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New Simpson Strong-Tie® SDWS Timber SS Screw Provides Durability and Efficiency

New Simpson Strong-Tie® SDWS Timber SS Screw Provides Durability and Efficiency

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Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, today announced the official launch of the Strong-Drive SDWS Timber SS Type 316 stainless-steel structural screw, a premium solution for construction and repair of coastal piers, boardwalks, docks and other projects that require structural fastening in extreme saltwater environments.

The SDWS Timber SS prototype was specified and successfully field-tested as the primary pier-board fastener for the $8.7 million modernization of the Pismo Beach Pier. At 1,200 feet long, the Pismo Pier is the 18th longest in California and had several sections that had not been replaced since the pier was constructed in 1928.

To ensure that the Pismo Pier project could meet budget and scheduling requirements while providing the structural durability to last many more decades, Morro Bay, CA–based Shoreline Engineering turned to Simpson Strong-Tie for fasteners that were corrosion resistant and easy to install.

“The use of the SDWS Timber SS screw is a superior alternative over conventional connections and can be expected to last the lifetime of the project,” states Shoreline project engineer Bruce Elster, who provided performance feedback during final development of the SDWS SS fastener. “Their new structural screw has allowed the attachment of timber decking to be done in much less time than with traditional spikes and lag screws, and the design of the screw is stronger, more durable and corrosion resistant.”

Available in 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, 8″, 10″ and 12″ lengths, the SDWS Timber SS features a patented SawTooth™ point to eliminate the predrilling and counterboring required by lag screws while providing greater load ratings than spikes without nail-pops and their associated tripping hazards.

“The SDWS Timber SS has been engineered to provide fast, flush installation without the need for counterboring or predrilling,” says Clark Allen, Fastening Systems senior product manager and market segment analyst for Simpson Strong-Tie. “Working with the Pismo Pier project was invaluable for identifying the innovations incorporated into this next-generation fastener. We were able to provide superior corrosion resistance with greater fastener performance at a lower installed cost, than you would get with traditional spikes and lag screws.”

The SDWS Timber SS 316 stainless-steel structural screw complements the Strong-Drive® family of fasteners and is anticipated to provide a broad range of fastener solutions for coastal pier, boardwalk and ledger applications where a flat, flush washer head is advantageous.

For more information about the Strong-Drive SDWS Timber SS, please visit go.strongtie.com/sdwsss.