FAQ's & Tips
Can the IPE CLIP® fastener system be used in decking other than Ipe?
Yes, Ipe Clip® fastener systems can be used on all high quality decking materials such as Trex®, composites, ironwood, teak, cedar, redwood, cumaru, tigerwood and massaranduba. Low quality materials that have high expansion/contraction rates such as pressure treated pine should be avoided.
How do I cut the slot in the edge of the decking?
Slots are cut using a standard biscuit jointer or a router with a slot cutting bit. Note that some decking suppliers offer deck boards with pre-cut grooves along both edges to receive edge mount fasteners.
Will a BoWrench® help with installation?
Yes, the BoWrench® rests on the deck joist and pries the deck boards tightly together. It is like an extra set of hands, a great help for jobs with a limited number of installers for handling warped deck boards. The BoWrench® is available from The Ipe Clip® Company and many local tool suppliers.
What is the recommended gap space between deck boards?
When using air dried decking the Ipe Clip® and Ipe Clip® Extreme™ fasteners automatically set the gap spacing at the proper 3/32” gap between deck boards to allow for contraction and water drainage. When using kiln dried decking or composites, the Ipe Clip® ExtremeKD™ spaces the decking boards at ¼” to allow for expansion on their width.
Can Ipe Clip® fasteners be used on 3/4” thick decking?
Yes, because Ipe Clip® fasteners are up to 3 times stronger than other edge fasteners they can be used on 3/4” or thicker decking. We also manufacture the Ipe Clip® Extreme™ with stainless steel reinforcement for severe weather applications.
Do the Ipe Clip® fastener systems come with screws?
Yes, each IPE CLIP® fastener system kit (COMPLETE SYSTEMS ONLY) contains high quality stainless steel Torx drive screws, Ipe plugs, a square drive screwgun tip and a high speed steel drill bit.
Are Ipe Clip® fastener systems faster and easier to install than other edge fastening systems?
Yes, the smaller size and shape of the Ipe Clip® fasteners allow for approximately 1” of tolerance side to side in positioning the slot above the joist. Other edge fastening methods do not allow for any tolerance in the positioning, which can slow and complicate installation.
Will screws “overdrive” through Ipe Clip® fasteners, like sometimes occurs with other fasteners?
Because Ipe Clip® fasteners are manufactured from high quality materials they are extremely resistant to screws being overdriven. The screw is left slightly counter sunk for maximum holding power.
Can boards be removed if needed once an Ipe Clip® fastener is installed?
Yes, because Ipe Clip® fasteners do not allow screws to be overdriven, it can be removed to replace a deck board.
Are Ipe Clip® fasteners UV resistant?
Yes, all Ipe Clip® fasteners are 100% UV resistant.
Are Ipe Clip® fastener systems suitable for use in my climate?
Yes, Ipe Clip® fastener systems are suitable for use in all climates from severe cold to extreme heat.
Will Ipe Clip® fastener systems cause stain marks on my deck?
Many decking materials react with non-stainless fasteners provided with lesser quality systems. Ipe Clip® fastener systems come complete with high quality stainless steel Torx drive screws to resist staining of the deck surface.
Do I need to “stand on my head” to install my deck using an Ipe Clip® fastener system?
No, all fastening is easily done from the top side of the deck, unlike some deck fastening systems that require the work to be done from the underside.
Are Ipe Clip® fastener systems manufactured in the United States?
Yes, Ipe Clip® fastener systems are proudly manufactured in the United States.
