316 Stainless Steel Concrete Screws

Trim Head or Hex Head?

Choose the trim head where the fastener should sit nearly flush and stay visually quiet — finish work, trim, decking hardware, tight clearance holes. Choose the hex head where you want maximum driving torque and the washer face can bear on the fixture, such as brackets, straps and ledgers. Hole preparation is the same for both.

Why 316 Stainless

316 stainless contains molybdenum, which is what gives it resistance to chlorides — salt spray, coastal air, pool chemistry and de-icing salt. That is the difference between it and 410 stainless, which is chosen for hardness rather than corrosion resistance and is the more economical option for interior and ordinary exterior work. If the fastener will see direct salt exposure or is going somewhere you cannot easily get back to, 316 is the grade to specify.

Key Features

• 316 stainless steel — marine grade, chloride resistant
• 1/4" diameter in trim head and hex washer head
• Code listed under Florida Product Approval FL2355
• Anchors into concrete, brick, grout-filled CMU and hollow block
• One-piece screw anchor — no shield, plug or expansion sleeve required
• Removable and reinstallable

Installation

1. Check the carbide bit for your part in the table above, then drill deeper than the screw will embed so dust has somewhere to go.
2. Blow the hole clean with compressed air before driving.
3. Drive with the correct bit — T25 star for trim head, 5/16" socket for hex head — at low speed until the head seats. Do not overtighten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 316 worth the extra cost over 410?

For coastal, marine and chloride-exposed work, yes — 316 resists the pitting that will eventually take out a 410 fastener in salt air. For interior work or ordinary exterior use away from salt, 410 is a sound choice at roughly two-thirds the price.

What drill bit does a 1/4" trim head take?

A 3/16" carbide-tipped bit. The bit is smaller than the screw diameter because the screw cuts its own threads into the hole wall.

Can these be used underwater or in a splash zone?

316 is the grade specified for splash-zone and marine service. For fully submerged or continuously wetted structural work, consult the engineer of record — fastener grade is only one part of that decision.

Are these the same as stainless Tapcon® screws?

Same category of fastener. Tapcon® is ITW Buildex's trademark and has become shorthand for concrete screws generally. These are Simpson Strong-Tie Titen Turbo® in 316 stainless. Hole preparation is the same; confirm the drive and bit for the specific part.