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.