Sealed Fastening for Steel, Roofing, Cladding & Timber Connections
When a fixing point also needs a dependable seal, choosing the screw by head shape alone isn't enough. ICCONS® | Washered Hex Screws bring together hex-head fastening options with sealing washers for compatible steel, roofing, cladding, bracket & timber applications where secure engagement & controlled washer seating need to work together.
What sits beneath the screw determines which configuration belongs on the job. ICCONS® offers self-drilling coarse & fine-thread options for steel, heavier-capacity drilling configurations, Type 17 screws for timber substrates & specialised roofing or cladding designs across applicable finishes. EPDM sealing washers feature throughout relevant products to provide the sealing component beneath the hex head.
For steel & sheet installation, Impact Drivers provide a practical driving platform, Drill Accessories support compatible driving accessories & Screws & Anchors provides related fixing options for other connections around the project.
What Are ICCONS® Washered Hex Screws?
Washered hex screws combine the fastener & sealing component into one installation-ready assembly. Relevant ICCONS® configurations use an EPDM sealing washer beneath the hex head, while the point & thread vary according to whether the receiving material is steel or timber.
Self-drilling versions use a hardened drilling point to penetrate & form a thread in compatible steel within their documented capacity. Type 17 configurations take a different approach, using a sharp fluted point with a coarse biting thread for compatible timber or thin-steel-to-timber work.
The ICCONS® washered hex family includes:
► Self Drilling Hex with Sealing Washer – Coarse Thread for efficient fastening into compatible mild steel
► Self Drilling Hex with Sealing Washer – Fine Thread for more controlled installation into compatible steel
► 5 Series Self Drilling Hex with Sealing Washer for applicable thicker-steel connections
► Top Grip Hex with Sealing Washer for compatible metal roofing & sheet applications
► Type 17 Hex with Sealing Washer – Coarse Thread for timber or thin steel fixed to timber
Substrates
► Type 17 Top Grip with Sealing Washer for applicable roofing-to-timber connections
► Painted Washered Hex Configurations for compatible roofing & cladding work where the fastener finish contributes to the completed appearance
Similar-looking washered screws can be intended for very different connections. Steel thickness, timber type, screw point, thread pitch, length, washer configuration & finish should all be checked before one product is substituted for another.
For practical guidance on distinguishing fastening types by their intended connections, see the Fastener Guide Bolts Screws Anchors.
Why Choose ICCONS® Washered Hex Screws?
EPDM Washer for Sealed Connections
A screw can feel mechanically tight while the penetration around it remains poorly sealed. Relevant ICCONS® washered hex configurations incorporate an EPDM sealing washer beneath the head so fastening & sealing can occur together at the connection.
Correct seating matters at the final stage of installation. The washer should contact the surface evenly without being unnecessarily crushed or distorted through excessive driving.
Self-Drilling Options for Steel
Removing a separate pilot-hole operation can make repetitive steel fastening considerably more efficient. ICCONS® self-drilling washered hex screws use hardened drilling points that drill & tap their own thread within the specified material capacity.
Coarse & fine-thread versions provide different driving characteristics within the steel-fastening family. Selecting between them should be based on the particular connection, material thickness & documented screw configuration.
Coarse Thread for Efficient Installation
Repeated steel fixing can make thread selection noticeable across an entire project. ICCONS® describes its coarse-thread Self Drilling Hex with Sealing Washer as the faster-installing counterpart to the fine-thread version.
Drilling capacity still depends on the individual screw rather than the thread description alone. Gauge, point geometry & configuration should be checked against the steel at the connection.
Fine Thread for Greater Driving Control
Some assemblies benefit from a more measured approach as the washer reaches its final seating position. ICCONS® fine-thread washered hex screws provide a slower & more controlled installation characteristic than their coarse-thread counterparts.
That additional control doesn't remove the need to match the point to the substrate. Verify steel thickness before selecting the screw or beginning repetitive installation.
