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There is no one best wood screw for every truss connection. For fastening a roof truss or rafter to a top plate, Simpson Strong-Tie documents its Strong-Drive SDWC TRUSS screw. For joining the plies of a multi-ply truss, it documents a different fastener: the Strong-Drive SDW TRUSS-PLY screw. Choose by connection, then verify the exact model, installation detail and design requirements before fastening.
Which screw fits the truss connection?
“Truss screw” can describe fasteners for two different jobs. A screw that secures a truss or rafter to a wall’s top plate is not automatically suitable for fastening the plies of a built-up truss. The manufacturer documents separate products for these applications:
| Connection | Documented example | What the manufacturer describes |
|---|---|---|
| Truss or rafter to top plate | Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive SDWC TRUSS screw | Fastening trusses and rafters to top plates, along with other listed framing connections. The product page reports testing to ICC-ES AC233 for screws and AC13 for specified wall and roof-to-wall assemblies, and identifies IAPMO-UES ER-262. |
| One ply of a multi-ply truss to another | Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive SDW TRUSS-PLY screw | Fastening multi-ply wood members, including plated trusses. The manufacturer describes lengths optimized for 2-, 3- and 4-ply trusses, one-sided installation and no predrilling. |
These are manufacturer-documented examples, not an independent ranking of every structural fastener on the market. A generic wood screw is not established by these product sources as a substitute for a structural screw specified for the connection.
How to choose the right fastener
Start with the connection and design
Identify whether the fastener connects a truss or rafter to a top plate or joins truss plies. Then check the truss design, member dimensions, wood species, loading, connection geometry and installation access against the fastener’s current instructions. A product’s suitability for one connection does not establish suitability for another.
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- DIMENSIONS & SUPERIOR STRENGTH: Thread Diameter 0.25" - Head Diameter 0.55" - Length 3" - Use with T30 Star Bit. Crafted from heat treated steel, LIONMAX heavy duty lag screws offer unmatched strength and reliability for long-lasting woodworking projects
- ANTI-CORROSION COATINGS: The lag screws passed the 1000 Hour Salt Spray Test without coating failures. They come with double coatings that feature excellent protection against corrosion and rust, making them long-lasting even in harsh conditions
- KNURL THREAD & SELF-TAPPING: The knurled shank significantly reduce drill torque requirements, and the deep, sharp threads allow easy drilling into the wood without damage. The type 17 notched extra sharp point makes screwing a breeze, reducing the need for pre-drilling and saving you time and effort
- MODIFIED TRUSS WASHER HEAD & STAR DRIVE: The modified truss washer head design of structural lag screw provides a flush and neat finish, enhancing the overall appearance of your woodworking creations. Featuring a T30 star drive style, these wood screws enable safe and efficient fastening without slipping
- WIDE APPLICATIONS: LIONMAX lag screw bolts are ideal for outdoor, home and industrial applications such as deck building, log construction, timber framing, laminated beams and pole barns
Match the installation detail
For the SDWC, the manufacturer publishes configurations, installation geometry and load information with specific conditions. Confirm the model and configuration, permitted angle, member conditions, embedment and head position in the current product documentation. The SDW TRUSS-PLY’s stated application and ply-optimized lengths do not provide a universal screw schedule or capacity; follow its current product data and the truss design.
Check evaluation and local requirements
Simpson Strong-Tie reports that the SDWC was tested to ICC-ES AC233 for screws and AC13 for specified wall and roof-to-wall assemblies, and lists IAPMO-UES ER-262. Its product page also describes 2018 and 2021 IRC/IBC requirements for common applications. These are manufacturer-reported statements, not a substitute for checking the current evaluation report, locally adopted code edition and project requirements.
Rank #2
- INDUSTRIAL-GRADE DURABILITY: Crafted from carbon steel, LIONMAX wood screws withstand heavy loads and resist bending or shearing, providing rock-solid stability in wood structures like decks, sheds, or outdoor furniture
- ANTI-CORROSION COATINGS: Construction lag wood screws passed the 1000 Hour Salt Spray Test. The black coating offers excellent protection against corrosion and rust, allowing them to be used even in humid climates, rainy environments, or salt-air coastal areas
- STAR DRIVE FLAT HEAD DESIGN: The T30 star drive design provides a secure grip, preventing unwanted slippage and stripping. Flat Countersunk Head sits flush with surfaces for safety and aesthetics, ideal for applications like flooring and trim work
- EASY TO INSTALL: The knurled shank and sharp threads of the structural screws greatly reduce drill torque requirements, allowing for easy drilling into wood without causing any damage. The type 17 notched extra sharp point makes pre-drilling unnecessary
- PACKAGE: #14 x 2-7/8 Inch Structural Wood Screws 50 Pieces, T30 Star Drive Bit Included. LIONMAX timber screws are neatly arranged in a container for easy storage, with a clear label for quick identification
Why published load values need their conditions
The SDWC product data distinguish values by wood species and connection condition. The manufacturer states load-duration assumptions and notes that applicable NDS adjustment factors are required. Installation conditions include full shank embedment and the specified head position; simultaneous loading must be evaluated using a unity equation.
