Camo hidden fasteners are a popular solution for securing deck boards to joists while maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing finish. Designed for a variety of decking materials, the Camo system offers tools and fasteners that ensure durability, precision, and ease of use. This article provides an in-depth overview of the installation process, including recommended tools, screw selection, compatibility with different decking types, and troubleshooting common issues.
Overview of the Camo Hidden Fastener System
The Camo hidden fastener system is engineered for both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts. It consists of specially designed screws, installation tools, and driver bits that work together to secure deck boards to joists without the need for visible screws or nails. This system is compatible with a wide range of decking materials, including treated lumber, cedar, hardwood, composite, and PVC. The Camo system is not suitable for metal joists, as stated in the provided documentation.
The core components of the Camo system include:
- CAMO Screws: Available in different lengths to suit various deck board thicknesses.
- Installation Tools: The CAMO Marksman, Marksman Pro, and Pro X1 tools are used to hold the deck boards in place while the screws are driven into the joists.
- Driver Bits: Specifically designed for use with Camo screws to ensure proper depth and alignment.
The Camo system requires the use of its proprietary tools and driver bits to achieve optimal performance. The installation process involves positioning the Camo tool across adjacent deck boards, aligning the tool with the joist, and driving the screw through the side of the board into the joist.
Choosing the Right CAMO Screw
Selecting the appropriate screw length is critical for a secure and stable deck installation. The documentation provides guidance on screw selection based on the thickness of the deck boards:
- For nominal 2x deck boards (actual thickness of 1-½ inches), use 2-3/8 inch (60mm) CAMO Hidden Fasteners. These are not recommended for deck boards exceeding 1-1/2 inches in thickness.
- For 5/4 inch decking, the 1-7/8 inch CAMO fasteners are appropriate.
The documentation also includes a document titled Selecting the Right Camo Hidden Fastener, which provides additional recommendations based on specific deck board types and thicknesses. Users are encouraged to refer to this guide to ensure the correct screw length is selected for their project.
Installation Tools and Their Functions
The Camo system includes several installation tools designed to accommodate different project sizes and decking widths. The tools are compatible with 6-inch wide deck boards and are intended for use with treated lumber, cedar, composite, or PVC materials.
CAMO Marksman Tool
The CAMO Marksman is a light-duty installation tool intended for single deck installations. It is not recommended for repeated use over multiple projects. The tool features spacer teeth that automatically maintain a 3/16 inch gap between adjacent deck boards. This spacing is important for allowing room for expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes.
CAMO Marksman Pro Tool
The CAMO Marksman Pro is a heavy-duty tool designed for repeated use across multiple deck installations. It is built to last and is suitable for larger or more complex projects. Like the Marksman, the Pro tool also includes spacer teeth that maintain the 3/16 inch gap between boards.
CAMO Pro X1 Tool
The CAMO Pro X1 is an advanced version of the Pro tool designed to address the issue of wood shrinkage, particularly with treated lumber and softwoods. It creates a smaller gap (1/16 inch) between deck boards, reducing the visibility of gaps after installation. This is beneficial for wood decks where aesthetics and a tighter look are desired.
Tool Spacing Considerations
When working with treated lumber or other softwoods, many users prefer a gap smaller than 3/16 inch due to the tendency of these materials to shrink after installation. The Pro X1 tool was specifically designed to accommodate this preference by providing a smaller gap and a more refined look.
Tool and Driver Bit Compatibility
The Camo system requires the use of CAMO driver bits to ensure that the fasteners are driven to the correct depth. These driver bits are included in different quantities depending on the size of the screw pack:
- 100 quantity packs do not include driver bits.
- 350 quantity packs include 1 driver bit.
- 700 and 1750 quantity packs include 2 driver bits.
The CAMO driver bits are compatible with both ungrooved and grooved deck boards. The CAMO Marksman and Marksman Pro tools are used in conjunction with the CAMO driver bit and the CAMO screws to complete the installation process.