Type 17 Options for Timber Substrates
Timber calls for different point geometry from a steel-drilling connection. ICCONS® Type 17 Washered Hex Screws use a sharp fluted point & coarse thread for compatible timber fastening, including timber or thin-steel components fixed to timber substrates.
Dense hardwood can change the installation requirements. Where resistance is high, follow the applicable product guidance & pre-drill when required rather than forcing the screw.
Common Applications
Steel Brackets & Components
Bracket connections often concentrate fastening pressure into a relatively small area. ICCONS® self-drilling washered hex screws suit compatible mild-steel brackets, components, sections & assemblies where the selected screw capacity & sealing washer suit the connection.
Material thickness can increase unexpectedly where components overlap. Confirm the combined steel encountered by the drill point instead of relying only on the thickness of the most visible section.
Roofing Sheet to Steel
Roof-sheet fixing requires the fastener to secure the sheet while managing a penetration through an exposed surface. Appropriate ICCONS® washered roofing configurations combine a sealing washer with screw geometry designed around compatible steel supports.
Roofing-specific connections should be treated as complete systems rather than generic sheet fastening. Check the sheet profile, supporting steel, screw length, washer & installation requirements before selecting the fixing.
Roofing Sheet to Timber
Timber battens change the point requirement even when the screw head & washer look familiar. Type 17 washered configurations provide a timber-focused option for compatible roofing connections into timber substrates.
Required embedment matters just as much as the sheet thickness above the batten. Account for the complete material stack when choosing screw length.
Cladding Installation
Cladding puts appearance, substrate & exposure together at every fixing point. ICCONS® offers relevant washered & painted fastening configurations for compatible metal or timber supports where the selected screw matches the cladding system.
Connections elsewhere in the cladding assembly may require a different fastening approach. Specialty Fasteners & Fixings provides additional options for application-specific connections.
Light Steel Fabrication
Workshop assemblies can contain several steel thicknesses within one fabricated component. Match the screw's documented drilling capacity to the combined material at each fixing point rather than issuing one self-drilling screw for every joint.
Fabrication drawings can also nominate connections beyond the role of a washered screw. Bolts & Fasteners provides broader fastening options for compatible mechanical connections elsewhere in the assembly.
Maintenance & Replacement Work
Existing roof, cladding & sheet-metal fixings should be identified before replacements are ordered. Check the substrate, screw gauge, length, hex size, washer condition & exposure rather than matching a replacement solely by appearance.
An old fastener can also reveal why the connection needs attention. Corrosion, washer deterioration, loose sheet or damaged substrate should be investigated before the same configuration is installed again.
General Steel Construction
Secondary steel connections can often be completed efficiently with a correctly selected self-drilling washered screw. ICCONS® identifies steel brackets, metal components, steel sections & assemblies among the applications for relevant sealing-washer families.
Primary structural connections need to remain within their specified fastening system. Where project documentation nominates structural bolts, anchors or another engineered connection, use the required fixing.
Product Selection Guide
Start beneath the surface: deciding whether the receiving material is steel or timber immediately narrows the choice. From there, compare steel thickness or timber characteristics, thread type, screw length, washer requirement, finish & installation environment.
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ICCONS® Washered Hex Family
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Point / Thread
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Receiving Substrate
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Practical Selection Consideration
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Self Drilling Hex – Coarse
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Self-drilling / coarse
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Mild steel
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Efficient installation within documented drilling capacity
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Self Drilling Hex – Fine
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Self-drilling / fine
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Mild steel
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More controlled driving
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Self Drilling Hex 5 Series
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Higher-capacity self-drilling / fine
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Thicker compatible steel
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Connections requiring greater drilling capacity
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Top Grip Washered Hex
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Self-drilling / coarse
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Compatible steel supports
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Roofing & sheet applications
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Type 17 Washered Hex
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Type 17 / coarse
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Timber
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Timber or thin steel to timber
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Type 17 Top Grip
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Type 17 / coarse
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Timber supports
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Compatible roofing-to-timber work
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Coarse or Fine Thread?
