Hillman makes fasteners and hardware for the building industry — over 114,000 SKUs covering everything from deck screws to metal roofing fasteners to aluminum flat stock. They’re the company behind Power Pro exterior screws, self-drilling metal screws with neoprene washers, and Steelworks metal shapes that contractors use daily.
The Power Pro line delivers measurable jobsite improvements: 20% faster engagement, 75% less wood splitting, and 30% faster overall installation compared to standard screws. Those aren’t marketing fluff numbers — they come from actual thread geometry changes and self-starting tips that eliminate pre-drilling.
What Hillman Actually Makes for Contractors
Hillman’s core business centers on fasteners — bolts, screws, nails — the basics that hold buildings together. But they’ve expanded well beyond that original 1964 foundation. Their building materials lineup includes metal sheets and shapes, roofing fasteners and sealing products, metal building fasteners, hurricane protection fasteners, and ornamental connectors for pergolas and fences.
The Power Pro exterior screw line shows what happens when a fastener company decides to fix real jobsite problems. Take their #9 x 3” exterior screws: T-25 star drive eliminates cam-out, self-starting tips engage 20% faster than standard screws, and the thread geometry reduces wood splitting by up to 75%. The bronze ceramic coating handles ACQ-treated lumber and passes 1000+ hour salt spray tests — critical for decks and fences near Flathead Lake or anywhere moisture is a concern.
Their self-drilling metal screws solve a different problem entirely. The 1/4” hex washer head screws come with steel-backed neoprene washers that create watertight seals when compressed. These eliminate pre-drilling in metal roofing and siding applications — designed specifically for high-speed power driving on metal building construction. The integrated washer means one less piece to drop or lose on a windy Montana roof.
Hillman’s Steelworks platform offers aluminum and steel shapes for construction, framing, and fabrication projects. Their 1-1/2” x 3’ aluminum flat stock comes in 6063-T5 alloy with ±0.008” tolerance — weldable with TIG or MIG for brackets, frames, and structural reinforcement. At 1/8” thickness, it’s substantial enough for load-bearing applications but still workable with standard tools.
Performance Numbers That Matter
Here’s what sets Power Pro screws apart from the generic fasteners gathering dust on hardware store shelves:
| Specification | Power Pro Performance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement Speed | 20% faster than standard | manufacturer |
| Wood Splitting Reduction | Up to 75% less | manufacturer |
| Installation Time | 30% faster overall | manufacturer |
| Salt Spray Resistance | 1000+ hours | manufacturer |
| Pre-drilling Required | None in most woods | manufacturer |
The star drive isn’t just marketing — it’s functional engineering. T-25 and T-20 bits don’t cam out like Phillips heads, especially important when you’re driving hundreds of screws into pressure-treated lumber that fights back.
The #8 x 2” screws feature dual-lead threads and bore-fast design that pulls the screw in faster while the diamond shank reduces friction. Combined with countersinking blades built into the head, you get flush finishes without pre-drilling or countersinking separately.
For metal building applications, their hex washer head screws deliver different but equally important benefits:
| Specification | Hex Washer Head Features |
|---|---|
| Size | 1/4” x 1-1/2” |
| Thread | 14 TPI BSD self-drilling |
| Drill Point | #3 self-piercing |
| Washer | Steel-backed neoprene |
| Drive Size | 3/8” hex |
| Coating | Zinc plated |
These work for everything from cattle panel installation to securing metal roofing — anywhere you need a sealed connection through thin metal.
The Company Behind the Fasteners
Hillman’s been in the hardware business since 1964, building a reputation through strategic partnerships with retailers across North America. They’ve earned multiple Vendor of the Year awards from top clients, with customer relationships averaging 24 years — that kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by selling junk.
Their distribution network reaches over 46,000 locations through a dedicated sales team of 1,200+ associates. What they call their “Secret Sauce” is the National Field Service Group — representatives who work aisle-by-aisle with retailers to manage product assortments. That’s why Hillman sections tend to be better stocked and organized than random fastener bins.
The company’s won recognition beyond retail partnerships — their Power Pro Joist Tape took the 2025 Pro Tool Innovation Award, marking three consecutive wins. That product offers self-healing around fasteners and all-weather resilience, solving another real problem contractors face.
Skip Hillman if you’re buying fasteners purely on price. Bulk import screws cost less. But when you factor in stripped heads, split boards, and time lost to inferior fasteners, Power Pro’s performance improvements start making economic sense. For contractors billing by the hour, 30% faster installation pays for itself quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the actual difference between Power Pro screws and standard deck screws?
Power Pro screws use star drive heads (T-25 or T-20) instead of Phillips, self-starting tips that eliminate pre-drilling, and thread geometry engineered to reduce wood splitting by up to 75%. The bronze ceramic coating provides 1000+ hour salt spray resistance versus basic zinc plating on standard screws. You’re paying for faster installation, fewer split boards, and longer-lasting connections.
Q: Do Hillman’s self-drilling screws really work without pilot holes?
Yes — the #3 drill point penetrates metal, wood, and fiberglass without pre-drilling. They’re designed specifically for high-speed power driving applications. The integrated neoprene washer creates a watertight seal, critical for metal roofing where every penetration is a potential leak point.
Q: What aluminum alloy does Hillman Steelworks use for their flat stock?
Hillman uses 6063-T5 aluminum alloy for their flat stock, with some variants in 6061-T6511. The T5 temper means it’s solution-heat-treated and artificially aged, providing good strength while remaining weldable with TIG or MIG processes. Tolerance holds to ±0.008 inches.
Q: Are Power Pro screws worth the premium for basic framing?
Not really. Power Pro excels in finish work — decks, fences, railings, exterior trim — where the no-split feature and flush finish matter. For hidden framing where appearance doesn’t matter and you’re using construction-grade lumber that won’t split easily, standard screws work fine. Save Power Pro for visible work and premium lumber.
Q: How does Hillman’s warranty compare to other fastener brands?
The bronze ceramic coating on Power Pro screws is rated for 1000+ hours of salt spray resistance. Their zinc-plated hex washer screws offer protection for “indoor and moderate outdoor environments.” Specific warranty terms aren’t detailed in available data, but the salt spray ratings indicate serious corrosion resistance for exterior applications.
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