One of our prospective clients recently contacted me with a list of features being promoted by a builder he was considering investing in a post frame building kit with. One of the features happened to be the use of stainless steel screws to attach the steel roofing and siding. My quick, off the cuff, response to the client was why – when the manufacturer of the screws provided by Hansen Pole Buildings guarantees them (and they are not stainless steel) to outlive the steel! Along with this, I stated the stainless steel screws would be about four times as expensive.
Well, I was wrong.
I checked the prices on stainless steel screws vs. standard screws at a major big box store today and found I could purchase five pounds of standard screws for the exact same price as one pound of the stainless steel ones of the same size!!
Now stainless steel screws do have their place. If one is using them to drive into ACQ pressure treated lumber (please read more here: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2012/06/acq-treated-lumber/), then stainless is the way to go. Fortunately, ACQ is now rarely used for post frame construction, as other alternative methods of preserving lumber have been developed.
So, what is so special about the screws provided by Hansen Pole Buildings?
The JS1000 plating system has been developed by Leland Industries and has been proven to remain completely rust free in over 1000 hours of salt spray testing. This is 20 to 25 times the corrosion resistance of regular electro-zinc products – and considerably more than the best known coatings on the market.
This plating system provides for a high lubricity for reducing tapping torque and less stress on small diameter screws. JS1000 is completely non-toxic. It is compatible with aluminum and other construction metals. It is hexavalent Chromium free and RoHS compliant, making it an environmentally friendly product.
For those who “just have to know”, RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances, originated in the European Nation. It restricts the use of six hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.
In our case, we order these screws powder coated, which when used over JS1000 increases salt spray testing rust resistance by over three times!!
Not to mention driving the SS screws.
While trying to find what tool is recommended for correct installation of sealing screws, today. The higher speed depth controlling screw guns commonly used for drywall, and metal to wood screws 4000-2500 rpm apparently eat the threads off of the Stainless Screws. The slower 1000rpm (DeWalt dw269) and Hitachi W8vb2 1700rpm are needed, I was told.
The salesman loved people who insist on the faster drivers due to selling replacement screws.
I know you have written about the correct drive bits but what about the driver? Impact destroys the coating?
Vincent ~
Good to hear from you. The use of impact tool specifically voids the manufacturer’s warranty on the powder coating. Stick with lower impact drive motors and everything should be wonderful.