Can you use the fastfix depth stop chuck for deck boards?

[dbworkshop]

Being formal trained as an architect, I tend to be a little anal with my screw placement and depth. I seem to remember Brice stating that the depth stop chuck is a little finicky to get used.  I have enough experience to control a battery drill to achieve consistent results, but wouldn't the depth stop chuck be faster, easier and smarter? 

What other uses have people come up with for this chuck other than drywall?

Is there a dedicated spot for the chuck in the new t-locs (specifically the C15?)

Thanks
Dan

 

[Ken Nagrod]

You can use it for any material that you need to drive a screw to a consistent depth.  Wood, drywall, cement board, decking, stairs, FESTOOL license plates.

 

[Kevin Stricker]

Hey Dan,
 I have not used the fastfix depth stop but I have used others.  I find that often the depth stop will mar the edges of the hole when driving in a screw so you end up with a dimple or rub mark.  Depending on your decking of choice this could be a problem, because you can't really sand most composites and softwoods are easily marred.  

I prefer a tapered countersink with a depth stop collar, as the chips from your drilling will help "cushion" the collar from marring the decking.  If you are driving a trim head you can take the countersink off ( or reverse it).  If driving trim heads into composite and not predrilling just use a impact driver and feather the trigger to get consistant results.

BTW I always predrill softwood decking.  Even if it does not split initially it will almost always split eventually at the screw if you don't.  

Also don't know if you have considered plugs, but I think it is the best look when using a non-consealed fastener and will prolong the deck life considerably over a standard face screw.  It is a lot more time consuming though.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Hey Dan,
 I have not used the fastfix depth stop but I have used others.  I find that often the depth stop will mar the edges of the hole when driving in a screw so you end up with a dimple or rub mark.  Depending on your decking of choice this could be a problem, because you can't really sand most composites and softwoods are easily marred.......

Like Kevin said it might be possible to mar the surface if you were using a soft decking like ceder.  I don't think it would mar pressure treated or composite decking.

 

[tbellemare]

I haven't noticed any marring.

Are you guys saying that the stop collar is marring the surface or that you're getting a dimple from not countersinking the hole?

Tom

 

[James Watriss]

I've marred wood with depth stop collars on drill bits and countersinks, because the collar spins against the wood.

I fail to see how the depth stop (screw gun) CHUCK would mar ANYTHING, unless you're pushing too hard.

I also think it's overkill for decking. I like the screw heads to be sufficiently into the board that they don't (in time) become a hazard for bare feet. That level of OCD should probably go with deeply counter-sunk screws in holes that then get plugged.

 

[mick71]

For those of you that screw your decks down try WURTHS decking screw( Part Number # 0166). I use it for all clients wanting decks . The main benefit is that no pre drilling is required( even on joins ). The screws are also stainless steel making them ideal for coastal applications.