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Structural Screws for Metal Timber Connectors

High-Strength Screws for Timber Connector Plates

Structural screws designed for fixing metal connectors to timber beams, posts and structural elements. Engineered for maximum load transfer, fast installation and reliable structural performance.

  • ✔ Designed for joist hangers and timber brackets
  • ✔ 5 mm and 8 mm structural screws for connector plates
  • ✔ Self-tapping installation – no pre-drilling required
  • ✔ ETA approved for structural timber construction

Built for professional carpentry, timber frame construction and structural wood engineering.

 See Products   Applications   Technical Guide 

U-shaped brackets with connecting screws.
Detail of the connector screw heads

Metal connectors such as joist hangers, angle brackets, post bases and perforated plates require specialized screws designed for structural steel-to-timber connections.

Unlike ordinary wood screws, connector screws feature reinforced heads, optimized thread geometry and structural certification to ensure reliable load transfer from the steel connector into the timber structure.

These screws are commonly used in timber frame buildings, roof structures, pergolas, CLT buildings and structural wood constructions.

8 mm metal-to-wood connector screw

8 mm Structural Connector Screws

Designed for heavy-duty structural connectors, including large brackets, column bases, beam connectors and steel plate connections in timber structures.
These screws are typically used in high-load timber connections and engineered wood structures.

  • Large reinforced head for strong load transfer through steel connectors
  • Structural thread optimized for high withdrawal and shear resistance
  • Self-tapping design for efficient installation in structural timber

Vantagem prática: 8 mm structural connector screws provide higher load capacity and stronger structural connections, making them suitable for demanding timber engineering applications.

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5 mm metal-to-wood connector screw

5 mm Connector Screws

Designed for fixing standard metal timber connectors such as joist hangers, angle brackets and perforated plates to structural timber.
These screws are commonly used in timber frame construction, roof structures and general carpentry connections where connector holes are typically 5 mm.

  • Reinforced head designed for secure seating in metal connector plates
  • Self-tapping cutting tip for fast installation without pre-drilling
  • Torx drive for high torque transfer and reliable installation

Vantagem prática: 5 mm connector screws provide a fast and precise alternative to traditional nails, allowing controlled installation with power tools while maintaining reliable structural performance.

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Why use special connector screws?

  •  Structural fixation

    Structural connector screws are specialized timber fasteners designed to fix steel connectors to wooden structural elements.

  •  Heavy construction

    They are engineered to handle high shear forces and structural loads, which occur when metal connectors transfer loads between beams, posts and other timber components.

  Compared to traditional connector nails, structural screws offer:

  1. higher connection strength
  2. faster installation using power tools
  3. improved reliability and installation control
  4. easier adjustment or removal when required

  •  Sustainable construction

    For modern timber construction, structural connector screws provide a fast and precise installation method with certified performance.

  •  Designed for Timber Connector Plates

    These screws are specifically designed for installation in metal connector holes, typically 5 mm or 8 mm diameter.
    The reinforced head geometry ensures the screw head sits firmly against the metal plate and distributes loads evenly across the connector.

Typical connectors include:

  • Joist hangers
  • Angle brackets
  • Rafter connectors
  • Perforated plates
  • Reinforcement plates
  • Timber post bases
  • Beam connectors
  • Timber-to-concrete steel connectors

Recommended Applications
Structural connector screws are widely used in:

Timber Frame Construction

Fixing structural connectors in timber frame walls and floor systems.

Roof Structures

Installation of rafter connectors, brackets and roof truss plates.

Deck and Pergola Structures

Securing timber beams to steel connectors in outdoor structures.

Engineered Timber Buildings

Connections in CLT, LVL and glulam structures.

Timber-to-Concrete Connectors

Fixing steel bases and connectors used for timber columns and posts.

Reinforced screws head
Reinforced Connector Head

Wide cylindrical head provides large bearing surface against steel connectors, preventing pull-through and ensuring reliable load transfer.

