Frequenly Asked Questions about Screws, Anchors and other Fasteners
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What is Electrolysis? Electrolysis is caused by two dissimilar metals touching in an aggressive environment, producing the potential for electrical current (e.g., static electricity). The material that is least resistant to corrosion will oxidize and the more resistant material is susceptible to an electrochemical reaction
(aluminum in most cases). This is also regarded as
What do I do if my old screw breaks during removal? The PRO-TECT Fastener Protection System was designed in such a way that enables you to use it even if the old fastener breaks. Drill right next to the existing screw that has snapped. The PRO-TECT sleeve and cap will cover the old hole. Do I need to purchase the PRO-TECT arbor to use the PRO-TECT fastener protection anchor, sleeve, and cap? Yes, the auger was designed to make it a one step tool. Once you back out the old screw you will simply re-drill the hole with the auger tool. When you re-drill, it does two things. First, it makes the hole a bit deeper so that you can use a slightly longer BLUE-TAP to provide a structurally sound member. Second, it drills a perfect hole in the top of the aluminum to allow the PRO-TECT sleeve to fit properly. recommends that you only use BLUE-TAP and PRO-TECT products with the PRO-TECT System. Can I use other masonry anchors with the PRO-TECT Fastener Protection System? BLUE-TAP masonry anchors were designed with a specific size washer head. The larger washer head is designed to work with the PRO-TECT sleeve and washer to produce optimum results. Our competitors’ anchors have either a smaller washer head (which has the potential of pull-out problems), or a larger washer head (which is too big to fit into the sleeve's design). Additionally, we can offer our quality product line at an inexpensive price because you are ordering direct from the manufacturer. Can I use the PRO-TECT Fastener Protection System on anything other than aluminum screen enclosures? While the PRO-TECT sleeve was designed specifically for a 1" thick structural member (such as a screen enclosure), the PRO-TECT washer was not. The PRO-TECT washer can be used in any application where you wish to hide the concrete anchor from view. Simply slip the PRO-TECT washer on the screw, drive it in, and then install the PRO-TECT cap. Keep checking our website too. We are currently designing other applications and products for this System. What are the PRO-TECT washers for? The PRO-TECT washers are simply designed for any application where you will be using a concrete anchor and you don't want the head to show, or be exposed to the elements. I have used fasteners with caps before and they always fall off. Will your PRO-TECT caps fall off too? Our PRO-TECT sleeve and cap design are designed to actually snap on and stay in place. In fact, they are designed to stay put even under severe pressure, such as a pressure washer and hurricanes. What colors are available for the PRO-TECT caps? We currently offer bronze and white to match the two standard aluminum colors. If you have need for alternate colors, please contact us at 1-877-803-6151. We may be able to fill your custom order needs depending on quantity and time frame. Will the NYLO-TEC and PRO-TECT products hold up under intense heat and sunlight? Both the NYLO-TEC and PRO-TECT lines were produced to resist fading and endure harsh environmental conditions. NYLO-TEC
What is the PRO-TECT and NYLO-TEC products for? PRO-TECT separates the fastener from the structural member without compromising integrity and is designed to be used wherever electrolysis is predominate (e.g. screen enclosure, green houses, etc.). NYLO-TEC can be used anywhere where you would be installing a self-drilling screw. Your NYLO-TEC screws look really interesting but I am concerned. Will the head come off during installation or removal? We have been asked this question a lot. First, this is not a new idea. The Nylon headed screw has been used in Europe for over 20 years, and has been proven as an effective product and the fastener of choice. We have also made a video of a drilling test with our NYLO-TEC that should alleviate your concerns (see link below). Without question, these fasteners are tough. If they are used as intended, and with the proper equipment, you should have no problems. For best results, we have found that an impact driver is the best tool. If you do not own one, a drill with a clutch will also work just fine. DECK-TEC
Can BLUE-TAP concrete fasteners and DECK-TEC Deck Screws be used in pressure-treated lumber? Pressure treated lumber used to be made with arsenic. Lumber is now treated with Alkaline Copper Quartenary (ACQ). ACQ treated lumber has a very high level of copper. Copper is extremely conductive. This makes it extremely corrosive to metal fasteners, nails and screws. DECK-TEC deck screws are available in stainless steel. Stainless steel fasteners do not corrode in contact with ACQ Treated Lumber. DECK-TEC deck screws and BLUE-TAP concrete screws with ceramic coating are ACQ approved for use in fastening Pressure treated Alkaline Copper Quartenary ACQ treated lumber to concrete and other masonry. Your DECK-TEC line is labeled ACQ certified. What does that mean? ACQ certified means it is approved for use with ACQ, Alkaline Copper Quaternary pressure treated wood. Only fasteners with this specification should be used with this material. Due to EPA restrictions that were effective Jan. 1, 2004, the previous standard in pressure treated wood has been banned, and this type of treatment (ACQ) is more and more common. You need a fastener designed for these new standards. Have a question we haven't answered? Contact [email protected] We would be happy to personally address any of your questions or concerns.