Thread pitch changes how the screw progresses through the connection. ICCONS® coarse-thread self-drilling versions provide faster installation, while fine-thread versions offer a slower & more controlled drive.
The correct choice still depends on the individual fastener specification. Compare the documented drilling capacity, gauge & application rather than treating coarse or fine thread as a universal preference.
Check the Steel Drilling Capacity
Steel thickness is one of the most important figures to confirm before opening a box of self-drilling screws. Documented coarse-thread products include configurations such as 8-18 × 12 mm for 0.75–2.50 mm steel & 10-16 × 16 mm for 0.75–3.50 mm steel.
Other configurations extend into different thickness ranges. Fine-thread products include options for heavier compatible steel, while specialised 5 Series screws are designed for greater drilling requirements.
Always check the specific screw against the actual connection.
Match the Hex Driver to the Screw
Similar-looking fasteners don't necessarily use the same driving accessory. ICCONS® washered hex configurations include 1/4", 5/16" & 3/8" hex heads depending on gauge & product family.
Keeping the correct driver with each screw type reduces interruptions during installation. It also helps maintain positive head engagement as the washer approaches the surface.
Choose Type 17 for Compatible Timber
When timber is the receiving substrate, the point should be selected accordingly. ICCONS® Type 17 washered hex screws use a sharp fluted point & coarse thread for compatible timber applications.
Hardwood behaviour should be assessed before repetitive driving begins. Pre-drill where the timber or applicable installation guidance requires it.
Treat Finish as Part of the Connection
A screw with the correct dimensions can still be unsuitable if its finish doesn't match the working environment. ICCONS® provides applicable zinc, Class 4 galvanised, stainless & painted configurations across different washered hex families.
Exposure, connected materials & project requirements should guide the finish choice. Don't substitute solely because another screw has the same gauge & length.
For crews carrying multiple gauges, finishes & driver accessories, Small Parts Organisers can help keep similar-looking fasteners clearly separated.
Expert Tips
Identify the Substrate Before Selecting the Point
Starting with the material underneath the fixing prevents many selection errors. Confirm whether the screw will finish in steel or timber before comparing gauge, length, thread or colour.
Measure Steel at Overlaps
Sheet laps & bracket interfaces can increase the thickness a self-drilling point has to penetrate. Check the combined material at the actual fixing position against the documented capacity of the selected screw.
Watch the EPDM Washer During Final Seating
The last part of the drive deserves more control than the initial penetration. Seat the washer evenly against the surface without continuing until the EPDM is excessively flattened or distorted.
Keep Nut Setters in Serviceable Condition
A worn or poorly fitting nut setter can make controlled washer seating difficult. Match the correct driver size to the screw & replace worn accessories before they compromise repeated installations.
For practical equipment checks before demanding site work, read 7 Signs Your Power Tool Needs a Service Before It Fails On Site.
Don't Force a Standard Drill Point Through Thicker Steel
Additional driver pressure doesn't increase a screw's documented drilling capacity. If the steel exceeds the selected product's range, choose a configuration designed for that thickness.
Inspect Existing Fixings Before Replacement
Maintenance work provides useful evidence about how the connection has performed in service. Check for washer deterioration, corrosion, loose sheet, substrate damage & poor seating before installing a replacement.
Keep Painted Fixings With Their Product Details
Colour can identify the intended visual finish without identifying the screw specification underneath it. Retain the product description or part number so point style, gauge, length & coating remain clear after the packaging is opened.
Separate Sheet Fixings From Structural Connections
Securing sheet or secondary components isn't the same as joining primary structural members. Where engineered framing, brackets or primary structural joints require another connection, follow the specified fastening requirements.
For applicable heavier connections elsewhere in the project, Structural Fasteners & Bolts provides related fastening options.