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Difficulty installing the first few courses
The first few decking courses are the most difficult to install. The first decking board must be solidly secured and have no movement. When using very dense composite decking, the following steps can ease the installation of the first 3-4 courses.
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Position the next decking board to be installed against the fastener points.
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While standing on the decking board, lightly tap the board against the fastener prongs to leave impression marks on the edge of the board.
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Using a 1/8 inch drill bit, drill a ½ inch deep hole into each impression mark.
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Place the decking board back into position against prongs and continue normal installation.
The decking board is coming off the prongs
Start installation at the end of the decking board as shown in the instructions. Once the proper gap is achieved over the first joist, install the first fastener into edge side of the board and screw it down to the joist. This method will prevent the decking board from recoiling off the prongs as installation proceeds. Continue to install the deck board by aligning the strike zone of the hammer board at each joist and striking once with the sledge hammer at each joist fully penetrating the board edge with the fastener prongs. Once the end of the board is reached, the second fastener and screw can be installed on the other end of the board. Once installed work your way down the board a second time once again aligning the strike zone of the hammer board at each joist and strike once with the sledge hammer only this time reduce the force of the swing applying just enough force to attain the correct gap. On the second pass, a one handed swing with the sledge hammer should be all that is needed if the board edge was fully penetrated on the first pass.
Two-person installation eases operation
To speed up installation, have one person install the Tiger Claw Fasteners and another person drive screws. With two people, have both installers stand on the deck board about three to four feet apart, standing on the board before it comes in contact with the fastener points will ensure a smooth even surface.
Railing posts inside the frame
If post sleeves are NOT being used over wood frame posts; Install railing posts inside the frame as decking installation progresses. The decking board must be notched and installed, and then the post can be placed into the notch and secured. After that, the next notched decking board can be installed to finish.
View instructional VIDEO clip
Railing posts outside the frame
First complete the decking, then position the post in the desired location and mark its two sides. Remove the post, and between the marks, cut the decking over-hang flush to the framing. Next, insert the post into the notch, flat against the frame. Once the post is level, secure it to the frame.
45° Installation
When the deck is in the walled corner of a house, always start with a small triangular piece of decking in the corner and work your way out.
Marking prong impressions and drilling is recommended when working with small pieces.
 When installing at a 45* angle on an open area, start in the center of the deck and work your way toward the corners. When using this method, start by screwing a 2x4 to the deck frame to be used as a solid starting point. After installing 5 or 6 rows of decking the 2x4 can be removed and decking can be run in both directions.
Offset the center of the Tiger Claw fastener ¾ inch towards the long point of joist so that the screw will not exit the side of joist when driven.
View instructional VIDEO clip
Butt jointing decking boards
 Drive the first decking board onto prong with the butt-end centered over a support. When installing the second decking board, if you prefer a small gap in the butt seam, start installation at the butt seam and work toward the end. If you prefer no gap in the butt seam, start installation at opposite end of decking board and work toward the seam.
For TC-2S Only
Before driving
the TC-2S
Fastener
into the
other side
of the butt
seam, turn
the fastener
around so
that the
outer prongs
are driven
into the
decking
first, giving
the widest
spread across
the seam.
View instructional VIDEO clip
Let the decking extend over the edge
Once the decking is set, it can be marked with a chalk line and cut clean and straight.
Hammer board
Cut a beveled angle on the ends of the hammer board to help it slide across joists during installation. Make sure the hammer board is not over 4 feet long.
Replacing a decking board
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Make two parallel cuts down the center of the board to be replaced and remove the center piece.
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Using a small pry bar, remove the remaining pieces of decking from the prongs.
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Using pliers, remove the prongs on the side of the board with no screw heads showing.
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Position the new board into place and carefully drive it onto the remaining prongs. (Pre-drilling prong impression marks on the board edge may be required for dense materials.)
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Once the board is set into position, secure the lead edge with finish nail or finish screw, or counter drill, screw and plug.
View instructional VIDEO clip
Square drive bit spins out of screw
All Tiger Claw screws are manufactured with high grade 300 series stainless steel. Stainless is inherently softer than steel screws. To prevent spin-out adjust the ratchet setting on your drill so that once the screw is fully installed and seated properly against the fastener the ratchet will engage and prevent spin-out. Also, when installing a screw be sure to keep your drill directly in line with the screw., misalignment of the drill and screw will result in spin-out or deformation of screw.
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