Simpson Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screw - 1/4 in. x 2 in., Type 316 Stainless Steel is a high-strength structural fastener engineered for demanding connector installations, wood-to-wood assemblies, and engineered wood applications. Built from Type 316 stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance, this hex-head screw drives without predrilling, making it well-suited for structural fastening in high-moisture, coastal, and chemically aggressive environments where standard fasteners would fail prematurely. Its serrated threads and Type-17 point combine to deliver clean, split-free driving into a wide range of structural lumber and composite materials.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel construction - resists corrosion in saltwater exposure, high-humidity environments, and contact with chemically treated lumber, making it ideal where long-term structural integrity is critical
• Type-17 cutting point - bores cleanly into wood fibers on entry, eliminating the need for predrilling and reducing the risk of splitting even in dense or engineered lumber
• Serrated threads - bite aggressively into wood and engineered wood substrates to maximize holding strength and resist withdrawal forces in loaded connector applications
• 3/8 in. hex head with integrated washer head - distributes bearing load across a wider surface area, reducing the chance of pull-through in connector flanges and structural members
• No predrilling required - speeds up installation significantly on the job site, reducing labor time without sacrificing fastening performance
• 0.235 in. shank diameter with 1-1/4 in. thread length - provides substantial shear resistance and deep thread engagement for reliable load transfer in structural connections

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for stainless steel Simpson Strong-Tie connectors - pairing stainless fasteners with stainless connectors prevents galvanic corrosion that can weaken joints over time, a critical advantage in coastal builds, decks, and other high-exposure structural assemblies
• Drives fast with no prep work - the Type-17 point means you go straight from connector to finished installation with no predrilling step, cutting labor time on repetitive connector-fastening tasks
• Designed for maximum corrosion resistance - Type 316 stainless steel goes beyond standard stainless grades, offering stronger resistance to chlorides and industrial chemicals, making this screw a reliable choice where the structure must perform for decades in harsh conditions
• Engineered and extensively tested - this screw has been tested across multiple connector and wood-to-wood application types by Simpson Strong-Tie, providing documented performance confidence for structural installations

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Material: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Length: 2 in.
• Shank Diameter: 0.235 in.
• Thread Length: 1 1/4 in.
• Head Type: Hex Head
• Drive Type: 3/8 in. Hex
• Thread Type: Serrated Threads
• Point Type: Type-17 Point
• Country of Origin: Taiwan

Available Pack Options

• SDS25200SS-R25: 25 Pk
• SDS25200SS: 1300 Pk

Approved Applications

• Fastening Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors

Install With

• A low-speed 1/2-in. drill with a 3/8-in. hex driver is the recommended tool for installation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Type 316 stainless steel recommended for high-exposure environments?

Type 316 stainless steel contains a higher molybdenum content than standard stainless grades, giving it superior resistance to chlorides, salt spray, and harsh chemicals. This makes it the appropriate choice for structural fastening in coastal construction, wet environments, and applications where maximum corrosion resistance is required over the long term.

Does this screw require predrilling before installation?

No. The Type-17 point on this screw is designed to self-start and bore cleanly into wood without predrilling. This allows for fast, split-reducing installation directly through connector flanges and into wood or engineered wood substrates.

What tool should be used to drive this screw?

A low-speed 1/2-in. drill fitted with a 3/8-in. hex driver is the recommended installation tool. Using the correct driver ensures proper seating of the hex head and prevents stripping or over-driving.

What types of connectors and assemblies is this screw designed for?

This screw is designed for fastening Simpson Strong-Tie stainless steel connectors, as well as wood-to-wood and engineered wood structural applications. It is part of the SDS Strong-Drive stainless line, which covers lengths from 1-1/2 in. to 3-1/2 in. to accommodate a variety of connector and structural fastening requirements.

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