Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS22500DB-R50 Strong-Drive SDWS Timber Screw (Exterior Grade) — 0.220 in. x 5 in. T40, Tan (50-Qty)

Using 3, 4, 5, & 6" to rebuild my 700 sq. ft. ( 25 years old) covered deck at high stress and load bearing points, especially when drawing the sistered deck and roof framing to the 6 x 6 beams ( the large washer head is a big help). I always pilot all my holes for screws (takes a longer time, but no splits).I use a 7/32 drill bit on these screws; I founds 13/64" too binding, and 15/64" too loose - I spun a couple during my testing to find the right diameter, but 7/32" worked perfect for me. It draws single, sistered (and tripled) boards together, some crowned) to a perfect flat face.I understand that the screws are self cutting/drilling but in my experience, I found piloting holes virtually eliminates the chance of splits, and allows for the threads to attain a near perfect concentric spiral cut.I tried a few screws without piloting in some scrap pieces of treated wood, it bogged down my driver (Makita's most powerful impact driver), and the 4, 5, & 6 inch screws took forever to drive, and caused splits in the wood end cut. Never had a split when piloting holes, even at the end cut.Strongly recommend piloting holes, especially for the long term hold integrity.

These are great screws for attaching deck rim joists to deck joists. They drive in easily and smoothly and they hold very well. Of course, time will tell if they corrode. A bit expensive but worth it.

These things are fantastic! Used them to attach 2x10 headers for my shop to 6x6 posts. Pulled them right in and tight. Some were easier to screw in than a regular 3 in deck screw. Well worth the money!

Grosse vis stucturelle tres bien conçue pas besoin de pré-percage , tres solide et j'aime bien la conception de la tête qui donne un appuis solide et un fini flush au morceau de bois

Forget the lag screws and double drilling into a deck ledger board. No pilot holes needed as this chews through the wood without splitting it. Used the 8" lengths to block and fasten railing posts to my deck. The head of the screw gets depressed into the wood to make a nice flush installation.