Cortex Collated Plugs for PVC Trim

The Cortex Hidden Fastening System for PVC Trim is the fastest, easiest way to hide trim fasteners and trim plugs in PVC Trim - and now it is 50% faster.

Cortex now comes with the following product enhancements:

Collated Cortex Plugs: FastenMaster Cortex plugs are now available on a collated strip. This minimizes handling and saves valuable time on the jobsite.
Shorter & Faster Trim Screw: Our fasteners are now offered in 2” and 2 ¾” options to deliver high levels of holding power and offer versatility for applications such as deck fascia and exterior baseboards. The dual lead thread design spins the fastener 50% faster for quicker installs.
TORX® ttap® Drive System: This system is almost impossible to strip-out and the fastener is easily removed. The stability button keeps the fastener straight through installation.
Stronger Setting Tool: Optimized for extreme pro contractor use. Stronger bit material and industrial grade felt will enable you to install 350 fasteners on one Cortex Setting Tool.
Cortex Trim comes available in two fastener lengths 2” and 2-3/4". Each package comes complete with screws, plugs, and setting tools in a 50, 250 or 750 lin ft box. Individual strips of 40 collated plugs are also available to help you finish a project.
Available in smooth or grained finish for the following brands:

Cortex Trim is also available in loose plugs directly from the following board manufacturers. For ordering information and stocking dealers, please click manufacturer links shown below to visit their websites.

Don’t see your brand here? Call FastenMaster for a complete up-to-date listing.

Videos

Collated Cortex Hidden Fastening for PVC Trim with TORX ttap Drive System

The Cortex Hidden Fastening System is the fastest, easiest way to hide fasteners in PVC Trim boards. No more caulking, sanding or painting PVC trim. And it just got better!

Cortex Hidden Fastening System for PVC Trim

Learn how to install the Cortex Hidden Fastening System for PVC Trim.

Collated Cortex for PVC Trim - Install 50% Faster

Collated Cortex for PVC Trim allows you to deliver a great finished look 50% faster. Request your free starter kit today: http://www.fastenmaster.com/trycortex.html

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Mandatory field Color*

Mandatory field SKU*

SKU	Color	Packaging Size	SKU	Fastener Lengths
FMCTXTQUAD-RY40GN	ROYAL Grain	40 plugs	FMCTXTQUAD-RY40GN	N/A
FMCTXTQUAD-AZ40TD	AZEK Traditional	40 plugs	FMCTXTQUAD-AZ40TD	N/A
FMCTXTQUAD-AZ40FT	AZEK Frontier	40 plugs	FMCTXTQUAD-AZ40FT	N/A
FMCTXTQUAD-VT40SM	Versatex Smooth	40 plugs	FMCTXTQUAD-VT40SM	N/A
FMCTXTQUAD-VT40TR	Versatex Timber Ridge	40 plugs	FMCTXTQUAD-VT40TR	N/A
FMCTXTQUAD-RY40SM	ROYAL Smooth	40 plugs	FMCTXTQUAD-RY40SM	N/A
FMCTXTCL234-C2CN	ROYAL Chestnut	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2CN	2 3/4"
NA	AZEK Frontier	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL-AZ250FT	2"
	AZEK Traditional	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL-AZ250TD	2"
	Versatex Timber Ridge	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL-VT250TR	2"
	Versatex Smooth	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL-VT250SM	2"
FMCTXTCL234-RY2SM	ROYAL Smooth	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-RY2SM	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-RY2GN	ROYAL Grain	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-RY2GN	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2CR	ROYAL Carriage Red	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2CR	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2CH	ROYAL Chocolate	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2CH	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2CT	ROYAL Cotton	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2CT	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2FT	ROYAL Frost	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2FT	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2GV	ROYAL Grove	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2GV	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2LT	ROYAL Latte	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2LT	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2NA	ROYAL Oceana	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2NA	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2PL	ROYAL Pearl	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2PL	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2PT	ROYAL Pottery	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2PT	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2SL	ROYAL Shale	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2SL	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2WL	ROYAL Willow	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2WL	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2WR	ROYAL Wrought Iron	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2WR	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2PB	ROYAL Pine Brook	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2PB	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-C2RR	ROYAL River Rock	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-C2RR	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-AZ2TD	AZEK Traditional	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-AZ2TD	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-AZ2FT	AZEK Frontier	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-AZ2FT	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-VT2SM	Versatex Smooth	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-VT2SM	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-VT2TR	Versatex Timber Ridge	250 LN FT (375 screws / 400 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-VT2TR	2 3/4"
	AZEK Frontier	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL-AZ750FT	2"
	AZEK Traditional	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL-AZ750TD	2"
	Versatex Timber Ridge	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL-VT750TR	2"
	Versatex Smooth	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL-VT750SM	2"
FMCTXTCL234-RY7SM	ROYAL Smooth	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-RY7SM	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-RY7GN	ROYAL Grain	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-RY7GN	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-AZ7TD	AZEK Traditional	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-AZ7TD	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-AZ7FT	AZEK Frontier	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-AZ7FT	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-VT7SM	Versatex Smooth	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-VT7SM	2 3/4"
FMCTXTCL234-VT7TR	Versatex Timber Ridge	750 LN FT (1125 screws / 1200 plugs)	FMCTXTCL234-VT7TR	2 3/4"

Drill Specifications

Install the Cortex for PVC Trim screws using an 18 volt cordless impact drill. Some suggested drills are:

Milwaukee 2650-22 1/4" Hex Impact Driver 18V

DeWalt DC822KL Heavy-Duty 1/2" (13mm) 18V Cordless Impact Wrench

Bosch Impact Driver

Trim Board Dimensions

Designed for use with PVC Trim with actual thicknesses of 5/8" to 5/4".

General Fastening Guidelines

2” length for use in 5/8 through 5/4 PVC Trim Boards
2-3/4” length for use in applications greater than 5/4

For horizontal trim boards less than 12" wide, use two Cortex fasteners at every framing member – rafter tail or wall stud. The screws should be 16" on center or closer. If you are attaching a vertical trim board (i.e., next to a door or a window) use two Cortex fasteners every 16" on center or closer.

If trim board is 12" or wider, use three screws. Each trim board must be fastened within two inches of the end of each board.

Predrilling

Predrilling is not required throughout the majority of the project. Predrilling is required when fastening within 1/2" of the end of a board and at mitered joints. Use a 3/16" drill bit for predrilled pilot holes.

Setting the Cortex Fastener

Use a cordless impact driver and the Cortex setting tool. Drive the Cortex fastener to the preset level below the PVC Trim surface. The Cortex screw must be driven perpendicular to the trim surface.

Cortex Tip: To remove a Cortex screw set below the trim surface, replace the Cortex setting tool in your impact driver with a #1 square drive bit. This allows full access to the seated screw.

Setting the Cortex Engineered Plug

To ensure a strong bond, the cored hole must be free of dirt or rain water.

Using Other Screws and Plugs

The Cortex System is designed to offer ultimate long term performance. The interaction between the PVC Trim, fastener and plug is essential. The Cortex connection is fully tested and warranted. Use of non-Cortex screw or non-Cortex plug will result in nullifying the FastenMaster warranty.