Collated Screws

About Collated Screws

Collated screws are fasteners connected together in strips or magazines, designed for use with automated screwdriving tools and collated screw guns. Unlike traditional loose screws that require manual handling and positioning, collated screws are fed automatically into the tool, dramatically increasing installation speed and efficiency on site. This makes them an essential choice for tradespeople and contractors working on large-scale projects where time and productivity are critical factors.

The collation system typically uses plastic strips or wire to hold the screws together in precise alignment, allowing them to be loaded into compatible screw gun magazines. Common applications include drywall installation, flooring work, decking, and general construction tasks where repetitive screwdriving is required. Our range includes collated flooring screws, drywall screws, and compatible attachments from trusted brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Timco, ensuring you have the right fastening solution for professional results.

Investing in collated screws and the appropriate collated screwdriver system can significantly reduce installation time compared to traditional methods—often by as much as 50-70%. This productivity gain not only helps complete jobs faster but also reduces fatigue from repetitive manual screwdriving, making them particularly valuable for larger commercial projects and high-volume residential work.

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• Collation: The method by which screws are connected together in a strip or magazine, typically using plastic strips or wire. This allows for automatic feeding into compatible screw guns.
• Magazine Capacity: The number of collated screws that can be loaded into a screw gun attachment at one time, typically ranging from 50 to 100+ screws depending on the system.
• Auto-Feed Mechanism: The system within a collated screw gun that automatically advances the next screw into position after each fastener is driven, eliminating the need for manual reloading between screws.
• Screw Gauge: The diameter of the screw shaft, commonly measured in metric (mm) or imperial (gauge numbers). Collated screws are available in various gauges to suit different applications and material thicknesses.
• Self-Drilling Point: A specially designed screw tip that can pierce through materials without requiring a pilot hole, particularly useful for metal studs and sheet materials.
• Strip Length: The number of screws connected together in a single collated strip, which must match the magazine capacity of your screw gun system.

Who Uses Collated Screws?

Collated screws are essential for a wide range of trades and applications:

• Drywall Installers and Plasterers: For rapid fixing of plasterboard to timber or metal studs on walls and ceilings
• Flooring Contractors: Installing chipboard, plywood, or timber flooring efficiently across large areas
• Carpenters and Joiners (Chippies): General construction work requiring high-volume fastening
• Shopfitters: Commercial fit-out work with tight deadlines and extensive boarding requirements
• House Builders and General Contractors: New build construction where speed and consistency are paramount
• Decking Specialists: Installing composite or timber decking boards with uniform, professional results
• Renovation Contractors: Refurbishment projects involving extensive wall and ceiling work
• Maintenance Teams: Facilities management requiring efficient repairs and installations

How to Choose the Right Collated Screws

Selecting the appropriate collated screws depends on several key factors:

Application and Material: Different screw types are designed for specific tasks. Drywall screws feature a bugle head and fine thread for plasterboard installation, while flooring screws have coarser threads and greater shank strength for structural applications. Ensure the screw type matches your intended use—using drywall screws for flooring, for example, could result in inadequate holding power.

Compatibility with Your Tool: Collated screws must be compatible with your screw gun system. DeWalt, Makita, and other manufacturers may use different collation systems, so verify that the strips will fit your specific tool model. Check whether your attachment accepts the magazine length and collation style of the screws you're considering.

Screw Length and Gauge: Choose a length appropriate for your material thickness—as a general rule, screws should penetrate at least 25mm into the substrate material. For drywall on timber studs, 25-38mm screws are typical, while flooring applications often require 45-60mm lengths. The gauge (diameter) should provide adequate strength without risking material splitting.

Thread Type: Fine threads work best for metal studs and harder materials, while coarse threads provide superior grip in softwoods and sheet materials. Self-drilling points can eliminate the need for pre-drilling in thinner materials, saving additional time.

Corrosion Resistance: For external applications or moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, choose screws with appropriate coating or treatment. Standard black phosphate coating suits interior work, while zinc-plated or specially coated screws offer better protection in demanding environments.

Quantity and Budget: Collated screws are typically sold in boxes containing multiple strips. Calculate your project requirements to avoid shortages or excessive waste. While collated screws carry a premium over loose screws, the labour savings on larger jobs quickly offset the additional cost.

Popular Accessories

• Collated Screw Gun Attachments: Such as the DeWalt DCF6202, which convert standard drill drivers into auto-feed screwdrivers
• Dedicated Collated Screw Guns: Purpose-built tools offering optimal balance and control for high-volume fastening
• Screw Gun Belts and Holsters: For convenient tool carrying during extended working periods
• Replacement Magazines: Spare or additional magazines for quick reloading without downtime
• Impact Driver Bits: PH2 Phillips and PZ2 Pozi bits designed for repetitive use
• Magnetic Bit Holders: Extending reach and providing additional screw retention
• Depth Adjustment Accessories: Ensuring consistent screw depth for professional finishes
• Tool Batteries and Chargers: Extra power packs from Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee to maintain productivity
• Knee Pads and Work Gloves: Personal protection during extended flooring or wall installation work

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use collated screws with any drill driver?

Not directly. You'll need either a dedicated collated screw gun or a compatible attachment like the DeWalt DCF6202 that converts your existing drill driver into an auto-feed system. These attachments are brand-specific, so ensure compatibility with your tool before purchasing.

Are collated screws more expensive than buying loose screws?

Yes, collated screws typically cost 20-40% more per screw than their loose equivalents. However, the significant increase in installation speed—often reducing driving time by half—means labour savings quickly outweigh the additional material cost on medium to large projects.

What's the difference between drywall and flooring collated screws?

Drywall screws have a bugle-shaped head that sits flush without tearing the paper face of plasterboard, with fine threads optimised for gripping board materials. Flooring screws feature coarser threads for superior holding power in timber, a stronger shank to resist snapping, and often include a countersinking feature to prevent squeaking in flooring applications.

How many screws are typically in a collated strip?

This varies by manufacturer and system, but most collated strips contain between 1,000 and 2,000 screws per box, organized in smaller strips of 50-100 screws each. The strip length must match your screw gun magazine capacity—check your tool specifications before ordering.

Can collated screws be used for outdoor decking projects?

Yes, provided you select screws with appropriate corrosion resistance. Standard black phosphate screws are unsuitable for external use. Choose zinc-plated, stainless steel, or specially coated collated screws rated for exterior applications. Timco and other manufacturers offer weather-resistant options specifically designed for decking and external construction work.