Reinforces under head body of the screw
Structural Shank Strength

Reinforced shank design improves shear and bending resistance, which is essential for steel-to-timber structural connections.

Self-taping tip
Self-Tapping Cutting Tip

Special cutting point reduces wood splitting and allows fast installation without pre-drilling.

Optimized Structural Thread
Optimized Structural Thread

Thread geometry provides strong grip in structural timber, increasing withdrawal resistance and connection strength.

Torx Drive for Professional Installation
Torx Drive for Professional Installation

Deep TORX drive allows high torque transfer with minimal cam-out, making installation faster and more reliable.

Low-Friction Coating
Low-Friction Coating

Special surface coating reduces driving torque and improves installation speed when using cordless tools.

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Technical Specifications

Typical properties of structural connector screws:

Material: Hardened carbon steel

Coating: Zinc plated corrosion protection

Drive: Torx / TX system

Certification: Certificate for structural construction

Installation: Self-tapping – no pre-drilling required

Approved substrates

  • solid structural timber

  • glued laminated timber (GLT)

  • Cross laminated timber (CLT)

  • laminated veneer lumber (LVL)

  • Structural wood panels

5 and 8 mm screws for metal-to-wood connectors

Structural Certification

Connector screws used in structural timber construction are commonly tested and approved according to European Technical Assessment (ETA).

ETA approvals define:

  • load capacity

  • installation requirements

  • durability

  • approved structural applications

These certifications ensure the screws meet European structural construction standards used in professional timber engineering.

Why Use Structural Screws Instead of Connector Nails?

Traditional connectors were installed with ring-shank nails, but modern construction increasingly uses structural screws because they provide:

  • ✔ higher structural performance
  • ✔ faster installation with cordless tools
  • ✔ controlled torque installation
  • ✔ reduced wood splitting
  • ✔ easier adjustments and removal

For professional timber construction, connector screws provide a more reliable and efficient fastening solution.

FAQ

Here are some answered questions about metal-wood connector screws.

Klimas WKLC 5mm parafusos

Joist hangers are typically installed using 5 mm connector screws or structural connector nails. Screws provide faster installation and improved connection strength.

Yes. Many structural connector screws are designed as high-performance alternatives to traditional connector nails, offering improved installation speed and withdrawal resistance.

No. Most modern connector screws are self-tapping and designed for installation without pre-drilling in structural timber.

The most common diameters are:

  • 5 mm screws for standard connector holes

  • 8 mm screws for heavy structural connectors

Yes. Structural connector screws typically comply with ETA approvals, which certify their use in structural timber construction.

How to Choose the Correct Connector Screw1. Match the Screw Diameter to the Connector Holes2. Select the Correct Screw Length3. Consider the Structural Load4. Check Timber Type5. Follow Connector Installation GuidelinesQuick Selection Guide

How to Choose the Correct Connector Screw

Choosing the correct screw for timber connectors depends on several factors, including connector hole diameter, structural load requirements and timber thickness.

Using the correct screw ensures the connection performs according to the structural design of the connector system.

Below are the key factors to consider when selecting connector screws.

1. Match the Screw Diameter to the Connector Holes

Metal timber connectors are manufactured with predefined hole diameters.
The screw diameter should match these holes to ensure proper load transfer.

Typical sizes include:

5 mm screws
Used for standard connector holes in joist hangers, angle brackets and perforated plates.

8 mm screws
Used for heavy structural connectors, steel plates and high-load connections.

Using the correct diameter ensures the screw head sits properly on the connector and distributes loads evenly.

2. Select the Correct Screw Length

The screw length should be chosen according to the thickness of the connector and the timber element.

A common rule in timber construction is that the screw should penetrate deep enough into the timber to achieve reliable structural capacity.

Typical ranges:
5 mm connector screws - 30–60 mm
8 mm structural connector screws - 50–120 mm

Longer screws are generally used when connecting thicker timber elements or heavy connectors.

3. Consider the Structural Load

The required screw diameter and length depend on the load transferred through the connector.

