, since wood has been very expensive this summer. A 1/8" predrill hole seems to work very well. With a guide hole these screws drive in very nicely and they seem amazingly strong (the code compliance test data from GRK agrees). I've been using a battery powered impact driver to drive these in. So far I've used one entire box and am half way through my second box. Every single screw has been perfect. Not a single one had defects. In previous deck projects I've experienced about 1% of each box of screws would have unusable screws due to improper coating or other defects, but these GRK screws have been great in that regard, I think because they're not coated. I had considered using Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS SS framing screws for my framing, but decided on these GRK instead due to cost. I did buy some of the Simpson screws for some aspects of the deck but only a small number where my town said they must be used. The Simpson screws are MUCH larger diameter and much heavier duty, but feel like they'd really be overkill for normal framing. I'm glad I went with these GRK.

If you've never tried the GRK fasteners you don't know what you are missing. The screw in *very* easily and are very strong. I have yet to break one while screwing it in, can't say the same for deck screws I've used. Being stainless is also great for outdoor projects since you don't have to worry about them getting rusty looking.

These anchors work great. They are hard enough that they don’t strip out. No pilot hole needed

Awesome product!!

These screws are superior!

These are the absolute best screws for installing hand railing.