Simpson Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screw - 1/4 in. x 3 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, this hex-head screw delivers exceptional corrosion resistance in high-exposure environments - including saltwater, coastal, and chemically aggressive conditions - making it a reliable choice wherever maximum durability is required. The Type-17 point and serrated thread design allow for fast, split-free installation with no predrilling needed, saving time and reducing jobsite complexity.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel Construction - provides superior resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and chemical exposure, making this screw suitable for high-exposure and outdoor structural applications where standard fasteners would fail prematurely.
• No-Predrill Required - the Type-17 point pierces wood cleanly on contact, eliminating the need for a pilot hole and dramatically speeding up installation across connector and wood-to-wood applications.
• Serrated Thread Design at 10 TPI with 2 in. Thread Length - aggressive serrations grip wood fibers securely and reduce the torque needed to drive the screw, cutting installation effort while maximizing holding strength.
• 3/8 in. Hex Head Drive - compatible with a standard 3/8 in. hex driver bit, enabling fast, consistent drive without cam-out or stripping.
• 0.235 in. Shank Diameter - a robust shank cross-section delivers the shear and withdrawal values required for structural connector fastening without overloading the surrounding wood fibers.
• Extensively Tested Performance - has been rigorously evaluated in multiple application scenarios, giving engineers and contractors confidence in load capacities and code-compliance for structural installations.
• Designed for Simpson Strong-Tie Stainless-Steel Connectors - matched specifically to fasten stainless-steel Simpson connector products, ensuring galvanic compatibility and maintaining the integrity of the full connector system.

Why This Product

• Maximum Corrosion Resistance for Harsh Environments - Type 316 stainless steel is specifically chosen for higher-exposure settings such as coastal, marine, and chemically active environments where standard carbon-steel or zinc-coated fasteners corrode and lose structural integrity over time.
• Faster Installation Without Predrilling - the Type-17 point and serrated threads mean installers can drive directly into wood or engineered lumber, eliminating a separate drilling step and reducing overall labor time on connector-heavy projects.
• Purpose-Built for Stainless Simpson Connector Systems - pairing this screw with stainless-steel Simpson Strong-Tie hardware avoids dissimilar-metal corrosion (galvanic reaction), protecting the long-term performance of the entire structural connection.
• Structural Confidence Backed by Extensive Testing - this screw has been tested across a wide range of applications, providing installers and specifying engineers with documented performance data for wood-to-wood, engineered wood, and connector fastening scenarios.

Specifications

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

Available Pack Options

• SDS25300SS-R25: 25 Pk
• SDS25300SS: 950 Pk

Approved Applications

• Fastening Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors
• Wood-to-wood structural connections
• Engineered wood product installations
• High-exposure and corrosive environment fastening where maximum corrosion resistance is required

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 designed to pierce wood without a pilot hole, allowing direct installation into solid wood, engineered wood, and connector applications without any predrilling step.

Why is Type 316 stainless steel specified for this screw rather than standard stainless?

Type 316 stainless steel offers higher corrosion resistance than standard stainless grades, making it appropriate for higher-exposure environments where maximum corrosion resistance is required - such as coastal, marine, or chemically active jobsites.

What tool should be used to drive this screw?

A low-speed 1/2-in. drill with a 3/8-in. hex driver is the recommended tool for installation, which matches the 3/8 in. hex head on this screw.

Is this screw compatible with stainless-steel Simpson Strong-Tie connector hardware?

Yes. This screw is specifically designed for fastening Simpson Strong-Tie stainless-steel products. Using matching stainless fasteners with stainless connectors helps prevent galvanic corrosion and maintains the long-term structural performance of the connection.

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.