EuroWire March 2023

Products

Marine-grade 316 stainless steel fasteners for corrosive environments

Mr Lehmann added, “Most people assume that all stainless screws are the same – it’s a common misconception. But stainless steel is not impervious to corrosion. It can still stain and rust just like iron, given the right environment, like in or near water, especially salt water. There are different grades of steel depending on the metals used in the alloy. 316 stainless steel fasteners are harder to find – ‘big box’ stores usually carry the corrosion prone 304 stainless, also known as 18 8. Fair Wind Fasteners only carries 316 stainless when it comes to stainless steel, again, because it’s a high-quality product and it’s the only grade of stainless that I’d be comfortable with on my own boat.” Officially established in 2020, Fair Wind Fasteners got its start back in 2010, when Robert Lehmann needed a few screws to help repair his vintage wooden boat. After a lot of stripped silicon bronze screws, Mr Lehmann learnt that cheaper is not always better. In Newport, Rhode Island, USA, he opened a shop and built a reputation for silicon bronze fasteners.

Fair Wind Fasteners has added marine- grade 316 stainless steel fasteners to its growing boat-repair inventory. Curated by owner and career seaman Robert Lehmann, Fair Wind Fasteners carries a corrosion-resistant range that includes nuts, bolts, wood screws, machine screws, carriage bolts, hex bolts, lag bolts, washers, nails and wood plugs. All Fair Wind fasteners are available directly from the company’s website in the exact quantities needed, with discounts for buying in bulk. “We started up just two years ago, but we’re growing fast and already well known for our high-quality silicon bronze fasteners,” said Mr Lehmann. “I started the business after recognising a need in the industry for high quality silicon bronze fasteners, and I personally checked tolerances, had alloy testing done and visited manufacturers before even considering putting them on my shelf. Living and working here in Newport, the ‘sailing capital of the world’ and home to many fine boat builders, it’s important to me that I only sell fasteners I would personally use on my own boat.”

Robert Lehmann, founder of Fair Wind Fasteners

through-bolts and nails for fast, strong, secure connections. • Ledger screws – offered in a variety of lengths, for a faster way to install ledger boards. The screw’s flat head finishes flush with the material, so it does not interfere with joist hangers or other materials. These screws can also be used in multi-ply applications. • Framing screws – 2½" and 3", designed for wood-to-wood framing connections, deck blocking and interior/exterior general construction projects. • Multi-purpose screws – available in flat and hex head, to replace lag bolts and through-bolts for framing. In addition to the Protech Ultra 4 coating, they are available in hot-dip galvanised options for coastal applications. The new Camo Structural Screws are backed by a lifetime warranty when installed according to guidelines. Camo Fasteners www.camofasteners.com Since then, Fair Wind Fasteners has expanded inventory to include copper and a variety of other hard-to-find fasteners, such as marine-grade 316 stainless steel. The company supplies parts to boatbuilding colleges such as IYRS, large boatbuilding companies, DIY boatbuilders around the world, and OEMs in the marine, electrical and component manufacturing industries. Fair Wind Fasteners www.fairwindfasteners.com

New code-compliant structural screws Known for delivering tools and fasteners for deck builders, National Nail’s Camo® brand is taking its product range to a new area with a line of high-performance structural screws. proprietary Protech™ Ultra 4 coating, a four-layer system for corrosion resistance that is tested two times longer than industry standards.

The ledger, multi-ply and truss screws require fewer fasteners per job. All Camo structural screws can be used for interior and exterior projects. The Camo Structural Screw product line includes: • Truss screws – six-inch screws to help contractors make connections easily and quickly. They replace hurricane ties for general interior construction and exterior decking applications. The included hands-free truss guide helps contractors fasten at the right angle. The Camo truss screw can be used in interior wall and exterior beam-to-joist connections. • Multi-ply screws – available in specific lengths for both sawn and structural composite lumber beams, replacing

Certified IRC/IBC code compliant and rigorously third-party tested and certified by DrJ Engineering, Camo Structural Screw applications include deck substructures, internal framing, ledger and general construction. “The Camo team is excited to unveil Camo Structural Screws, the next generation of structural fasteners to help builders with the deck structure and beyond,” said Doug Hutchings, vice president of product development, National Nail. “The new screws offer builders excellent holding power and stronger connections.” Engineered to start fast without pre drilling, to drive smooth and to hold strong, the screws feature Camo’s

EF 7/61

www.read-eurofasteners.com

March 2023