There are many hidden deck fasteners on the market today. Decking Digest thoroughly reviews the leading hidden deck fastener products.
The most popular hidden deck fasteners on the market are CAMO Wedge Clip, Trex Hideaway®, TimberTech® EDGELoc®, and FastenMaster TCG Hidden Deck Clips, among a long list of options for Pro Installers and DIYers.
Decking Digest has created a list of Deck Builder Tools & Products here on Amazon.
Let's take a deeper dive on each one of these hidden fasteners:
Use this table of contents to quickly reference a product:
CAMO recently launched a new hidden deck clip called Wedge.
The Deck Clip is “wedged” into the groove temporarily, then the next board is placed into position.
The CAMO Lever is then used to clamp the boards into place.
From here, an installer can adjust board to board gapping as needed before using the CAMO Drive tool to tighten the clips. An installer can also hand drive the clips as well.
The improved CAMO Drive tool can attach to many leading cordless drills in the market today.
Unlike the CAMO EDGE Clip, the new WEDGE Clip can be used on 90 degree and angled deck installation.
The 316 stainless steel screws and gusset are good for all types of applications including marine grade docks and decks.
This clip is also available in an option with a screw that can be used in steel framing.
Some of the installer benefits:
A very quick way to place clips and boards into position.
Versatility to fasten boards at various angles to the joist.
A 316 grade screw that can be used on marine grade applications.
Downsides:
Additional tools needed to purchase to optimize the system (tool and multiple levers).
Multiple steps required to install decking board.
Overall, the installer feedback has been very positive around this new clip.
We found the the older CAMO Edge Clip available online at $1.14 per SF in the bulk pail.
The CAMO Wedge Clip is available on Amazon for $59.98 here.
Here's a good product overview video:
The TimberTech EDGELoc is a collated plastic clip with pre set stainless steel fasteners.
This product showcases collated strips of 12 to optimize installation efficiency.
The clips covers the entire joist for a better finished look between boards.
These clips are promoted for use in the TimberTech Prime, Prime+, and Terrain collection.
EDGELoc is a two step installation process where the builder will install the clip half way, snap off the clip, continue down the length of the board, apply the next decking board, then tighten the loose clips.
Installer Benefits:
Collated strips are a lot easier to keep track of when building.
Stability of clips on the joist help with install.
Clip covers all of joist for full black finish.
Downsides:
No tool to speed up installation.
This clip can only be used on wood joists, no metal framing option is available.
Packaging is available in 55 and 250 square-foot boxes.
The average retail cost we found was $.94 per SF online.
Here's a good product overview video:
More information about EDGELoc can be found on their website here.
The Trex Hideaway clip is one of the most popular used hidden deck clips in the market today.
The clip’s universal design works in most leading deck board grooves. The stainless steel screws are pre set into the loose clips.
The Trex Hideaway installs in a similar way to EDGELoc with a two step installation process. Attach your clips loose, then come back and tighten after the next board is in place.
Trex has recently launched a hand guide to assist with clip position during installation.
This clip is widely available in the market, including at Home Depot and Lowe’s.
TREX Hideaway clips are available in 50 square-foot and 500 square-foot packages.
The average retail cost we found was $.68 per SF when you buy the 500 SF pail.
Here's a Trex made video on the process of using Trex HideAway Clips:
More information about the Trex Hideaway Hidden Fastening System can be found on their website here.
FASTENMASTER TCG STAINLESS HIDDEN DECK CLIP
Another hidden deck clip with an installation tool is the TCG hidden deck clip from FastenMaster.
This installation gun and clips are promoted as universally compatible and has an impressive list of deck brands it is compatible with including Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, MoistureShield, Deckorators, Clubhouse, Wolf, and a few others.
The FastenMaster TCG clip is installed with a pneumatic installation tool. The clips are placed onto the nose of the tool, placed into the groove of the decking, and a screw is fired into the clip. The clip is stainless steel and provides a built in 3/16” gap.
FastenMaster has a program where a new user can get a free installation tool.
To view the free tool offer click here.
We found this offer online for 1,000 SF of clips and screws AND a free installation gun for $.81 per SF at DIY Homecenter online here.
This is an overview video of the system:
HIDFAST
The HIDFast system is one of the most unique in the list. This system combines an installation tool and a hidden decking nail.
Similar to an interior flooring gun, this hidden deck fastening nail is driven into the decking and the joist at the same time. The installer then hammers on the next board to firmly attach it to the nail.
The installation tool is pneumatic and can run off many compressors in the market today. The nails are made of xx steel.
Benefits:
Appears to be a quick installation process.
Likely a very effective system for PVC decking.
Downsides:
Hard to remove after install.
Cost of the tool.
Powered by an air hose.
This system is sold in 175 piece packs and the average cost is $1.25 per SF.
A deck installer made a video that can be viewed here:
More information about the HIDFast System can be found on their website here.
Grip-Rite® NINJA CLIP HIDDEN DECK CLIP
This new hidden deck clip has a front and a back. The front is part metal and part plastic. The plastic creates a snug fit in the groove of the decking.
The installer continues placing clips down the joist and applies the next decking board. Once that board is in position, the installer drives the preset stainless steel screw.
Installer Benefits:
Easy installation process without any tools required.
316 Marine grade stainless steel delivers a long lasting connection.
We found these clips available at Lowes for $.99 per SF.
More information can be found on the Grip-Rite website here.
TURBO CLIP FROM AVON PLASTICS
The turbo clip from Avon plastics is a collated hidden deck clip that features a preset screw and 15 collated clips.
The installer can fasten a full 12 foot decking board at 16" on center with one strip.
Simply insert the clip into position, fasten about half the way down, bring your next board into position, and go back to tighten those loose clips.
The TurboClip “narrow gap” provides a 3/16” gap between the decking boards.
Here's a promo video for the product:
HIDDEN PLUG SYSTEMS
Certain times a deck builder can’t install a hidden clip like stairs for instance, or the last board near the house, or the picture frame of a deck. This is where hidden plug systems fill a need.
There are a few brands out there who make plugs. Just about every deck brand has a plug offering.
In many cases, these plugs are made from the same boards and do a really good job blending in. Can you find these two plugs?
The latest and greatest is the collated version of plugs from FastenMaster.
These come with plugs in a plastic strip. The board grain is oriented and they come in leading colors of major deck brands.
Here's a promo video on the FastenMaster collated Cortex system:
FastenMaster's Collated Cortex System is available for $.86 per SF in a bulk bucket which includes screws, plugs, and setting tools.
More information is available on their website here.
CONCLUSION:
We hope this article has given you a good overview of what is available for hidden deck fasteners.
We will make periodic updates as we learn about more options.
Additions coming soon:
IPE Clip
Simpson Strong-Tie's Eb-Ty
Eva-Last HULK Clip
Step-Clip by Barrette
Got a clip you want on this list? Email us
Do you use one of these clips today?
Tell us in the comments below!
Thanks
- Decking Digest