Guide
Product Guide Hilti Building Materials

Simpson Strong-Tie 3/16 x 1-3/4 Flat Head Titen Turbo: The Concrete Screw That Won't Snap on You

Despite the query specifying “Hilti,” the Titen Turbo is actually a proprietary product and trademark of Simpson Strong-Tie. This particular model solves the most frustrating problem contractors face with concrete screws — binding and snapping during installation.

The patented Torque Reduction Channel makes this screw worth considering for any Montana contractor dealing with concrete or masonry work. The channel directs drilling dust away from threads, preventing the dust buildup that causes standard screws to bind and snap halfway through installation. The optimized thread design delivers higher load values without requiring more torque to drive.

For Montana’s short construction season, the no hole cleaning requirement for some applications per ICC-ES saves critical time. Drive it straight after drilling — no blowing out holes, no brushing, no delays.

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What’s Actually in the Box

Each box includes 75 screws, one T25 star drive bit, and one 5/32” drill bit. Everything needed to start fastening immediately.

SpecificationValue
Diameter3/16 inch
Length1-3/4 inches
Head StyleFlat Head (Countersunk)
Drive Type6-Lobe (Star)
Drive SizeT25
MaterialCarbon Steel
FinishZinc-plated (Blue, White, Silver, Black)
Drill Bit Size5/32 inch (ANSI)
Minimum Embedment1 inch (Concrete), 1-1/4 inch (Masonry)

The serrated leading edge cuts into hard materials, while the pointed tip enables wood-to-concrete starting. This combination lets contractors transition between materials without switching fasteners.

Where This Screw Excels

The screw handles concrete (cracked and uncracked), hollow and grout-filled CMU, solid brick, and wood-to-concrete attachment. That versatility matters when you’re framing against foundation walls or attaching pressure-treated plates to slabs.

ICC-ES approvals cover both concrete (ESR-4172) and masonry (ESR-4173) applications. The screws carry light-to-medium duty loads in concrete/masonry — perfect for electrical boxes, conduit straps, furring strips, and similar attachments.

The flat head design sits flush when countersunk, critical for applications where protruding fasteners would interfere with finish materials. The minimum fixture hole requirement is 1/4 inch, giving some wiggle room for alignment.

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Installation That Actually Works

Installation follows three steps: drill the hole using the included 5/32” carbide bit, ensure hole depth is 1/2” deeper than embedment, then drive with the included T25 star bit.

The turbo channel reduces snapping compared to standard Tapcon screws. That matters when you’re 20 feet up on a ladder trying to attach blocking to a concrete wall. Standard screws bind when dust packs around the threads. This design keeps driving smoothly even in dusty holes.

The warranty covers material and workmanship defects with replacement only. Standard coverage for this product category.

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The Reality Check

Professional contractors appreciate its performance in demanding environments, emphasizing strengths in strength, ease of use, and versatility for concrete and masonry projects. The customer reviews summary notes positive feedback focusing on ease of drive and value of included bits.

For Montana contractors dealing with foundation work, sill plate attachment, or any concrete-to-wood connection, these screws deliver. The torque reduction channel isn’t marketing fluff — it addresses the real installation failures that waste time and materials on job sites.

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FAQs

Why does this article discuss Simpson Strong-Tie when I searched for Hilti?

The Titen Turbo is a proprietary product and trademark of Simpson Strong-Tie, not Hilti. Hilti’s equivalent product is the KH-EZ masonry screw.

What size pilot hole do I need?

Use a 5/32 inch drill bit, which comes included in the box. Drill the hole 1/2” deeper than your intended embedment depth.

Can I use these screws in hollow block?

Yes. The screws work in hollow and grout-filled CMU, making them versatile for various masonry applications.

Do I need to clean out the drilled hole?

No hole cleaning is required for some applications per ICC-ES approval. Check your specific application against the ICC-ES reports for confirmation.

What’s the minimum embedment depth?

Minimum embedment is 1 inch in concrete and 1-1/4 inch in masonry. Going deeper provides stronger holding power.

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