TimberTech’s CONCEALoc system solves the compatibility puzzle that plagues contractors working with mixed decking lines. The stainless steel clips work across all TimberTech grooved boards — composite and PVC alike — with a consistent 3/16-inch gap spacing.
The real value shows when you compare it to TimberTech’s other fastener systems. Cortex won’t work with Terrain, Prime, or Prime+ boards due to their scalloped profiles. CONCEALoc handles them all.
Installation Speed vs. Cost Reality
Hand installation works fine for small decks. The kit includes a T15 star-drive bit, and you’re driving screws at a 45-degree angle into joist centers. Nothing complicated there.
But the math changes on bigger jobs. Coverage options tell the story — 100 square foot kits for test runs, 500 square foot gun pails for mid-size projects, and 1,000 square foot bulk buckets for serious deck builders. The pneumatic option using the TigerClaw tool transforms installation speed on those larger projects.
Professional reviews average 4.7 out of 5 stars. The consistent feedback? Easy installation, especially with the pneumatic tool, and bulk packaging that cuts costs on volume jobs. The downside contractors mention most — individual board replacement gets trickier than face-screwed decks.
Montana-Specific Performance Considerations
The SAE 304 austenitic stainless steel construction matters here. This grade resists corrosion in Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles. Brown-colored clips blend with wood framing shadows — a small detail that matters when you’re looking up through deck boards.
The 25-year residential warranty backs the system when used with TimberTech boards. That’s confidence in the stainless steel holding up through decades of temperature swings.
| Specification | CONCEALoc Value |
|---|---|
| Material | SAE 304 stainless steel clips |
| Gap spacing | 3/16 inch (4.8mm) |
| Installation angle | 45-degree into joist center |
| Small kit coverage | 100 sq ft (175 clips) |
| Gun pail coverage | 500 sq ft (900 clips) |
| Bulk bucket coverage | 1,000 sq ft (1,750 clips) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What TimberTech boards work with CONCEALoc fasteners?
CONCEALoc works with TimberTech Advanced PVC (AZEK) and TimberTech Composite (PRO and EDGE) grooved boards. The system won’t work with steel or aluminum framing or non-grooved boards unless you manually route grooves.
How does CONCEALoc compare to other TimberTech hidden fasteners?
TOPLoc uses visible color-matched face screws — easier for board replacement but less aesthetic. Cortex hides screws with plugs but isn’t compatible with Terrain, Prime, or Prime+ scalloped profiles. FUSIONLoc offers high-end black clips with different spacing but typically costs more than CONCEALoc.
Is the pneumatic tool worth buying for one deck?
Reviews consistently mention the TigerClaw pneumatic gun as expensive for one-time users. Manual installation with the included T15 bit works perfectly fine — the pneumatic option makes sense for contractors doing multiple decks.
What comes in the different kit sizes?
The 100 sq ft kit includes 175 clips and 184 screws. The 500 sq ft gun pail has 900 clips and 925 screws. The 1,000 sq ft bulk bucket contains 1,750 clips and 1,840 screws. All kits include clips, stainless steel screws, and one T15 star-drive bit.
Can I use CONCEALoc on angled deck patterns?
Yes — CONCEALoc handles angled deck patterns up to 45 degrees. For angled installations, offset the fastener center 1/2 inch toward the long side of the joist.
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