Compatibility with Decking Materials
The Camo hidden fastener system is compatible with a variety of decking materials, including:
- Treated Lumber: A common choice for outdoor decks due to its durability and resistance to rot and insects.
- Cedar: A naturally decay-resistant hardwood that is often used for its aesthetic appeal and durability.
- Hardwood: Includes species such as ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood, known for their strength and longevity.
- Composite Decking: A synthetic material made from wood fibers and plastic, known for its low maintenance and resistance to weathering.
- PVC Decking: A fully synthetic material that is highly durable and resistant to moisture and insects.
The Camo system is not compatible with metal joists, as stated in the documentation. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the joists are made of wood or another compatible material before beginning installation.
Installation Process
The installation process for Camo hidden fasteners involves the following steps:
Position the CAMO Tool: Place the CAMO tool (Marksman, Marksman Pro, or Pro X1) across two adjacent deck boards. The tool will automatically space the boards at the appropriate gap (3/16 inch for the standard tools, 1/16 inch for the Pro X1).
Align with the Joist: Ensure that the tool is aligned with the deck joist beneath the boards. The tool will hold the boards in place while the screw is driven into the joist.
Drive the Screw: Using a drill with a CAMO driver bit, drive the Camo screw through the side of the deck board and into the joist. The driver bit ensures that the screw is set at the correct depth to avoid protruding above the surface of the board.
Remove the Tool and Repeat: Once the screw is fully driven into the joist, remove the tool and repeat the process for the next set of boards.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for screw type and length based on the thickness and type of decking being used. This ensures that the fasteners provide a secure and stable hold without compromising the integrity of the deck boards.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During the installation process, users may encounter several common issues that can affect the performance and appearance of the Camo fasteners. Below are some of the most frequently reported issues and recommended solutions:
Stuck CAMO Tool
If the CAMO Marksman tool becomes stuck on the deck board, it is typically because the fastener has not been fully driven into the joist. In this case, do not attempt to pull the tool off, as this may cause damage. Instead, reverse the drill and back out the screw or continue to drive it into the joist. Driving the screw in fully is the recommended method for resolving this issue.
Wet Deck Boards
Using wet deck boards with the CAMO Pro Marksman Tool can affect the spacing between boards. To avoid this, the documentation recommends allowing the boards to dry in a shaded area before installation. Once the boards have acclimated, the spacing should return to the normal 3/16 inch.
Incorrect Screw Length
Using the wrong screw length can result in improper fastening or an uneven appearance. To avoid this, users should refer to the Selecting the Right Camo Hidden Fastener document for guidance on screw length based on deck board thickness and type.
Benefits of Using Camo Hidden Fasteners
The Camo hidden fastener system offers several advantages over traditional fastening methods, including:
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Camo system eliminates the need for visible screws or nails, resulting in a clean and uniform appearance.
- Durability: The screws are made from durable steel and are designed to withstand the elements, ensuring a long-lasting installation.
- Ease of Use: The installation tools are designed to simplify the fastening process, reducing the time and effort required for installation.
- Versatility: The Camo system is compatible with a wide range of decking materials, making it a flexible solution for various types of decks.
These benefits make the Camo system a popular choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors.
Conclusion
The Camo hidden fastener system is a reliable and effective solution for securing deck boards to joists while maintaining a clean and professional appearance. The system includes a variety of tools, screws, and driver bits that work together to ensure a secure and stable installation. By selecting the appropriate screw length, using the recommended tools, and following the installation guidelines, users can achieve a durable and aesthetically pleasing deck.
When installing Camo hidden fasteners, it is important to consider the type and thickness of the decking material, as well as the compatibility with the joist type. The Camo system is not suitable for metal joists, so users must ensure that their joists are made of wood or another compatible material.
Common installation issues such as a stuck tool or wet deck boards can be resolved by following the recommended troubleshooting steps. By adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines and using the correct tools and fasteners, users can ensure a successful and long-lasting deck installation.