Description:

Key Features

Fast Starts The SawTooth Type-17 point starts quickly, cuts down installation torque, and usually eliminates predrilling in wood-to-wood fastening. That means less time fighting the screw and more time moving framing along. Built for Framing This Simpson Strong-Tie framing screw is load-rated for structural wood connections and designed as an alternative to common framing nails in many applications. You get stronger holding power and better pull-out resistance than a nail-only approach. Clean Countersinking The low-profile washer head with underhead box nibs increases bearing surface in structural applications while seating cleanly into the wood. That gives you a secure connection without making a mess of the surface.

Overview

The Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS16312QR150 Strong-Drive SDWS Framing Screw is a 3-1/2 inch structural wood screw for wood-to-wood fastening in framing and general construction. This is a framing screw designed for structural fastening in wood framing, remodeling, and indoor or outdoor building work. Model Number: SDWS16312QR150. If you want a code-listed fastener that drives faster than older structural screws and holds better than common nails, this is the one you reach for.

This screw is part of Simpson Strong-Tie's Strong-Drive SDWS line, which is load-rated as a replacement option for 16d, 10d, and 8d nails in several framing applications. The 0.160 inch shank diameter gives it the body needed for structural work, while the 3-1/2 inch length makes sense when you need deeper bite in wood members. Simpson also notes compliance with IAPMO UES ER-192 and code recognition for several common wood framing applications under 2018 and 2021 IRC and IBC requirements, which matters if you are building to spec and do not want to guess at fastener approval.

Where this screw earns its keep is installation speed. The SawTooth Type-17 point is made to start quickly, reduce torque, and avoid predrilling in most applications. On the job, that means less cam-out, less leaning on the drill, and fewer split starts in typical framing lumber. Pair that with the T25 6-lobe drive and you get solid bit engagement that helps the screw stay planted while driving, especially when you are working one-handed or reaching into awkward framing positions.

The head design is another practical detail. This screw uses a low-profile washer head with underhead box nibs. The wider bearing surface is useful in structural connections because it spreads the load better than a smaller bugle-style head, and the nibs help the head seat cleanly into the wood. That gives you a firm pull-tight connection without the sloppy overdriving that can happen with the wrong fastener in framing lumber or engineered wood.

For indoor and outdoor use, the Quik Guard coating is a big part of the value. It gives the screw corrosion protection for general framing, remodeling, and exterior projects where exposure is part of the job. If you are building backyard structures, tackling repairs, or handling mixed interior and exterior wood fastening, having one structural screw that covers both environments is just simpler for the truck and the shop.

The thread setup is built for wood bite and pull-down. These screws use serrated threads with 8-1/2 threads per inch and a 2 inch thread length on this specific model. In plain terms, that means the fastener is set up to grab wood aggressively, pull members together efficiently, and resist backing out better than nails. For framing, blocking, repairs, and reinforcement work, that extra holding power is usually the whole reason you step up to a structural screw in the first place.

This pack size also makes sense for smaller crews, punch-list framing, deck repairs, remodeling, and serious DIY work. You get 150 screws, not a small handful and not a contractor bulk carton. That is a good fit when you need enough to keep a project moving without committing to a giant box.

Who should buy it? Carpenters, remodelers, deck builders, general contractors, and skilled DIYers who want a structural wood screw with code-backed use, fast starts, and strong pull-out performance. If your work involves fastening wood-to-wood connections and you want something faster to install and tougher to remove or adjust than framing nails, this screw is a smart choice.

Drive Faster in Wood Framing

This screw is built to move through framing work without the usual slow start and bit slip that wastes time. The point and drive combination is meant for quick engagement and steady driving in structural lumber.

• SawTooth Type-17 point helps start fast and reduces the need for predrilling in most applications
• T25 6-lobe drive gives positive bit engagement for easier installation and longer bit life

Hold Wood Members Tight

In structural wood connections, head design matters just as much as thread bite. The low-profile washer head gives you more bearing surface, which helps pull parts together and hold them there.

• Low-profile head provides increased bearing in structural applications
• Underhead box nibs help create clean, controlled countersinking

Built for Interior and Exterior Projects

If you bounce between remodel work, framing repairs, and exterior wood projects, a general-purpose structural screw saves you from juggling specialty fasteners. This one is made to cover that kind of real-world mix.

• Quik Guard coating provides protection for indoor and outdoor applications
• Suitable for wood-to-wood and engineered-wood fastening

Point Design That Cuts the Hassle

The tip is doing more work than most people realize. A good point helps the screw bite quickly, track straight, and keep installation torque under control, especially in repetitive framing work.

• SawTooth Type-17 point is designed for faster starts
• Helps reduce driving effort compared with slower-starting structural fasteners

What's in the Box

• (150) Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive SDWS framing screws

Key Specifications

Built For

Carpentry Construction General Contracting Remodeling Wood Framing Engineered Wood Connections Interior Projects Exterior Projects

Pro Tip

Use a fresh T25 6-lobe bit and let the SawTooth point pull itself in before you really lean on the drill. That keeps the drive cleaner, helps the head seat properly, and makes repetitive framing installs a lot less annoying.

Warranty & Support

12-month warranty information is listed.

Tool Nut's Take

Tool Nut's Take

Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS16312QR150 Strong-Drive SDWS Framing Screw for Fast Structural Work

This is the kind of framing screw you buy when you want structural holding power, fast installs, and fewer headaches than a bucket of nails gives you.

• Who it's for: Carpenters, remodelers, deck builders, contractors, and serious DIYers doing wood framing or structural wood repairs.
• Why it stands out: The fast-start SawTooth point, T25 6-lobe drive, and washer-style low-profile head make this screw easier to drive and better at pulling wood members tight.
• Worth knowing: This is a 150-pack, so it is a nice middle ground for project work. You are not buying a tiny box, but you are also not committing to contractor-bulk quantities.

Common Questions

• What is this screw designed for? It is designed for wood-to-wood fastening in framing, remodeling, and interior or exterior projects.
• Does it usually require predrilling? No. Simpson states the SawTooth point helps ensure fast starts and eliminates the need for predrilling in most applications.
• What driver size does it use? This model uses a T25 6-lobe drive.
• Can it be used outdoors? Yes. The Quik Guard coating is intended to provide protection in indoor and outdoor applications.