For Example:

Light connectors
(perforated plates, small brackets)
→ typically 5 mm screws

Heavy connectors
(post bases, large brackets, steel plates)
→ often 8 mm structural screws

Structural design documentation or connector manufacturer guidelines usually define the required fasteners.

4. Check Timber Type

Structural connector screws are commonly approved for:

  • solid structural timber

  • glued laminated timber (GLT)

  • cross laminated timber (CLT)

  • laminated veneer lumber (LVL)

Different timber densities can influence the load capacity of the connection.

5. Follow Connector Installation Guidelines

To achieve full structural performance:

  • fill all required connector holes

  • install screws perpendicular to the connector plate

  • use the recommended screw type and diameter

  • avoid overtightening

Following proper installation practices ensures the connection meets its designed structural capacity.

Quick Selection Guide

Typical connector screw selection:
Joist hangers → 5 mm connector screws
Angle brackets → 5 mm or 8 mm screws depending on size
Post bases and column connectors → usually 8 mm structural screws
Perforated plates and reinforcement plates → typically 5 mm screws

Selecting the correct fastener helps ensure safe and reliable structural timber connections.

Structural Fasteners for Professional Timber Construction

We supply structural screws for timber connectors, metal plates and steel brackets, designed for reliable structural connections in timber construction.

Contact us for availability, technical specifications and bulk supply options.

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Structural Connector Screws vs Connector NailsInstallation SpeedInstallation ControlStructural PerformanceAdjustability and RemovabilityReduced Wood SplittingSummary

Structural Connector Screws vs Connector Nails

Metal timber connectors were traditionally installed using ring-shank connector nails, which are still widely used in carpentry.

However, modern timber construction increasingly uses structural connector screws, especially when speed, precision and reliability are important.

Both fastening systems are approved for structural use when installed correctly, but screws provide several practical advantages during installation.

Installation Speed

Connector screws are installed using cordless screwdrivers or impact drivers, allowing fast and consistent installation.

Nails require hammering or pneumatic nail guns, which can be slower and more physically demanding on site.

Installation Control

Screws allow controlled torque installation, ensuring the screw head sits correctly against the connector plate.

With nails, it is easier to overdrive or underdrive the fastener, which can affect the seating of the connector.

Structural Performance

Both nails and screws can provide structural capacity when approved for connector systems.

Structural connector screws often provide higher withdrawal resistance, while nails are traditionally designed to resist shear forces.

Modern connector screws are engineered to perform reliably in both withdrawal and shear conditions.

Adjustability and Removability

One of the main advantages of screws is that they allow:

  • adjustment during installation

  • removal and repositioning

  • easier repair work

Nails cannot be easily removed without damaging the connection.

Reduced Wood Splitting

Connector screws usually feature cutting tips and optimized threads, which reduce the risk of splitting structural timber.

This is particularly beneficial when installing connectors close to edges.

Summary

For many structural applications today, connector screws provide:

  • ✔ faster installation
  • ✔ improved installation control
  • ✔ strong structural performance
  • ✔ easier adjustments and maintenance

Because of these advantages, screws are increasingly used in modern timber engineering and structural carpentry.

For complete timber construction systems, connector screws are commonly used together with other structural fasteners.

Related Structural Fasteners

Explore related products used in professional timber construction:
1

Wood Construction Screws

High-strength screws for structural connections wood-to-wood and load-bearing joints.

Construction Screws

2

Concrete Screws

Heavy-duty screws for fixing timber structures to concrete or masonry, commonly used for column bases and structural anchors.

Concrete Screws

3

Deck Screws

Corrosion-resistant screws designed for outdoor timber decking and façade boards.

INOX Deck Screws

4

Ground Screws

Helical foundation piles used to create quick and stable bases for wooden structures, pergolas, decks, and small constructions.

Ground Screws

5

Timber Connectors

All types of connectors for wooden structures with beam supports, connectors, post bases, angular supports.

Conectores de madeira

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Complete product range

Using the correct fastener for each connection ensures reliable structural performance and long service life of timber constructions.

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