First job over Fortress steel joists with Ipe 1x6 and Ipe Clip Extreme. The self-tapping screws that come with the clips feel undersized for the steel flange. Anyone running a #10 drill point instead? Also curious what torque setting you use so you don't strip out the flange. 40 boards in and I've stripped three already.
Switch to the #10 drill-point screws from GRK — they self-drill 14ga flange clean and the head seats better in the Ipe Clip pocket. Set your impact to mid torque and feather the last quarter turn by hand feel.
Stripping usually means you're running too fast. Slow RPM, steady pressure. Also check flange gauge — some Fortress lines are 16ga on interior joists and those strip way easier than the 14ga rim.
I pre-drill the flange with a 1/8" cobalt bit on anything thicker than 14ga. Adds time but zero strip-outs on my last three steel jobs.
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