FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

• WHY SHOULDN’T I JUST USE DRYWALL SCREWS

Other than appearance there are few other similarities between U2 Universal fasteners and drywall screws. Case hardened screws very infrequently snap. The amount of torque you can apply to a drywall screw is enough to go through drywall and 1 ½” of softwood. U2 Universal fasteners are specifically engineered to countersink into hardwood with no predrilling. The exterior coating is tested to withstand the most toxic chemicals used in pressure treated lumber.

 

• IS THE CODE CERTIFIED COATING AS GOOD AS STAINLESS STEEL?

No. Within 2 miles of salt water Stainless Steel is strongly recommended. There are 2 good reasons to use stainless. Rust on the head of a screw is unsightly if the heads are exposed. Also, stainless is a metal alloy. Iron mixed with carbon with chromium added for rust prevention, so in high salt concentration areas stainless steel screws should hold up better. U2 stainless fasteners are 316 grade which has a better corrosion resistance and slightly higher tensile strength. It should be noted that a high-grade case hardened carbon steel screw performs better under load and is harder than stainless.

 

• WHY ARE THESE SCREWS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN TYPICAL HOME CENTER SCREWS?

To get a code certification (IAPMO ER-454) for both coating and structural properties, a higher grade carbon steel must be used. This is not only to eliminate breakage during insertion but in order to case harden the screw. Because the code certification must be verified each year to stay current, the costs paid by the manufacturer each year are very high. As well as higher raw material costs the engineering features in 5 different areas of the screw make tooling and manufacturing costs higher. It costs U2 more to deliver a product that insures high performance consistently year after year.

 

• CAN I USE STAR BITS FROM OTHER MANUFACTURERS TO DRIVE YOUR SCREWS?

Yes. U2’s star drive bits are offered in the correct recess sizes for their screws. U2 has the bits hardened to be compatible with the relative hardness of their screws. U2 also makes their bits just slightly larger to hold the screw in place so that you only need one hand to drive the screw. This is helpful for cabinet installation or any condition where you need to reach.

 

• WHY DO YOU SHIP SMALLER QUANTITIES IN BAGS

The smaller the quantity of screws you purchase the bigger factor freight becomes. Bags give us the flexibility to ship USPS in the small priority mail boxes. In many cases a USPS shipment  could be half of the cost of the same weight UPS shipment. The bags are pretty thick (6 or 8 mil) and are self closing.

• WHAT IF I AM STILL NOT SURE WHICH SCREW I NEED FOR MY PROJECT

Contact us with any questions about your specific project! We can ship screw samples and provide you with guidance.