Installation Information
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.
