From the company that brought you TrapEZE
Composite Deck Screw and Ledger Lock Ledger Board Fastener, FastenMaster presents Cortex
Concealed Fastening System. Tim: Hi, I'm Tim Gills, FastenMaster marketing
manager. We're here at the research and development
facility in Agawam, Massachusetts. And today we're going to bring you through
the FastenMaster Cortex Concealed Fastening System, the newest innovation from FastenMaster. To do that, I'm going to ask Mark Guthrie
to bring you through the different components to show you how this fastener works, and really
how it's going to make building decks faster, easier, and stronger. (exciting music) Mark: Cortex is a system, and it's comprised
of three parts: a screw, a setting tool, and a plug. We're going to get down to business and show
you each one of those. First there's the Cortex Screw. It's very unique in that it's highly engineered,
especially at the head where that diameter is critical, and you'll see why in a bit. Second, there's dual thread technology. Two separate threads that when placed into
the application leave a nice cored out hole. Just as important is the fact that we have
tested coating specific for ACQ and those other pressure treated chemicals. Next is the Cortex Setting Tool. It's a square drive, but it's unique in two
features. One is a non-marring shoulder, so when you're
setting this to depth, it doesn't create any abrasion on the surface of the deck. Second, is it's spring loaded, and that is
specific because it wants to release the screw at just the right depth for the next step. Finally there's the Cortex plug. What's unique about this is it's made of the
same material as the deck board, so it has all the same characteristics. Second, and most important, is it's engineered
to a very tight tolerance much like the screw, so it fits tight, and it stays there. Now that we've seen the components, let's
put 'em to use. In front of me I have an AZEK test deck. Of course, we're going to take our Cortex
screw. Our setting tool is already attached to the
drill. And just like you would normally install a
deck screw, you're going to install the screw but you're going to let the setting tool do
its job. Notice that it stopped right at the right
depth. Now the next part of the system of course
is the Cortex plug. The plug, simply place the plug in the hole,
give it one tap to start, and then drive it flush. Now that you've got your plug set, you've
got a smooth, finished look on your deck. And here's a traditional screw going into
AZEK decking. And here again is our new Cortex system. And remember, the Cortex system is a complete
fastening system. What I mean by that is many of the other hidden
systems don't cover things such as first board-last board, stairs, angled decks, picture frame,
and deck rails. One other added feature of the Cortex system
is that you can actually take out a plug if you ever need to remove it. Let's say you want to take up this board. Simply place the screw at the center of the
plug, and much like uncorking a wine, pull out the old plug, remove the board if necessary,
and put a new plug right back in the same hole once you're done. It's important to know that under some conditions
you might see a subtle indication of the Cortex plug in the deck. We recommend that you test the Cortex Concealed
system on a few boards, just to ensure you approve of the finished look. And one of the most important elements to
this system is to know that once that plug is in place, it's not going anywhere. This system has been fully tested for freeze/thaw,
moisture saturation, and UV stability. What you need to know is that it's proved
and warrantied by FastenMaster. Here it is from start to finish. It's really just that simple. Cortex Concealed Fastening System. Available in 100 and 300 square foot boxes. Screws, Plugs, and setting tools are included
in every box. Available in Trex Accents, TimberTech Twin
Finish, and AZEK Deck boards. Cortex Concealed Fastening System, the newest
innovation from FastenMaster.
