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Securing First Board
Position the decking board against the house, and install a screw every 16 inches through the decking and into solid support. This board must be solidly secured and without movement.
View instructional VIDEO clip
Trouble driving second board?
Make sure that your first decking board is screwed down at least every 16 inches along the house edge and that a Tiger Claw fastener and screw are installed at each joist. Using a sledge hammer and hammer board, begin installing your second board on the outer edge of the deck by fully installing the board on the outer fastener only. Next, install the first Tiger Claw fastener and screw into the board being installed; this will help hold the board in place, preventing the end from recoiling off the prongs as you move down the board.
Next, use the sledge hammer work your way down the full length of the decking board. Swing the sledge hammer only one time at each joist. Do not try to fully install the board onto prongs on your first pass. When you get to the other end of your board, once again, fully install the board onto the prongs of the outer fastener and install a second fastener and screw.
Now you should have the two ends of your decking board secure and the center of the board should be partially installed onto the prongs. At this point, work your way back across the center and fully install the rest of your board. Once again, only hit the board once at each joist and reduce the force of your swing. Continuing this method will make installation quicker and easier.
View instructional VIDEO clip
Installing the last decking board
There are several methods that can be use for installing the last decking board:
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Usually, the last board can be screwed thru the top of the deck board since the screws will be hidden below the rails, out of visual range.
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Another method is to counter drill, screw, and plug all holes.
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If there is access beneath the deck, a screw can be installed thru the framing and into the bottom of the board.
What type of screw do I need?
Stainless steel #8 x 2" bugle head decking screws are included in every box and project pail of TC-1S, TC-2S, and TC-3S hidden deck fasteners.
Stainless Steel #7 x 1 5/8th " trim head screws are included in every box, bucket or bag of TC-4, PROCLIP and TC-G fasteners.
1400 count contractor buckets of TC -1, 2, and 3 do not include screws within the bucket. Tiger Claw Stainless steel screws are available in a 1480 count buckets wherever you purchase Tiger Claw Fasteners.
Click HERE to order screws online
How do Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners work?
Unlike screws and nails, Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners secure decking boards to framing in such a way that no fasteners are visible on the surface of the deck.
Tiger Claw fasteners firmly attach decking boards together by holding the edge of the decking board and solidly securing the decking boards to supports by use of common decking screws.
Tiger Claw’s patented design not only makes Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners virtually invisible, it also makes them quick and easy to install when compared to other hidden deck fastener systems.
Do I need special tools?
No, only standard tools are needed. Each retail unit of Tiger Claw hidden deck fasteners include instructions and installation
block(s).
Tools Required:
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16 – 20 oz carpenter hammer
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6–10 lb long handled sledge hammer
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Power screw gun with ratcheting torque setting
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Scrap 2 x 4 about 48 inch long (hammer board)
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Pliers
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1/8 inch drill bit
Stainless steel screws are included in every box or project pail or bag of TC-1S, TC-2S, TC-3S, TC-4S, PROCLIP, and TC-G fasteners.
How much gap is there between decking boards?
TC-1 & TC-2
fasteners are designed to provide no initial gap. We recommend setting decking boards as tight as possible and letting boards shrink gap.
TC-3 fasteners automatically create a 3/16 inch gap between each board. However, we recommend spacing the decking according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
TC-4 & TC-P fasteners are designed to provide a gap of approximately 1/8 inch. Exotic hardwoods and PVC decking materials tend to have very little expansion or contraction. However, in very dry climates, some shrinking may occur to exotic hardwoods; allowing the boards to acclimate for several days prior to installing may be required.
When using exotic hardwoods, check with your decking supplier for estimated reactions in your
climate. When using PVC decking materials, we recommend spacing the decking according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Can you use Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners on deck stairs?
Yes, you can use Tiger Claw fasteners on deck stairs. Start by driving a fastener and screw into each stringer of your staircase. Next, install stair treads following standard installation procedures. To fasten the outer edge of the stair tread, install a 2 x 2 framing member between stringers. This will allow you to screw through this framing and into the bottom of the stair tread. Repeat this method for each step.
I’m cutting the decking flush with the frame; will this interfere with the Tiger Claw fastener?
Cutting the decking flush with the frame may interfere with the Tiger Claw fastener. To avoid this problem, attach a pressure treated 2 x 4 to the inside of the outer joist. Then, secure Tiger Claw fasteners to the inner 2 x 4 support.
Why do most other decks fail?
Most other decks are constructed with nails and screws that are driven through decking boards and into support joists. As the lumber dries on these decks, it shrinks, cups, and stresses nails and screws causing them to loosen and emerge above the deck’s surface. Not only is screw and nail pop hazardous to foot traffic, but it allows water to penetrate the deck planking and joists, causing wood rot.
Decking materials are usually rot resistant; however, with time and accumulated stress, even the best woods succumb to decay. Using Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners is a measure that you can take to prolong the life of your deck by avoiding the problems that make other decks fail.
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