The Simpson Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER Stainless Steel Screw (0.275" x 3") is a heavy-duty structural fastener engineered to deliver a high-strength, corrosion-resistant alternative to through-bolting and traditional lag screws. Constructed from Type 316 stainless steel, this screw is purpose-built for severe corrosion environments - think coastal docks, boardwalks, wharves, piers, and ledger connections where saltwater exposure and harsh outdoor conditions demand a material that won't compromise over time. The 316 stainless steel composition resists chlorides, saltwater, and aggressive chemicals, making it the go-to structural timber screw for marine and waterfront construction. Code listed under IAPMO UES ER-192 and compliant with 2018 and 2021 IRC and IBC requirements, this fastener gives contractors and do-it-yourselfers confidence that their structural wood connections meet recognized building standards.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel material - provides severe corrosion resistance in saltwater, coastal, and chemically aggressive environments where standard fasteners would degrade prematurely
• 0.275" heavy-duty shank diameter - delivers the structural strength needed for load-bearing timber connections, offering a reliable substitute for lag screws and through-bolts
• SawTooth point - cuts through wood fibers cleanly for fast, effortless installation without pre-drilling in many applications, saving time on the job site
• Washer head design with 0.650" head diameter - spreads clamping force over a wider surface area, improving pull-through resistance and creating a secure, tight connection in structural wood assemblies
• T50 6-Lobe drive type - provides excellent torque transfer and reduces cam-out, so the fastener seats fully without slipping or stripping
• 2" thread length on a 3" screw - optimizes thread engagement in the receiving member, maximizing withdrawal strength in wood-to-wood and engineered-wood connections
• 5 TPI (threads per inch) coarse thread - grips structural lumber and engineered-wood products firmly, contributing to high withdrawal load performance
• Code listed under IAPMO UES ER-192 - meets 2018 and 2021 IRC and IBC requirements for common wood framing and engineered-wood applications, giving projects a clear path through inspections

Why This Product

• Built for coastal and severe corrosion environments - Type 316 stainless steel is specifically chosen for its resistance to saltwater and chloride attack, making this screw the right choice for piers, wharves, docks, and boardwalk construction where lesser materials fail quickly
• Eliminates the complexity of through-bolting - the Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER screw is designed as a direct, high-strength alternative to traditional lag screws and through-bolts, reducing the number of steps and tools required to make a code-compliant structural connection
• Suitable for contractors and DIYers alike - the SawTooth point and T50 6-Lobe drive make installation straightforward and efficient, reducing installer fatigue and improving consistency across large-scale timber framing projects
• Confidence through code compliance - IAPMO UES ER-192 listing and compatibility with 2018 and 2021 IRC and IBC codes means this screw is recognized for several common wood framing and engineered-wood applications, removing guesswork from structural planning

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Material: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Length: 3 in.
• Shank Diameter: 0.275 in.
• Head Diameter: 0.650 in.
• Head Type: Washer Head
• Drive Type: T50 6-Lobe
• Point Type: SawTooth Point
• Thread Length: 2 in.
• TPI: 5

Available Pack Options

• SDWS27300SS-RC10: 10 Pk - includes one 6-lobe, T-50 driver bit
• SDWS27300SS-R30: 30 Pk - includes one 6-lobe, T-50 driver bit
• SDWS27300SS: 350 Pk - includes (2) T50 6-Lobe driver bits

Approved Applications

• Structural wood-to-wood connections in coastal and severe corrosion environments
• Engineered-wood structural connections requiring code-listed fasteners
• Pier and dock construction where saltwater exposure is a constant factor
• Boardwalk and wharf framing applications requiring high-strength, corrosion-resistant fasteners
• Ledger connections in marine and waterfront settings
• Common wood framing applications meeting 2018 and 2021 IRC and IBC requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Type 316 stainless steel specified for this screw rather than a standard coated fastener?

Type 316 stainless steel offers severe corrosion resistance that goes well beyond what galvanized or standard coated fasteners can provide. It is specifically suited for coastal environments, marine structures, and locations with exposure to saltwater, chlorides, or harsh chemicals - exactly the conditions found on docks, piers, wharves, and boardwalks where this screw is designed to perform.

Do I need to pre-drill before installing this screw into structural lumber?

The SawTooth point on this screw is engineered to cut through wood fibers during installation, which often allows driving without pre-drilling in many structural lumber applications. This feature speeds up installation and reduces setup time on the job site. Always follow the applicable code requirements and Simpson installation guidelines for your specific application.

What drive tool is required for this screw?

This screw uses a T50 6-Lobe drive, which requires a T50 Torx-compatible bit. The 6-Lobe interface provides superior torque transfer compared to hex or square drives, helping the screw seat fully and reducing the risk of cam-out during installation.

Is this screw approved for use with engineered-wood products?

Yes. The Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER screw is code listed under IAPMO UES ER-192 and meets 2018 and 2021 IRC and IBC requirements for several common wood framing and engineered-wood applications. This makes it suitable for structural connections involving engineered lumber and similar products in applicable code-listed configurations.

Note: Product dimensions and/or thread length may differ from picture. Please refer to the specifications listed above for accurate product details.