The Simpson Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER Screw in 0.220-in. diameter by 5-1/2-in. length is a structural wood fastener engineered for cross-laminated timber construction, mass timber assemblies, log-home construction, and general interior wood-to-wood applications. Finished in a black E-coat electrocoating for interior use, this heavy-duty timber screw drives faster and with less torque than comparable lag screws, making it a practical choice for contractors and builders working on demanding structural framing projects. Its low-profile washer head and serrated thread design work together to pull members tight and reduce material splitting, delivering a secure, professional result without extra hardware.

Key Features

• SawTooth Point - ensures fast starts and reduces installation torque, eliminating the need for predrilling in most applications so you can work faster with fewer steps
• Serrated Threads - reduce splitting and material damage as the screw drives through wood, preserving structural integrity in cross-laminated and mass timber assemblies
• Low-Profile Washer Head (0.760-in. diameter) - provides maximum bearing area and pulls wood members together tightly without requiring additional washers, simplifying installation
• T40 6-Lobe Drive - delivers positive bit engagement that keeps the bit from slipping or camming out, reducing driver wear and improving control during high-torque drives
• 0.220-in. Shank Diameter - offers robust structural holding strength appropriate for timber framing, meeting 2018 and 2021 IRC and IBC code requirements for most common wood framing applications
• 3-in. Thread Length with 5-1/4 TPI - thread geometry optimized for deep, secure engagement in thick timber members, reducing the number of fasteners needed per connection
• E-coat Electrocoating Finish (Black) - provides a uniform, corrosion-resistant coating suited for interior structural applications, keeping the fastener protected through the life of the assembly
• Code Listed in IAPMO-UES ER-192 - meets recognized building code standards so your project passes inspection without guesswork or additional documentation burden

Why This Product

• Designed specifically for timber-scale structural work: with a 0.220-in. shank, 5-1/2-in. length, and serrated threads, this screw addresses the demands of cross-laminated timber and mass timber construction where standard screws fall short in holding power and splitting resistance
• Faster installation than comparable lag screws: the SawTooth point and low-torque drive design mean less time per fastener and less fatigue for the installer - a meaningful advantage on large framing jobs with hundreds of connections
• Eliminates extra hardware: the large-diameter, low-profile washer head pulls members down firmly without the need for separate washers, reducing both material cost and steps on the job site
• Built-in code compliance: listed under IAPMO-UES ER-192 and aligned with 2018 and 2021 IRC and IBC requirements, this screw is ready for permitted structural applications without requiring special engineering sign-off for most common framing uses

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Shank Diameter (in.): 0.220
• Length (in.): 5-1/2
• Head Diameter (in.): 0.760
• Head Type: Low Profile Head
• Drive Type: T40 6-Lobe
• Thread Type: Serrated Threads
• Thread Length (in.): 3
• TPI: 5-1/4
• Point Type: SawTooth Point
• Coating: E-coat Electrocoating
• Finish: E-coat Electrocoating
• Color: Black
• Country of Origin: Taiwan

Available Pack Options

• SDWS22512-R50: 50 Pk - includes (1) T40, 6-lobe driver bit (replacement bit: BIT40T-134-R2)
• SDWS22512: 250 Pk - includes (2) T40, 6-lobe driver bits (replacement bit: BIT40T-134-R2)

Approved Applications

• Fastening Wood-to-Wood
• Log-Home Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to predrill before installing the SDWS TIMBER Screw?

In most applications, predrilling is not required. The SawTooth point is specifically designed to ensure fast starts and reduce installation torque, allowing the screw to self-start in timber members without a pilot hole in the majority of common wood framing situations.

Is this screw suitable for exterior or treated-lumber applications?

This version of the SDWS TIMBER Screw features an E-coat electrocoating finish and is rated for interior applications. It is not designated for exterior or pressure-treated lumber exposure. For exterior or treated-lumber environments, look for the appropriate corrosion-rated variant of the SDWS line.

What bit is required to drive this screw?

This screw uses a T40 6-Lobe drive. A T40 Torx-style bit is required for installation. The 6-lobe design provides positive bit engagement, which helps prevent cam-out and extends bit life during high-torque driving in timber applications.

What building codes does this screw meet?

The SDWS TIMBER Screw is code listed in IAPMO-UES ER-192 and meets the 2018 and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) requirements for most common wood framing applications, making it suitable for permitted structural work.