The Deckorators StealthLock Hidden Fastener Installation Guide (2024 PDF) provides step-by-step instructions for using StealthLock™ clips with grooved composite, MBC (SureStone), PVC, and hardwood deck boards. This guide outlines drill setup, joist spacing, clip placement, gapping rules, board installation, board replacement, and special fastening cases for different board materials.
StealthLock is a nylon-reinforced hidden clip that wedges into grooved boards and fastens through the joist for a clean, fastener-free surface. The installation process begins with drill setup: installers must use the included T-15 bit and operate in **clutch mode**, never with an impact driver. Torque should be set low and adjusted only as needed.
Standard joist spacing for StealthLock is:
• **12″ on center**
• **16″ on center**
Clip quantities per 50–200 sq. ft. are included for both spacing layouts. Installers are reminded to always follow the deck board manufacturer’s joist-spacing tables and structural requirements.
Gapping requirements depend on temperature:
• **Above 32°F:** 1/8″ side-gap, 1/16″ end-gap
• **Below 32°F:** 3/16″ side-gap, 1/8″ end-gap
• **At fixed objects:** 1/8″–1/4″ clearance
Installation steps show how to tilt the clip so its lower prongs enter the groove, rotate it upright to lock in place, then fasten through the joist. Each board must have a clip at every joist, and boards should be held tightly together—CAMO LEVER® tools are recommended for alignment.
Butt joints require **double (sistered) joists**, with one clip on each joist. Fastening must begin at the outermost board and progress inward. Additional charts specify special instructions for:
• **SureStone (MBC) decking** — center pinning required, never install over solid surfaces
• **PVC decking** — breaker board design recommended, center and end fastening required
• **Hardwood decking** — on-site acclimation and limited overhang rules
Board replacement instructions include backing out screws, snapping prongs on replacement clips, sliding new clips into grooves, then fastening with the NEVER-MISS® guide.
Download the full Deckorators StealthLock Installation Guide (2024 PDF) below for clip diagrams, drill settings, gapping tables, butt-joint details, and material-specific install notes. For help choosing compatible Deckorators fasteners or planning a deck system, your TimberTown team is always ready to help.
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