CamoMARKSMAN Pro-X1, Deck Tool for Edge Fastening Installation, 1/16" Spacing, Fits 5-1/4-5-3/4" Wood Decking (0345002)

Wow, is this thing great!I've been building decks off and on for 50 years. I've done "manual" blind screwing, hidden clips, and face nailing/screwing (many years ago). I wish this thing had been invented decades ago. My helper and I whipped out a 200 square foot deck in less than a day, and every single hidden screw is perfectly placed and holding tight- even the ones 1/2" from the end of the board at joints.Virtually no splits! The screws are designed with a tip that "pre-drills". (Because of this design they don't start easily when they're not driven using this tool. No problem though. For the starter board, where the jig can't be used, just hammer them in 1/4" or so, or drive a pointed screw in 1/2" or so. Or you can pre-drill for those few screws.I will have to return the 5 pack of special drill bits. The two that were included in the box of screws were still going strong for the last screw.

OK, I like this product but I don't LOVE it.1. It goes over the surface of the deck board, across the joist and you simply screw it into place. Couple issues with this...a. If the board before it is a little proud (sticks up more than the one you are currently working on) then it will screw more into the TOP of the side of the board instead of just the side of the board.b. If you miss the joist by a little bit, it doesn't pull the screw down far enough and the tool gets stuck between your board and the previous one. A good yank helps to get it out but you don't want to ruin the tool so it gets a bit finicky in this situation. Then you can push that screw into place by forcing it with the drill.c. If your joists are offset (as they are with our PATTERNED deck, I can imagine a simple design would be easier) then you have to reset the tool quite often.d. It states that the screws will automatically "start" (I can't remember the exact phrasing) and only needs a little bit of pressure on the drill. I find if it doesn't "start" you need 2 hands, one to run the drill and one to put some back pressure on the drill but in reality you need a third hand to hold onto the tool as it falls off the board pretty easily.I don't have solutions to these problems but seems like an engineer could come up with something to make this tool a bit more functional.Overall I am pleased with the functionality of t his tool and would definitely buy it again, even knowing about the flaws above. It would be helpful if they had an FAQ section on their instructions to address some of the above issues and solutions to make it work a bit better out of the box.We have a HUGE deck (600 sq feet) to do so the quantity of screws 1750 will get us through most of it!

Excelente

If you are building a deck, get this tool! I was replacing our 30+ year old deck and wanted the floor to be free of surface screws. I first tried the clips that are used for composite decking. I decided I could cut the required slots for the clips using my plate joiner, lots of work but I figured it'd be worthwhile. That didn't work out because of small variations in the height of my joists...very time consuming. Then I ran across Camo's Marksman Pro-X1. Had I known about it, I would have never tried the clips. I love this tool. I have replaced about 550 square feet of deck and have another 200 square feet to finish. The hidden screws make a big difference in the appearance of the deck plus there are no splinters from surface screws to threaten little bare feet. The Camo is easy to use and automatically sets the spacing between boards. If you are using 2x material on your deck, this is definitely the way to go. Also, Camo's Lever Locking Bending Straightening Tool is essential. I have nothing but praise for Camo's products. Buy these tools!

If you want to side-screw decking, this tool works. I'm installing pressure treated Doug Fir. PT wood is hard on the surface, it doesn't generally start nails or screws as easy as untreated wood does. Using Camo screws (NOT split-tipped trim-head screws), an installed deck board finishes well.The tool does NOT orient itself 90º to the run of the board without careful placement. Until you get used to it, DO make sure it is placed square to the board before starting the screws.I think it unfortunate that one cannot configure BOTH ends of the tool to a specific gap. With the 1/16" spacing of only the adjustable width edge (at the 'back' of the tool) and 3/16" in the front you cannot use the tool but on the leading board. That makes the replacement of a board that has been narrowly spaced impossible with the use of the tool. You can start the screws BEFORE placing the board..that would work. I'd prefer the same spacing front and back.Spacing: Why not a 1/8" spacer? I asked National Nail if they were considering that option, was told, 'No.' My opinion, but 3/16" is too wide, 1/16" is too narrow. Using a nail as a spacer is a method that has been used for about ever..and a nail is real close to 1/8".I'm only about 1/2 done on my current deck job, the first with this tool (homeowner, but I've put in 4-5 decks) and it has worked well so far. The guides are not degrading with use. The handle does flex a good bit, but as the instructions indicate, don't use it to do the job a board clamp or other placement tool should be used to do.I had looked into several 'side screw' or hidden fastener methods, having used only face-placed screws in the past. No slot-type, biscuit cut system interested me. I know folks that used DeckMaster and wouldn't touch that setup.The lack of spacing options is about the only issue that keeps this from a 5-star rating. There is NO way I could use a bore-type tip (like the camo screws) without this guide...and a split tip would do exactly that: Split.