Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive SDWS Timber Exterior Grade Screw, 0.220-in. x 6-in. T40, Tan, 50-Pack (SDWS22600DB-R50)

Key Features

Fast Starts The SawTooth point bites quickly and cuts installation effort, so you can drive into wood faster and avoid predrilling in most applications. Built for Exterior Wood Double-barrier coating gives this timber screw corrosion resistance equivalent to hot-dip galvanization for certain exterior and treated wood jobs covered by the evaluation report. Drives Clean The T40 6-lobe drive and large washer head give you solid bit engagement and broad bearing area, which helps pull assemblies tight without fighting cam-out.

Overview

The Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS22600DB-R50 Strong-Drive SDWS Timber Screw is a 6 inch exterior-grade structural wood screw for wood-to-wood fastening. This is a timber screw designed for structural wood-to-wood fastening in exterior and treated lumber applications. Model Number: SDWS22600DB-R50. If you want a faster alternative to through-bolting or traditional lag screws for heavy wood connections, this is the kind of fastener built for that job.

At the core, this screw is made to save labor without giving up holding power. Simpson Strong-Tie uses a bold thread design for strong bite in wood, and the SawTooth point helps the screw start quickly while reducing installation torque. In practical terms, that means less fighting the fastener on long drives and less need to predrill in most applications. That matters when you are building ledgers, pergolas, planter boxes, fencing, or other structural assemblies where you’re driving a lot of screws into dense stock.

The head and drive design are just as important as the threads. This model uses a T40 6-lobe drive for positive engagement, which helps keep the bit seated and improves bit life compared to weaker drive styles that slip out under load. The washer head gives you a large bearing surface to clamp material down effectively, and the underhead nibs help the head seat flush with reduced splintering. On visible work, that means a cleaner finished look. On structural work, it means the connection pulls together the way it should.

For exterior work, coating matters. This screw uses Simpson Strong-Tie’s double-barrier coating, which the manufacturer states provides corrosion resistance equivalent to hot-dip galvanization and is suitable for certain exterior and preservative-treated wood applications as described in the evaluation report. That makes the Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS22600DB-R50 Strong-Drive SDWS Timber Screw a practical choice for outdoor framing and structural wood projects where basic interior fasteners are not enough.

Size-wise, this specific version is a #12 x 6 in. screw with a 0.220 in. shank diameter, 0.760 in. head diameter, and 3 in. thread length. That combination gives you the reach for thicker members while still driving with a common impact driver or drill fitted with a T40 bit. The 50-count package is a good fit when you need enough screws for a focused project or repair without stepping up to a full contractor bulk box.

This screw is also code-oriented. Simpson lists the SDWS line for structural wood-to-wood and engineered wood applications, including ledgers and mass timber connections, and notes approval under IAPMO UES ER-192 with IRC and IBC relevance for common wood framing applications. If you’re working on a structural connection and want a fastener from a manufacturer that actually publishes application and evaluation data, that is a real advantage over generic construction screws.

Who should buy it? Contractors, deck builders, framers, remodelers, and serious DIY users doing outdoor wood construction. If you are fastening beam-to-post members, ledger components, rails, garden structures, or heavy wood assemblies and you want installation speed with structural intent, this is a smart fastener to keep on hand. If your work is light-duty trim or general interior carpentry, this is more screw than you need. But for structural fastening in wood, it is right in its lane.

Faster Structural Wood Fastening

This screw is built to move through wood fast and pull members together without the usual lag-screw hassle. For repetitive wood fastening outside, that means less prep and less time per connection.

• SawTooth point helps start quickly and reduces installation torque
• Predrilling is eliminated in most applications according to the manufacturer

Made for Outdoor Structural Work

Exterior connections live with weather, treated lumber, and movement. The coating and structural design here are why this screw belongs in decks, ledgers, and other exposed wood assemblies instead of the miscellaneous fastener drawer.

• Double-barrier coating is rated by Simpson as equivalent in corrosion resistance to hot-dip galvanization
• Suitable for certain exterior and preservative-treated wood applications as described in the evaluation report

Pulls Material Tight Without Beating Up the Surface

The washer head is there for a reason. It spreads load over a larger area, helps clamp thicker members, and works with the underhead nibs to seat more cleanly in wood.

• 0.760 in. head diameter provides broad bearing area
• Underhead nibs help the head drive flush with reduced splintering

Right Size for Heavier Wood Assemblies

This 6 inch version gives you the reach for thicker wood members where shorter construction screws come up short. It is a good fit for outdoor structures that need more bite and more clamp than a basic deck screw can deliver.

• #12 x 6 in. screw with 0.220 in. shank diameter
• 3 in. thread length balances driveability with holding power in wood

Key Specifications

Compatibility

Drive Interface Uses a T40 6-lobe drive for installation. Replacement Bit Replacement driver bit listed by Simpson Strong-Tie: BIT40T-134-R2. Material Fit Designed for structural wood-to-wood and engineered wood fastening applications.

Built For

Deck building Pergolas Fencing Ledgers Exterior wood framing Remodeling General contracting DIY outdoor projects

Pro Tip

Run the T40 bit fully seated before you squeeze the trigger and keep steady forward pressure on long drives. With a 6 inch structural screw, that simple habit helps the 6-lobe drive stay engaged and keeps the head from chewing up the wood surface at the finish.

Warranty & Support

Warranty listed by supplementary retail data: None.

Tool Nut’s Take

Tool Nut’s Take

Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS22600DB-R50 Strong-Drive SDWS Timber Screw gets structural fastening done the easy way

This is the screw you grab when a basic construction screw is not enough and a lag screw feels like more work than the job should require.

• Who it’s for: Contractors and serious DIY users building outdoor wood structures, ledgers, fences, pergolas, planter boxes, and other heavier wood assemblies.
• Why it stands out: Fast starts, solid T40 drive engagement, strong thread bite, and a coating made for exterior wood applications give it real jobsite value.
• Worth knowing: This is a 50-pack of 6 inch screws, so it is ideal for project work and repairs, but if you are doing full production framing or a large deck package, you may want a larger quantity option.

Common Questions

• What is this screw designed to fasten? It is designed for wood-to-wood fastening, including structural wood and engineered wood applications.
• Does this screw usually require predrilling? Simpson Strong-Tie states the SawTooth point eliminates the need for predrilling in most applications.
• What driver size does it use? This screw uses a T40 6-lobe drive.
• Is this suitable for exterior use? Yes. It is an exterior-grade timber screw with double-barrier coating for certain exterior and preservative-treated wood applications described by the manufacturer.