Worth it for contractors who need hidden fasteners that actually work. The 700-count box of CAMO 2-3/8” screws delivers edge-fastening technology for 1” to 1-1/2” thick decking — that’s your standard 5/4 and 2x boards. Two T-15 Star Drive bits come in the box, designed with depth stops specifically for CAMO’s Marksman tools.
Skip it if you’re just face-screwing a pressure-treated deck and don’t care about the finish. These screws shine when appearance matters — composite, capped composite, PVC, cedar, redwood, even hardwoods like ipe and mahogany. Face screwing costs half as much and works fine if you’re not worried about visible screw heads.
The Edge-Fastening System That Changed Deck Building
CAMO screws install into the edge of the board, not the face. The reverse rake tip acts like an auger, removing material as it drives to prevent splitting and mushrooming. That mushrooming problem plagues composite decking — you know, where the screw head creates that ugly raised bump around each hole. Edge fastening eliminates it entirely.
The reverse upper thread pulls boards tight against joists while preventing screw backing. Too many decks show face screws working loose after a few freeze-thaw cycles. CAMO backs their screws with a lifetime warranty against rust and corrosion — rare confidence in a fastener.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 2-3/8 inches (60.3 mm) |
| Material Options | ProTech Coated Carbon Steel (Model 0345144) 316 Stainless Steel (Model 0345244S) |
| Thread Type | Coarse with reverse upper thread |
| Drive Type | Star Drive (T-15) |
| Tip Design | Rake tip (augers material out) |
| Board Thickness | 1 inch to 1-1/2 inches |
| Coverage | ~200 sq ft per box |
Material Compatibility and Montana Weather
The ProTech coating passes 1500-hour salt spray testing. That translates to serious corrosion resistance in Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles. CAMO specifically certifies these screws for ACQ-treated lumber — critical since all pressure-treated wood sold in Montana uses ACQ or similar copper-based preservatives.
Pre-drilling? Not for softwoods. Hardwoods like ipe need pre-drilling, especially within 1 inch of board ends. Some contractors report bit breakage in extremely hard woods without pre-drilling. Fair warning.
The stainless steel option matters near Flathead Lake or anywhere moisture hangs around. The 316 stainless steel version is designed for coastal environments — overkill for most Montana jobs, but peace of mind for lakefront properties.
Installation Speed vs. Hidden Clip Systems
Direct attachment to joists provides better stability than clip systems, and installation runs faster. The Marksman tool automatically spaces boards (1/16” or 3/16” depending on model) and sets screw depth when the bit shoulder hits the tool guide.
The 2-3/8” length handles thicker boards that 1-7/8” edge screws can’t touch. You need that extra length for true 5/4 decking that measures a full 1” thick after drying, plus any 2x material.
Tool compatibility includes Marksman Pro, Marksman Pro-X1, Marksman Pro-NB, and CAMO Drive. Don’t try using these without the proper tool — the edge-entry angle and depth control require it.
Who Should Use These
Perfect for:
- Contractors building high-end decks where visible fasteners kill the aesthetic
- Composite and PVC installations where mushrooming destroys the surface
- Cedar and redwood projects where you’re showcasing the wood grain
- Anyone tired of stripping out Phillips heads in treated lumber
Wrong choice for:
- Budget pressure-treated decks where face screws work fine
- DIYers without the Marksman tool investment
- Quick repairs where edge access is blocked
User ratings average 4.4 out of 5 stars across 135 reviews. The reverse rake tip genuinely reduces splitting and cracking — not just marketing fluff. Professional contractors praise the installation ease, though note these cost more than generic deck screws.
FAQ
What size boards work with CAMO 2-3/8” screws? These screws are designed for boards 1 inch to 1-1/2 inches thick. That covers 5/4 decking (which typically measures 1” thick) and 2x boards (1-1/2” thick). Thinner boards need the shorter 1-7/8” CAMO screws.
Do special tools need to be used? Yes. CAMO screws require Marksman Pro, Marksman Pro-X1, Marksman Pro-NB, or CAMO Drive tools. You also need the T-15 Star Drive bits with depth stops — two come in the box. Regular drill bits won’t work because you need the precise angle and depth control.
Will these work with treated lumber in Montana? CAMO screws are certified ACQ-compatible. The warranty specifically covers pressure-treated lumber, cedar, redwood, and synthetic decking. The ProTech coating survives 1500-hour salt spray testing, which exceeds what Montana weather dishes out.
How do these compare to face screws for holding power? The reverse upper thread pulls boards tight to joists and prevents backing out. Direct joist attachment provides better stability than many clip systems. Edge fastening eliminates the weak point where face screws can pull through soft composite material.
What’s the actual coverage per box? A 700-count box covers approximately 200 square feet. That assumes standard 16” on-center joist spacing with 5-1/2” wide decking. Narrower boards or closer joist spacing reduces coverage.
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