Consequently, a load number from one table row is not a general rating for the screw. Use the current table for the exact model and connection, preserving its species, geometry, penetration, spacing, load-duration and adjustment qualifications. Do not transfer a value to a different configuration or treat it as a project-specific design.
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- DIMENSIONS & SUPERIOR STRENGTH: Thread Diameter 0.25" - Head Diameter 0.55" - Length 6" - Use with T30 Star Bit. Crafted from heat treated steel, LIONMAX heavy duty lag screws offer unmatched strength and reliability for long-lasting woodworking projects
- ANTI-COROSSION COAT: The lag screws passed the 1000 Hour Salt Spray Test without coating failures. They come with double coatings that feature excellent protection against corrosion and rust, making them long-lasting even in harsh conditions
- KNURL THREAD & SELF-TAPPING: The knurled shank significantly reduce drill torque requirements, and the deep, sharp threads allow easy drilling into the wood without damage. The type 17 notched extra sharp point makes screwing a breeze, reducing the need for pre-drilling and saving you time and effort
- MODIFIED TRUSS WASHER HEAD & STAR DRIVE: The modified truss washer head design of structural lag screw provides a flush and neat finish, enhancing the overall appearance of your woodworking creations. Featuring a T30 star drive style, these wood screws enable safe and efficient fastening without slipping
- WIDE APPLICATIONS: LIONMAX lag screw bolts are ideal for outdoor, home and industrial applications such as deck building, log construction, timber framing, laminated beams and pole barns
Can a screw go through a metal truss plate?
Do not assume it can. Simpson Strong-Tie’s general notes say fasteners through metal truss plates are permitted when approved by the Truss Designer under the referenced ANSI/TPI provisions. The same notes give a maximum 5/32-inch predrill for Strong-Drive SDS screws installed through connector plates. That SDS-specific instruction must not be applied to other screw models.
What about truss repairs?
A repair is a separate design problem, not simply another use for a framing screw. Simpson Strong-Tie’s technical material identifies structural wood screws such as Strong-Drive SDS or SDW as possible options for some complex repairs, while noting that major modifications and high-force repairs are especially involved. It does not provide a universal repair detail. Have the truss designer or a qualified structural professional specify the repair and fasteners.
Rank #4
- Quality Material: These Heavy-Duty wood screws are made of high-quality alloy steel and are compatible with ACQ-treated lumber. They are built to last and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
- Rust-Resistant: These screws are coated with a rust-resistant finish that prevents corrosion and increases their lifespan, making them an excellent choice for outdoor use.
- Superior Grip: The serrated thread design of these Heavy-Duty wood screws provides a secure and stable connection, which is essential for decking projects.
- Easy Installation: The star-drive design maximizes torque and reduces cam-out, protecting the fastener and bit. The sharp, pointed tip and self-drilling feature make it easy to install these Heavy-Duty wood screws into decking and other wooden surfaces quickly and efficiently.
- Versatile: These screws are designed for use in multiple materials, including thin sheet metal, PVCu, MDF, chipboard, softwood, and hardwood. They are suitable for a variety of woodworking projects, such as decking, framing, fencing, and other outdoor applications.
Driver compatibility for SDW TRUSS-PLY
The manufacturer identifies a T40 drive for the SDW TRUSS-PLY and lists replacement driver bit model BIT40T-134-R2. Confirm the exact screw model and whether a bit is included before ordering a replacement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Quality Material: These Heavy-Duty wood screws are made of high-quality alloy steel and are compatible with ACQ-treated lumber. They are built to last and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
- Rust-Resistant: These screws are coated with a rust-resistant finish that prevents corrosion and increases their lifespan, making them an excellent choice for outdoor use.
- Superior Grip: The serrated thread design of these Heavy-Duty wood screws provides a secure and stable connection, which is essential for decking projects.
- Easy Installation: The star-drive design maximizes torque and reduces cam-out, protecting the fastener and bit. The sharp, pointed tip and self-drilling feature make it easy to install these Heavy-Duty wood screws into decking and other wooden surfaces quickly and efficiently.
- Versatile: These screws are designed for use in multiple materials, including thin sheet metal, PVCu, MDF, chipboard, softwood, and hardwood. They are suitable for a variety of woodworking projects, such as decking, framing, fencing, and other outdoor applications.
Product documentation
- Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive SDWC TRUSS screw
- Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive SDW TRUSS-PLY screw
- Simpson Strong-Tie General Notes for Wood Construction Connectors
- Simpson Strong-Tie truss installation technical articles
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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