Simpson #8 x 1-5/8" Square Drive Self-Drilling Fiber-Cement Screw in Type 410 Stainless Steel is engineered by Simpson Strong-Tie for reliable fastening of fiber cement siding through furring strips directly into steel studs. Built from Type 410 stainless steel - a material that can be hardened through heat treatment to deliver the drilling force needed to penetrate metal - these screws combine purpose-built design with the strength requirements of residential, agricultural, and commercial construction. The ribbed wafer head and self-countersinking nibs ensure a clean, flush finish without pre-drilling, making installation faster and more consistent on fiber-cement and underlayment applications.

Key Features

• Type 410 Stainless Steel material - hardenable through heat treatment, giving this screw the ability to drill through steel without a separate pilot hole, saving labor on metal stud applications
• Self-drilling drill point - eliminates the need for pre-drilling, speeding up installation when fastening fiber cement to steel framing
• #2 Square drive - reduces cam-out compared to Phillips drives, giving installers better torque control and fewer stripped heads during high-volume fiber-cement siding work
• Ribbed wafer head with self-countersinking nibs - seats flush without splitting or cracking fiber cement board, producing a cleaner finished surface
• 18 TPI (threads per inch) - optimized thread pitch for secure engagement in steel stud framing, reducing the risk of backing out or loosening over time
• 1-5/8" length with 1.151" max grip length - provides adequate reach through furring strips and fiber cement panels to anchor firmly into steel studs
• 0.390" head diameter - wide bearing surface distributes clamping load across the fiber cement face, reducing the risk of pull-through
• Threaded close to the head - maximizes thread engagement throughout the fastened material for a stronger, more secure hold

Why This Product

• Designed specifically for fastening fiber cement through furring strips to steel studs - a task that demands a screw capable of drilling metal while remaining gentle enough not to crack brittle siding panels
• The Type 410 stainless steel construction means this screw can self-drill into steel framing without sacrificing the corrosion resistance that exterior and backer board applications require
• The square drive head style reduces cam-out during installation, which is especially valuable in repetitive siding and underlayment work where stripped heads slow down production
• Simpson Strong-Tie's design meets the demands of residential, agricultural, and commercial projects, making this a versatile fastener choice across a wide range of fiber-cement and backer board applications

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Screw Size: #8
• Length: 1-5/8 in.
• Drive Type: #2 Square
• Head Type: Ribbed Wafer Head
• Head Diameter: 0.390 in.
• TPI: 18
• Max. Grip Length: 1.151 in.
• Point Type: Drill Point
• Material: Type 410 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 410 Stainless Steel
• Country of Origin: Taiwan

Available Pack Options

• F08T162WDC: 100 Pk
• F08T162WDM: 1000 Pk
• F08T162WDB: 3000 Pk

Approved Applications

• Underlayment / Backer board
• Fastening Fiber-Cement Siding

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this screw drill directly into steel studs without pre-drilling?

Yes. The drill point tip is designed to self-drill through steel, and the Type 410 stainless steel material can be hardened through heat treatment - giving it the toughness needed to penetrate metal framing without a pilot hole.

What drive bit does this screw require?

This screw uses a #2 Square drive bit. The square drive interface reduces cam-out and improves torque transfer compared to Phillips-style bits, making it well-suited for repetitive fiber-cement siding installation.

Is Type 410 stainless steel suitable for outdoor or corrosion-prone environments?

Type 410 stainless steel provides a level of corrosion resistance suitable for many exterior applications, but it does not offer the same level of corrosion resistance as Type 316 or Type 305 stainless steel. For highly corrosive or marine environments, a higher-grade stainless material may be more appropriate.

What is the maximum grip length for this screw, and why does it matter?

The maximum grip length is 1.151 in. This measurement indicates the maximum combined thickness of material - such as fiber cement board plus furring strip - that the screw can clamp together effectively before threading into the steel stud. Staying within this limit ensures full thread engagement and a secure, lasting connection.

Note: Product dimensions and/or thread length may differ from picture. Please see item description for specifications.