Simpson Wire-Lath Modified Truss-Head Screw in Type 305 Stainless Steel is a special-purpose fastener from Simpson Strong-Tie, engineered specifically to attach wire lath to wood framing. Sized at #8 x 1-1/4", this screw features a modified truss head with a 0.420" head diameter that delivers a broader bearing surface - reducing the risk of pull-through and ensuring a secure, lasting hold in lath attachment applications. Built from Type 305 stainless steel, it resists corrosion in demanding environments where standard carbon steel fasteners would fail, making it a reliable choice for both interior and moisture-exposed exterior lath work.

Key Features

• Modified truss head with 0.420" diameter - provides a larger bearing surface than standard screw heads, preventing the fastener from pulling through wire lath material and distributing load more evenly across the attachment point
• Type 305 stainless steel construction - delivers corrosion resistance in humid, wet, or chemically active environments where standard steel fasteners would deteriorate, helping maintain structural integrity over time
• #2 Phillips drive - compatible with standard Phillips drivers and screwguns for efficient hand-drive installation, reducing the need for specialty tooling on the job site
• Type-17 point - cuts into wood quickly for fast, clean starts without pre-drilling, speeding up the lath installation process
• Coarse thread pattern - bites aggressively into wood substrate for a strong, secure hold that keeps wire lath firmly in place
• #8 screw size at 1-1/4" length - sized specifically for lath-to-wood attachment, providing adequate penetration into the wood framing without over-driving

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for wire lath attachment - unlike general-purpose screws, this fastener is engineered specifically for lath-to-wood applications, so every design detail - head diameter, thread, point, and length - works together for the task at hand
• Larger bearing surface where it counts - the modified truss head's 0.420" diameter spreads clamping force over a wider area of the lath, reducing the chance of wire pull-through compared to fasteners with narrower heads
• Stainless steel durability without special coatings - Type 305 stainless steel provides built-in corrosion resistance as a material property, not a surface finish that can chip or wear away in wet or demanding conditions
• Fast installation with standard tools - the #2 Phillips drive and Type-17 self-starting point mean no pre-drilling and no specialty bits, keeping your workflow moving efficiently during lath installation

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Screw Size: #8
• Length (in.): 1 1/4
• Head Type: Modified Truss Head
• Head Diameter (in.): 0.420
• Drive Type: #2 Phillips
• Thread Type: Coarse Threads
• Point Type: Type-17 Point
• Material: Type 305 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 305 Stainless Steel
• Country of Origin: Taiwan

Available Pack Options

• S08C125KQC: 100 Pk
• S08C125KQM: 1000 Pk

Approved Applications

• Wire Lath attachment to wood

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a modified truss head used instead of a standard flat or bugle head for wire lath fastening?

The modified truss head has a larger bearing surface - 0.420" in diameter - which distributes clamping force over a greater area of the wire lath. This helps prevent the fastener from pulling through the openings in wire lath material, which a narrower head might not adequately bridge. This makes the modified truss head the appropriate choice specifically when a larger bearing surface is required for the head.

What does the Type-17 point do, and why does it matter for lath installation?

The Type-17 point is a self-starting, cutting-style point that bores into wood without requiring a pre-drilled pilot hole. In lath installation work where many fasteners are driven in sequence, this design speeds up the process considerably and reduces setup time on the job site.

Is Type 305 stainless steel appropriate for exterior or moisture-exposed lath applications?

Type 305 stainless steel provides inherent corrosion resistance as a base material, making it well-suited for environments where moisture or humidity could cause standard steel fasteners to corrode. This material is specified for applications where long-term durability and resistance to environmental exposure are important considerations.

What driver bit is needed to install these wire-lath screws?

These screws use a #2 Phillips drive, which is one of the most common drive formats in construction. A standard #2 Phillips bit - used by hand or with a powered screwgun - is all that is needed, with no specialty tooling required for installation.