Simpson #7 x 2-1/4" Trim-Head Decking Screw in Red 01 with T15 6-Lobe Drive and Type 305 Stainless Steel is engineered for PVC and composite deck installations where a clean, low-profile fastener and outstanding corrosion resistance are both required. The painted Red 01 head is designed to blend with popular composite and PVC decking surfaces, making the fastener less visible once driven - so your finished deck looks polished rather than cluttered with exposed hardware. Backed by Simpson's reputation for structural fastener quality, this trim-head screw combines a Type-17 point for fast, easy starts with coarse threads that pull decking boards tightly against the framing for a secure, gap-free surface.

Key Features

• Trim Head design with 0.230" head diameter - sits low and discreetly on the decking surface, delivering a clean, finished appearance that minimizes visible hardware on PVC and composite decks.
• Red 01 painted head - color-matched to blend with major PVC and composite decking manufacturers, so fasteners are far less noticeable after installation for a professional-grade result.
• Type 305 Stainless Steel material - provides superior corrosion resistance in marine, coastal, and high-moisture outdoor environments where standard steel fasteners would quickly degrade.
• T15 6-Lobe drive - the 6-point engagement transfers torque more evenly than traditional Phillips or square drives, significantly reducing cam-out during driving and extending bit life for high-volume installs.
• Type-17 point - the self-starting auger tip bores into composite or PVC decking quickly without pre-drilling across most of the board field, saving time on large deck projects.
• Coarse thread pattern - threads run along approximately two-thirds of the shank, drawing decking boards tightly down to the framing for a snug, rattle-free surface with minimal fastener movement over time.
• #7 screw size at 2-1/4" length - sized correctly for typical PVC and composite deck board thickness over standard framing, ensuring full thread engagement without over-penetrating the joist.

Why This Product

• Built for corrosive outdoor environments - Type 305 Stainless Steel construction resists the oxidation and staining that iron-based fasteners cause in wet, marine, and high-exposure deck applications, keeping your deck boards looking clean for years.
• Purpose-matched for PVC and composite decking - the trim head profile and color-matched Red 01 painted head are specifically designed to disappear into the surface of major-brand composite and PVC deck boards, unlike standard construction screws with wide, obtrusive heads.
• Reduces driver fatigue and bit wear on large jobs - the T15 6-Lobe drive system reduces cam-out events that slow down work and chew through driver bits, making it a practical choice when driving a high volume of fasteners across a full deck surface.
• Fast, reliable starts with the Type-17 point - the auger tip bites into PVC and composite decking immediately, reducing the effort needed to seat each fastener and helping maintain consistent depth across the entire deck installation.

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Screw Size: #7
• Length: 2 1/4 in.
• Head Type: Trim Head
• Head Diameter: 0.230 in.
• Drive Type: T15 6-Lobe
• Thread Type: Coarse Threads
• Point Type: Type-17 Point
• Material: Type 305 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 305 Stainless Steel
• Color: Red 01
• Approx. Count Per Lb: 138
• Country of Origin: Taiwan

Available Pack Options

• S07225FTPRD01: 350 Pk - includes (1) T15 driver bit included (replacement bit model BIT15T-2-R2)
• S07225FTBRD01: 1750 Pk - includes (2) T15 driver bits included (replacement bit model BIT15T-2-R2)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this screw suitable for use in marine or saltwater-adjacent environments?

This screw is made from Type 305 Stainless Steel, which provides superior corrosion resistance in marine and high-exposure outdoor environments. For seaside or direct saltwater exposure applications, Simpson recommends considering Type 316 Stainless Steel instead, as it offers even greater resistance to chloride-rich conditions.

Do I need to pre-drill before driving these screws into composite or PVC decking?

The Type-17 point is designed for fast starts without pre-drilling across most of the installation area. However, pre-drilling is recommended near board ends to prevent splitting, as noted in the product guidelines.

What driver bit does the T15 6-Lobe drive require?

These screws use a T15 6-Lobe drive, which requires a T15 Torx-style driver bit. The 6-lobe interface provides more contact points than Phillips or square drives, reducing cam-out during driving and extending bit life - especially useful during high-volume decking installations.

Will the Red 01 painted head match my decking brand?

The Red 01 color is one of 13 available painted head colors offered in this trim-head screw line, designed to blend with most major PVC and composite decking manufacturers. Note that actual product colors may vary from colors shown on your monitor, so verifying the color match against a physical sample or your decking manufacturer's fastener guide is recommended before a full installation.

Note: Actual product colors may vary from colors shown on your monitor.