The Deckorators StealthLock Hidden Fastener Installation Guide (PDF) provides complete instructions for installing Deckorators grooved decking using StealthLock clips. This guide covers gapping requirements, joist spacing charts, fastener placement, drill setup, specialty board considerations, and replacement-board procedures, ensuring a smooth, clean, fastener-free deck surface.
The guide begins with a quick reference chart showing how many clips are needed per square footage and recommended tools such as a cordless drill, CAMO ClipDRIVE™ attachment, and the CAMO LEVER® board-locking tool. A dedicated section outlines the required drill setup, including using the included T-15 bit and setting the driver to clutch mode on low torque to avoid overdriving.
Gapping requirements are clearly displayed on page 1, with temperature-based spacing for side-to-side, end-to-end, and end-to-structure gaps. Ventilation requirements and rules for Surestone Technology boards, PVC decking, and hardwoods are also provided. Installers must maintain airflow under at least 50% of the deck and use double joists at all butt joints.
Clip installation steps begin on page 2, with images illustrating how to tilt the clip into the groove, wedge it upright, and slide the next board into place. Once a row is set, installers fasten clips from the outer board inward using either the ClipDRIVE system or the NEVER-MISS® Guide included in StealthLock pails. The guide recommends pinning boards at the midpoint using a stainless screw for proper expansion control.
Special cases such as board replacement and butt-joint installation are shown on page 3. Replacement requires backing out screws, snapping off the clip prongs, and sliding new clips along the groove before fastening. Butt joints require four clips centered across double joists.
Additional guidance is included for PVC and hardwood decking, acclimation, maximum overhangs, and routing fastener slots on solid-edge boards.
Download the full Deckorators StealthLock Hidden Fastener Installation Guide (PDF) for complete diagrams and installation details. If you need help planning a Deckorators project, your TimberTown team is always here to help.
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