Abstract: A deck screw for use with plastic and plastic composite deck materials has a shank with a lower segment having a right hand thread and an upper segment having a left hand thread. The upper left hand threaded section has a major diameter which is the same as or slightly less than the major diameter of the lower right hand threaded section. The deck screw evacuates and eject loose material cut out from the deck material as the screw penetrates the deck material, preventing undesirable unsightly deformation of the deck upper surface.

Abstract: A method of installing a grid for an acoustical ceiling to an existing ceiling, which eliminates the need for time-consuming manipulation of a fastener nut, makes use of a toggle fastener having a shaft with a stop collar at one end, with a spring loaded wing toggle at the other end, and a firestop element slidable along the shaft between the stop collar and the wing toggle, which is biased towards the wing toggle by a spring that is located on the shaft between the firestop element and the stop collar. The method comprises forming a hole in the existing ceiling; inserting the toggle fastener into the hole from the first side of the existing ceiling, until the wing toggle passes through the hole and reopens, with the firestop element remaining pressed against the existing ceiling by the spring to provide a positive closure of the hole in the existing ceiling; and affixing the grid for an acoustical ceiling to the toggle fastener.

Abstract: A fastener and method for securing plywood to sheet metal comprises a head, and a shank with three distinct segments. The first segment is a threaded tip segment with a pierce point tip; the second segment is unthreaded; the third segment is threaded and extends from the unthreaded second segment to the fastener head. The method provides for use of a power tool to secure together a plywood sheet with a sheet metal stud using the fastener.

Abstract: A toggle fastener which eliminates the need for time-consuming manipulation of a fastener nut comprises a bolt with a head and a stop collar adjacent the bolt head, a wing toggle threaded onto the free end of the bolt, and a spring which extends from the stop collar to a washer. The washer may be flat or a self-centering conically shaped washer. The invention permits the toggle and toggle fastener to be inserted into an aperture in a panel and to then be automatically secured to the wall with an effective firestop provided by the effect of the spring urging the washer into firm contact with the panel.