If you are considering refurbishments or are just taking a keen interest in DIY, there are plenty of different types of tools that can be used to complete your projects. When it comes to flooring, using collated screws could help your work progress more efficiently. Here are a few basics about collated flooring screws.
What are they?
Collated screws are designed to be used in a power screwdriver. To ‘collate’ means to collect, and collated screws are attached to a strip or coil, rather than loose in a box. Collated flooring screws are just one option that is available when it comes to these types of screws.
Collated nails and staples are also available. As there are so many different types and sizes available, it is important to make sure you are using screws that are compatible with your power tools!
What can they be used for?
Collated screws have a wide range of uses, as they come in different sizes and attachment types. Common types include collated flooring, decking, drywall, or self-drilling screws. Collated flooring screws have countersunk heads, which means that the headrests flush with the material it has been screwed into, and will not be protruding, which is particularly useful in flooring.
These collated flooring screws also have a square head, which can help reduce the number of cam-outs. Cam-outs occur when the screwdriver is pushed out of the head of the screw while it is being turned. Not only can this damage the screw or the project you are working on, it can also cause injury.
Furthermore, these collated flooring screws are passivated with zinc and yellow. The process of passivating means to make a metal unreactive by coating the surface with a thin, inert layer, or altering the surface, literally making it ‘passive’. This helps to protect the screw against corrosion, which in turn makes it last longer. Flooring receives a lot of wear and tear, so it is important that all the tools are materials used are appropriate and of a high standard.
What are the benefits?
There are many benefits to using collated screws. They are for use in power screwdrivers, which makes them efficient and less physically demanding than other manual processes. As you don’t have to use repetitive manual motions to turn the screws, this can help reduce strain and injury in the wrist and arms.
Speed is another huge benefit. The screws are all attached to one strip or coil, meaning you don’t have to continually reload your tools. You can also save time in other ways, such as not having to worry about dropping or losing screws, rummaging around for the right type and size, and collecting them all up at the end of each day.
Whilst a power screwdriver and collated screws can be a bit of an investment, it may be worth making due to the time-saving benefits, making your work more efficient and productive.
