Simpson Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screw in 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. is a high-strength structural fastener from Simpson Strong-Tie, engineered for demanding connector installations as well as wood-to-wood and engineered wood applications. Constructed from Type 316 stainless steel, this heavy-duty connector screw delivers maximum corrosion resistance in higher-exposure environments such as coastal, marine, and chemically aggressive settings where standard fasteners would quickly degrade. The hex head design and serrated threads work together to provide secure, reliable fastening without the need for predrilling, saving time on the job while reducing the risk of splitting the wood.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel construction - provides superior corrosion resistance in high-exposure environments including saltwater, coastal conditions, and chemically treated lumber, making this screw suitable where maximum durability is required.
• Type-17 point tip - enables easy self-starting installation with no predrilling required, reducing labor time and minimizing the risk of wood splitting during fastening.
• Serrated threads at 10 TPI with a 1-1/2 in. thread length - bite aggressively into wood and engineered lumber for a strong, vibration-resistant hold that maintains structural integrity over time.
• 3/8 in. hex head drive type - compatible with standard hex drivers for fast, consistent installation using a low-speed drill, helping maintain proper torque control and reducing cam-out.
• 0.235 in. shank diameter - provides the structural shear strength required for heavy-duty connector applications without overloading the fastener or the connected material.
• 2-1/2 in. overall length - offers the penetration depth needed for secure fastening in typical connector and structural wood applications.
• Extensively tested for connector installations - has been rigorously evaluated across various applications, giving builders and contractors confidence in performance on the job.

Why This Product

• Built for high-exposure, corrosion-prone environments - Type 316 stainless steel is specifically chosen for projects where moisture, salt air, or chemical exposure would compromise a standard zinc-coated fastener, making this screw the right choice for coastal, marine, or pressure-treated lumber applications.
• No-predrill installation saves time and reduces wood damage - the Type-17 point and serrated thread design allow the screw to drive directly into wood and engineered lumber, eliminating an entire step from the installation process and keeping work moving efficiently.
• Designed to work directly with Simpson Strong-Tie stainless steel connectors - when you are fastening Simpson stainless-steel hardware, this screw is the matched fastener for those products, ensuring compatibility and consistent holding performance across the assembly.
• Straightforward installation with common tooling - the 3/8 in. hex head works with a standard hex driver bit and a low-speed 1/2 in. drill, meaning no specialty tools are required to achieve proper installation on structural connector applications.

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Material: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Length: 2-1/2 in.
• Shank Diameter: 0.235 in.
• Drive Type: 3/8 in. Hex
• Head Type: Hex Head
• Thread Type: Serrated Threads
• Thread Length: 1-1/2 in.
• Point Type: Type-17 Point
• TPI: 10
• Country of Origin: Taiwan

Available Pack Options

• SDS25212SS-R25: 25 Pk
• SDS25212SS: 1100 Pk

Approved Applications

• Fastening Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors
• Wood-to-wood structural connections
• Engineered wood fastening applications
• Higher-exposure environments requiring maximum corrosion resistance

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

Does this screw require predrilling before installation?

No. The Type-17 point is specifically designed to enable easy self-starting installation with no predrilling required. This also helps reduce splitting in both dimensional lumber and engineered wood products.

What makes Type 316 stainless steel appropriate for outdoor and high-exposure applications?

Type 316 stainless steel offers maximum corrosion resistance, making these screws suitable for environments where exposure to moisture, salt air, chemicals, or other corrosive conditions would degrade standard fasteners. They are well-suited for use with Simpson Strong-Tie stainless steel connectors and hardware in these demanding environments.

What tool is recommended for driving this screw?

A low-speed 1/2 in. drill equipped with a 3/8 in. hex driver is the recommended installation tool. The hex head design helps maintain consistent torque control during installation.

What applications is this SDS screw designed for?

This screw is engineered for fastening Simpson Strong-Tie connectors, wood-to-wood connections, and engineered wood applications. It has been extensively tested across these use cases to verify structural performance and holding strength.

Note: The image displayed is a generic representation of the type of product. Product dimensions and/or thread length may differ from picture. Please see the item description above for specifications.