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IN DEPTH: Fasteners

Adds Starborn’s Gertner, “The use of stainless-steel deck screws has continued to grow. In coastal areas, many builders are aware of the availability of Grade 316 (marine grade) stainless fasteners. But Grade 305 stainless is also growing in non-coastal areas for decking materials that require stainless fasteners for greater overall durability.”

To ensure customers understand the nuances of the growing product options and select the most efficient choice, manufacturers are putting more emphasis on their packaging and educational materials. “We’re looking at our packaging sizes and how fasteners are used to ensure the sizes are right for the projects involved,” says GRK’s Martel. “We want to ensure our packages cater to the sizes of the application they’re most used for. We’re still reviewing the line and the options.”

Packaging by activity and project size are becoming more important than round numbers or weight. “Our packaging is based on square footage that can be installed with that package,” says Grabber’s Wulfenstein. “They’re packaged by weight, but we show the number of fasteners in the package and how many square feet of a project can be accomplished.”

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Versatility also is being emphasized. “For our new MiTek Teco nails, we produced smaller packages that allow builders to have more flexibility to buy just the right amount for their needs,” says Kreutzer. That includes both an 800-and a 250-count size. “That allows the builder to buy as many fasteners as he needs without worrying about excess.”

Simpson Strong-Tie is taking that further by selling some fasteners as separate items. “We’re starting to offer individually flagged fasteners for those customers who want smaller purchase quantities,” says Allen. Each unit has its own UPC code, so dealers can track inventory. “Dealers often have resorted to selling individual fasteners from open buckets. This gives them a scannable option for easier inventory control.”

Starborn is shifting more of its products to durable packaging. “The demand for re-usable plastic pails and tubs, instead of less durable paper boxes, has continued to grow,” says Gertner. “Dealers and builders also have asked for more count packages labeled with the amount of coverage. In response, we’ve continued to expand our line of plastic-pail count packages for both face fastening and plug fastening.”

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