Well, LOK what we’ve got in here. If you’re involved in timberwork, you know how important your screws and bolts are. You have to pick the right one for the right use.
And you can’t do that without knowing how they’re all different from one another.
If you’re a fellow in woodwork, you probably know everything about LedgerLOK and TimberLOK by now. But in case you’re new here or need a little refresher, here’s a comparison between the LedgerLOK and TimberLOK.
A Quick Comparison Table
In a rush? If you don’t want to go into full discourses, here is a quick comparison table for you.
| Feature | LedgerLOK | TimberLOK |
| Use case | Attaching heavy wood | Attaching wood-to-wood connections |
| Screw heads | Hexagonal and Flat | Hexagonal |
| Pre-drilling | No | No |
| Screw length | 3 | 2 |
| Corrosion resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure-treated wood use | Yes | Yes |
Let’s get to the details then.
Major Differences Between LedgerLOK and TimberLOK
You’ll have to know what makes these connectors different to use them right. If you don’t know which screw is better for holding weight then you won’t know which screw you’ll have to use to attach heavier decks.
So here are the key differences between LedgerLOK and TimberLOK screws.
- Use Case
Both screws are designed to replace lag screws but they still do different jobs. LedgerLOK is better for attaching heavy decks to wooden house structures.
TimberLOK on the other hand is better for attaching raptures or trusses to a different structure (think fences).
LedgerLOK screws are designed to replace lag screws and through-bolts. Lag screws are used to connect heavy lumber with other structures. This is mostly used if you need to attach your heavy wood deck in a place it has to stand off and hold up on its own.
What are LedgerLOK screws used for then?
That’s exactly. LedgerLOK deals really nicely with heavier materials so it is used for attaching heavy structures to a structure with a small supporting room. The best example of this is the rim joist of a house.
LedgerLOK is designed to attach heavy wood decks to the rim joist of a house and that’s where it is mostly used.
TimberLOK is more of a connecting tool. They aren’t specifically designed to replace the 3/8” lag screws but you can definitely replace them with TimberLOKs.
These screws are like wood screws, you use them to double up and/or connect timber. They’re used in places where the structure needs enforcing.
TimberLOK does exactly that. This structural screw attaches rafters or trusses to pretty much everything. Depending on the length, it can be used from doubling/sistering up carrying beams to constructing posts and beams.
- Screw Heads
Lag screws usually have a hexagonal head and need predrilling. Structural screws usually have hexagonal screw heads too but LedgerLOK and TimberLOK are a little different. They come with a hexagonal head but LedgerLOK has a little something extra.
LedgerLOK screws have two variants. One of them has a hexagonal head, the other one is flat.
The hex screw has an oversized washer head so there’s no need for an extra. This reduces predrilling time and added expense.
TimberLOK comes in only one shape. It has a hexagonal screw head with a washer attached.
The washer is counter-sinkable. This means it can go inside with its full length if you need a closer drill. Same with the HeadLOK drill but there is a slight difference.
What is the difference between HeadLOK and TimberLOK screws?
HeadLOK is a kind of TimberLOK with a slightly different head style. HeadLOK screws have a 5/8″ diameter disk-type head. They can be used pretty much anywhere a TimberLOK can be used.
- Pre-drilling
When it comes to lag or other wood screws even, predrilling is necessary. But not for LedgerLOK or TimberLOK. These screws can go their full-lengths without needing a pre-drill and they don’t crack the wood either.
Lag screws are getting replaced by structural (or constructional) screws. Structural screws are thinner but they’re more durable. The material makes it easier for them to deal with weight and corrosion.
The biggest highlight of structural screws is that they don’t need pre-drilling.
Is LedgerLOK a structural screw? It is. LedgerLOK screws are structural so they’re thinner and more durable than the lag screws they replace. Not just that, the no predrilling feature helps cut down costs and time for LedgerLOK screws too.
Are TimberLOK screws structural?
Yes, TimberLOK screws are structural too. This is why they don’t need any pre-drilling either. You can just pick up your Phillips drill and get straight to work.
Most of all, you’ll be saving more time with this since you won’t have to pre-drill any holes.
- Screw Length
Most lag screws are between 1/4 to 6 inches. Structural screws come in different sizes depending on what they’re intended to be used in. LedgerLOK screw comes in two different lengths and TimberLOK screws come in 4 different sizes.
LedgerLOK screws aren’t intended for deep penetrative uses. It is more focused on holding weight so the sizing should be highlighting that. So, how long should LedgerLOK screws be then?
The LedgerLOK screws have two sizes available. One of them is a 3 inches variant and the other one is a 5 inches variant. The 3
inches variant is intended for single ledger attaching and the 5 inches variant is intended for double ledger attaching.
TimberLOK screws have more variations in size. Depending on the application, you’ll find TimberLOK screws in 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10-inch sizes. The heavier load you want it to take, the bigger screw you’re going to need.
- Corrosion Resistance
Structural screws, in general, are designed to be more durable, weather-resistant, and of course corrosion-resistant. Both LedgerLOK and TimberLOK are corrosion-resistant and durable enough to stand other environmental factors.
Structural screws are made from stronger, reinforced steel and are pressure and heat-treated for maximum durability. There are also protective layers to ward off environmental factors like rain or the sun.
The LedgerLOK screw is multicoated with different materials to ensure corrosion resistance. TimberLOK on the other hand has an ultra-coated outer layer to keep corrosion away. Either way, both screws are corrosion-resistant.
- Pressure-Treated Wood Use
Pressure-treated wood is pretty much woods on steroids. They’re stronger and more durable. Most pressure-treated woods need special screws to go through them.
LedgerLOK and TimberLOK both are good for pressure-treated wood use.
Both screws are made with the strongest material to withstand pressure.
They’re also aggressively threaded (especially the TimberLOK screw) to run through the densest wood.
So yes, both LedgerLOK and TimberLOK are strong enough and okay for use on pressure-treated wood.
Which One Should You Use?
That completely depends on your use case. If you’re working with the rim joist of your house structure, definitely go for LedgerLOK because TimberLOK won’t do well with the heavy deck.
If you’re working with attaching and connecting wood-to-wood decks, go for TimberLOK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
HeadLOK screws are like a specific variant of TimberLOK. They’re like TimberLOK but they come with a disk-shaped head. Other than that everything is pretty much the same.
LedgerLOK screws are used for attaching heavy wood decks. Most of the time it is used for attaching wood decks to the rim joist of a house structure.
Yes, TimberLOK screws are structural. They can be used in pretty much all structural applications.
That depends on the use. If you’re attaching a single ledger than 3 inches screws will do. If you’re going for a double ledger attachment, pick 5 inches LedgerLOK screws.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the LedgerLOK vs. TimberLOK comparison. Both screws are for structural uses and are made from durable material.
They’re corrosion resistant and come in different sizes, you’ll just have to choose the right one.