Description

Key Features

Fast Starts

The SawTooth point starts quickly and usually eliminates predrilling in wood-to-wood fastening. That means less setup time and less strain on the driver.

Exterior-Ready Coating

Double-barrier coating gives this timber screw corrosion resistance comparable to hot-dip galvanization for approved exterior and treated wood applications.

Drives Flush

The large washer head and underhead nibs help the screw seat cleanly with strong bearing area and reduced splintering at the surface.

Overview

Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS22800DB-R50 Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER Screw is an exterior-grade structural wood screw built for wood-to-wood fastening in demanding framing and timber work. This is a timber screw designed for structural wood-to-wood fastening. Model Number: SDWS22800DB-R50. In this pack, you get 50 tan screws sized at 0.220 inch diameter by 8 inches long, making it a solid fit when you need deep bite, strong pull-through resistance, and a faster alternative to traditional lag screws or through-bolting in many wood connections.

What matters on the job is how quickly a long structural screw starts, how cleanly it drives, and whether it holds without fighting the tool the whole way in. This screw uses Simpson Strong-Tie’s SawTooth point to start fast, cut into wood efficiently, and reduce installation torque. In practical terms, that means less time leaning on the drill and less need to predrill in most applications. For crews doing repeated fastening in posts, ledgers, beams, blocking, or other heavy wood members, that speed difference adds up.

The thread design is built for holding power, and the large washer head gives you a broad bearing surface where that matters. Instead of concentrating force in a smaller area, the head spreads the load more effectively across the wood surface. That is useful in structural wood connections where clamp force and pull-through resistance matter. Underhead nibs also help the head seat flush with less splintering, so the finished connection looks cleaner and the head does not stand proud when driven properly.

Drive engagement is another place where these screws separate themselves from generic construction fasteners. This model uses a T40 6-lobe drive for more positive bit engagement, easier driving, and better driver bit life than screws that tend to cam out under load. When you are running long fasteners into dense lumber or treated stock, better engagement means fewer stripped heads, fewer wasted screws, and less frustration. Size identification on the head also makes it easier to confirm what you are using when you have multiple lengths on site.

For outdoor work, the coating matters just as much as the geometry. The double-barrier coating provides corrosion resistance equivalent to hot-dip galvanization, and Simpson lists it as suitable for certain exterior and preservative-treated wood applications as described in the evaluation report. If you are building fences, pergolas, planter boxes, ledgers, or other exposed wood assemblies, that coating is a big part of why this screw makes sense over an interior-only fastener.

This specific SDWS22800DB-R50 version is 8 inches long with a 0.760 inch washer head, 0.220 inch shank diameter, and 3 inch thread length. That combination is geared toward longer reach into thick members while still giving the installer a strong head for seating and a shank profile intended for structural timber connections. It is a hand-drive screw for use with a T40 bit, and Simpson lists applications that include structural wood-to-wood and engineered wood fastening, including ledgers and certain mass timber connections.

Who should buy it? Contractors building exterior wood structures, deck and fence crews, remodelers handling ledger and beam work, and serious DIY users who want a structural fastener instead of a basic wood screw. If your job involves fastening substantial wood members and you want something faster and more practical than old-school lag screw installation in many cases, this is the type of screw worth paying for. If you only need a light-duty wood screw for trim or finish work, this is more fastener than you need.

Drive Long Structural Screws Without the Usual Fight

Long structural screws are only useful if they go in cleanly. The SawTooth point and T40 6-lobe drive help this one start fast, stay engaged, and keep moving through wood without the usual slipping and rework.

• SawTooth point reduces installation torque and eliminates predrilling in most applications
• T40 6-lobe drive improves engagement and helps extend driver bit life

Built for Exterior Wood Connections

Outdoor wood construction puts fasteners in a tougher environment. The double-barrier coating is what makes this screw a better fit for approved exterior and preservative-treated wood applications than a standard interior fastener.

• Double-barrier coating offers corrosion resistance equivalent to hot-dip galvanization
• Listed for wood-to-wood fastening in exterior construction applications

Better Bearing at the Surface

The head design is not just there to look different. A large washer head gives you more bearing area, while underhead nibs help the head seat flush with less surface damage to the wood.

• Head diameter: 0.760 in.
• Underhead nibs help reduce splintering as the head drives flush

What’s in the Box

• (50) Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS22800DB-R50 timber screws

T40 replacement driver bit is not included. Simpson lists replacement bit model BIT40T-134-R2.

Key Specifications

Length	8 in.
Shank Diameter	0.220 in.
Head Diameter	0.760 in.
Thread Length	3 in.
Drive Type	T40 6-Lobe
Head Type	Washer Head
Point Type	SawTooth Point
Coating / Material	Double-Barrier Coating
Color	Tan
Pack Quantity	50
Application	Wood-to-Wood Fastening
Weight	4.6 lbs

Compatibility

Driver Interface

Uses a T40 6-lobe drive. Simpson lists replacement driver bit BIT40T-134-R2.

Materials

Designed for structural wood-to-wood and engineered wood fastening.

Exterior Use

Suitable for certain exterior and preservative-treated wood applications as described in the evaluation report.

Built For

Construction General Contracting Deck and Ledger Work Fence Building Pergolas Exterior Wood Framing Remodeling DIY / Hobbyist

Pro Tip

When you are running an 8-inch structural screw like this, keep firm forward pressure on the T40 bit until the washer head starts seating. That helps the bit stay fully engaged and keeps you from chewing up the drive near the end of the install.

Tool Nut’s Take

Tool Nut’s Take

Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS22800DB-R50 Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER Screw is the kind of fastener that earns its keep

If you are building real wood structures outside and want a faster, cleaner alternative to lag screw headaches, this is a smart buy.

• Who it’s for: Contractors, deck builders, fence crews, remodelers, and serious DIY users fastening thick wood members in exterior projects.
• Why it stands out: The combination of fast-starting SawTooth point, strong washer head, T40 drive engagement, and exterior-grade double-barrier coating makes it more jobsite-friendly than a generic long wood screw.
• Worth knowing: This is a 50-pack of 8-inch screws only, so make sure you have the right T40 bit on hand before the job starts.

Common Questions

• Is this screw made for exterior use? Yes. Simpson lists the SDWS exterior-grade screw with double-barrier coating as suitable for certain exterior and preservative-treated wood applications.
• Do I need to predrill? In most applications, no. Simpson states the SawTooth point helps eliminate the need for predrilling in most wood applications.
• What bit does it use? It uses a T40 6-lobe drive.
• How many screws come in this package? This SDWS22800DB-R50 package includes 50 screws.