Have you ever wondered how Big Timber construction grade fasteners are made? We’ve got the video for you!
In Episode 8 of our Screw 101 series, we’re taking you where few ever get to go: inside the fastener manufacturing factory. This behind-the-scenes tour isn’t just about watching machines at work—it’s about showing the precision, engineering, and pride that goes into every screw we make. Because at Big Timber, we don’t just produce fasteners, we craft every part of a screw with purpose.
Led by Brent Hodgkins, this episode walks you through the production steps of a Big Timber screw, from raw steel to the final moments of fastener coating. You’ll get a first-hand look at the complex, coordinated process that transforms a steel wire into a jobsite-ready, code-compliant fastener.
The journey begins with raw steel wire coils fed into a machine that cuts it into appropriate lengths before the shaping process begins. Once cut, the steel wire moves onto a two-step process referred to as cold heading. The machine applies extreme pressure to the wire, stamping the top portion of steel to form the head. After the head has been completely shaped, the threads at the bottom half of the wire are formed in a process called thread rolling and pointing. As opposed to cutting the wire to create a grip and bite, thread rolling displaces the steel to create durable threads without removing material.
After, the controlled process of heat treatment strengthens the screw’s core, giving it the durability to handle tough applications without snapping or shearing under load.
From there, it’s on to our advanced coating systems, including Big Timber’s signature 3x Bronze coating. These coatings aren’t just for aesthetics, they provide critical resistance to corrosion, ensure ACQ-treated wood compatibility, and make driving smoother by reducing friction. It’s protection with purpose.
Throughout the tour, Brent also highlights the rigorous quality checks each batch of screws undergoes. From dimensional inspections to torque tests and salt spray certification, every Big Timber screw must meet high standards before it leaves the building—ensuring that only high-quality construction fasteners make it to the shelves at your local retailer.
Master the Parts of a Screw—and the Job Site!
Catch the full Screw 101 video series here.
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