Abstract: A fastener having a head and a shaft extending from a first end at the head to a second end forming a tip. The shaft has a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion. The first threaded portion is disposed at the tip. A hardness of the first portion is higher than a hardness of the second threaded portion.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing at least two materials together with a screw having an externally threaded shank and an enlarged head, and a nut having a shank with a blind hole therein. The blind hole being internally threaded to threadingly receive the externally threaded shank of the screw. The nut having an enlarged head on an end of the shank opposite from an end with an opening of the blind hole. The enlarged head of the nut having an outer surface and an inner surface. A sealing member may be disposed around the shank of the nut. The shank of the nut extends out of and away from the inner surface of the enlarged head of the nut, and the inner surface may include a depression surrounding the shank. The nut has a plated outer surface.

Abstract: A threaded fastener for securing a first material to a support comprising a tapping point at a first end and a threaded shank with multiple separate leads. An end diameter of a fastener tip is in the range of 0.210 to 0.190 inches, the tapping point starts away from an end of the tip by a range of 0.320 to 0.40 inches, and the threads are arranged on the shank to provide a range of about 16½ to 17½ threads per inch for a 5/16 inch diameter fastener and about 18½ to 19½ threads per inch for a ¼ inch diameter fastener. A second portion of the shank, distal from the tap screw point, is unthreaded, and a head at an end opposite the tap screw point has an enlarged diameter and a countersunk shape to reduce the likelihood of pull through of the fastener through said first material.

Abstract: A threaded fastener including a shank extending along an axis away from an enlarged head to a tip. A thread extends in a helix around the shank from the tip of the shank towards the enlarged head. A driving recess on a top surface of the enlarged head receives a tool for driving the fastener in a rotational manner around the axis of the shank. Cutter teeth are formed on a lower surface of the enlarged head. The fastener may be assembled with a hard composite non-wood material decking and a supporting metal I-beam.

Abstract: A threaded fastener including a shank extending along an axis away from an enlarged head to a tip. A thread extends in a helix around the shank from the tip of the shank towards the enlarged head. A driving recess on a top surface of the enlarged head receives a tool for driving the fastener in a rotational manner around the axis of the shank. Cutter teeth are formed on a lower surface of the enlarged head. The fastener may be assembled with a hard composite non-wood material decking and a supporting metal I-beam.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including an internally threaded nut and an externally threaded screw for securing at least two materials together. A combined thickness TM of the materials is less than a length SL of the screw inserted into the materials. The nut includes a head, a shank extending from the head, and an internally threaded bore extending into the shank. The screw includes a head and an externally threaded shank adapted to threadingly engage the internally threaded bore of the nut. An encapsulating plastic layer covers the head of the nut. The plastic layer extends under and covers a bottom surface of the head. The plastic layer has a thickness TE below the bottom surface of the head which is equal to or greater than a difference between the screw length SL and the material thickness TM.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including an internally threaded nut and an externally threaded screw for securing at least two materials together. The screw has an externally threaded shank and an enlarged head. The nut has a shank with a hole therein. The hole is internally threaded to threadingly receive the externally threaded shank of the screw. The nut has a diametrically enlarged head on an end of the shank opposite from an end with an opening of the hole. The enlarged head of the nut has a thickness not exceeding 0.10 inches. The underside of the enlarged head of the nut may have an annular recess formed therein surrounding the shank.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including an internally threaded nut and an externally threaded screw for securing at least two materials together. A combined thickness TM of the materials is less than a length SL of the screw inserted into the materials. The nut includes a head, a shank extending from the head, and an internally threaded bore extending into the shank. The screw includes a head and an externally threaded shank adapted to threadingly engage the internally threaded bore of the nut. An encapsulating plastic layer covers the head of the nut. The plastic layer extends under and covers a bottom surface of the head. The plastic layer has a thickness TE below the bottom surface of the head which is equal to or greater than a difference between the screw length SL and the material thickness TM.