← All products
Vertexa FrameMax large structural washer head screw

Structural framing series

FrameMax™ Wafer Head Heavy-duty Screw

Choose size & pack

Easy to install lag alternative

FrameMax™ Structural Screws are engineered for maximum holding power and effortless installation, delivering the strongest connections for your toughest wood-to-wood projects. Featuring a specially optimized thread and point design, FrameMax™ drives smoothly into most lumber without the need for pre-drilling. Experience a fast, low-effort installation that dramatically outperforms and replaces conventional lag screws.

  • Type-17 Cutting Tip: Fast starts and reduced splitting.
  • Washer head: Broad bearing for structural pull-down.
  • Reamer knurl: Reduces installation torque through side members.
Washer headStructural driveReamer knurl

Choose the right size and pack

Not sure which size or how many?
Tell us about your project. We’ll help you choose.

Calculation references

This is a product-fit and quantity estimate, not a structural design. Length profiles are preliminary catalogue screening assumptions. Fence/trim schedules and spare allowance are user settings. Manufacturer-specific approvals do not transfer to Vertexa. Source review: October 10, 2026.

FIND MY FASTENER

Let’s find what you need.

What are you working on?

Features & applications

Features built into every connection.

Type-17 Cutting Tip

Type-17 Cutting Tip

Fast starts and reduced splitting.

Washer head

Washer head

Broad bearing for structural pull-down.

Reamer knurl

Reamer knurl

Reduces installation torque through side members.

Built for heavy duty connections

Size & pack availability

Choose the right length and pack for your project.

Size Handy Pack50 pcs Homepak300 pcs Engineer Tub800 pcs
5/16"× 5-1/8"
5/16"× 6"
3/8"× 3-1/8"
3/8"× 4"
3/8"× 6"
3/8"× 7-7/8"
3/8"× 9-7/8"

Applications

Built for framing, engineered lumber and structural repair.

FrameMax gives crews a fast, high-capacity system for common wood-to-wood structural connections.

Structural framing

High-capacity wood connections for remodels and new construction.

LVL & engineered lumber

Strong pull-up across layered engineered components.

Ledger & deck framing

Efficient structural connections in exterior framing packages.

FrameMax™ Wafer Head Screw Drawing

Documentation

FrameMax™ Wafer Head Screw Drawing

Request technical support

FAQs

Standard screws often sink too deep or pull through the wood under heavy loads. How does the FrameMax™ prevent this?+
Traditional bugle or flat head screws can easily crush wood fibers and pull through, weakening the joint. FrameMax™ is engineered with an oversized, ultra-wide Wafer Head. This design dramatically increases the bearing surface area against the wood, delivering unmatched clamping force and completely eliminating head pull-through, even in softer woods like pine or cedar.
Do I need to pre-drill pilot holes before installing FrameMax™ screws?+
In most standard softwoods and dimensional lumber, no pre-drilling is required. The FrameMax™ features a specialized Type-17 Cutting Tip and optimized threads that slice cleanly through wood fibers, ensuring fast starts and significantly reducing the risk of wood splitting. (Note: For extremely dense hardwoods or installing very close to the edge of the board, a small pilot hole is still recommended).
Can FrameMax™ really replace traditional hex lag screws?+
Yes, it is specifically engineered as a heavy-duty lag alternative. While traditional lag screws require time-consuming pre-drilling and wrench tightening, FrameMax™ delivers equivalent or superior structural holding power and pull-down strength—installable in seconds with a standard impact driver.
What is the advantage of the Wafer/Washer Head design?+
The broad, low-profile Wafer (Washer) Head provides a massive bearing surface without needing a separate metal washer. This prevents the screw head from pulling through the wood under heavy loads, delivers exceptional structural pull-down force to draw warped boards tight together, and leaves a cleaner, flatter finish than protruding hex heads.
How does the "Reamer Knurl" make installation easier?+
Positioned just above the threads, the Reamer Knurl slightly enlarges the hole in the top piece of wood (side member) as the screw drives in. This dramatically reduces friction and installation torque—saving your wrist and extending your drill battery life—while allowing the bottom threads to pull the two pieces of lumber tightly together without "jacking" (leaving a gap between boards).
What projects are best suited for FrameMax™, and what drive bit does it use?+
FrameMax™ is ideal for heavy-duty wood-to-wood structural connections, including deck framing, ledger boards, pergolas, gazebos, timber framing, and landscaping ties. It features a deep, star-shaped Torx® / Star Structural Drive recess that maximizes torque transfer and virtually eliminates cam-out (bit slipping) during high-torque installation.

Similar products

Need help choosing?

Tell us about your project. We’ll help you choose the right size and pack.

Safe & Secure

30-day return requests

Unused, eligible items. Return shipping and a 10% restocking fee apply.

View return policy

Payment Options

Pay your way at checkout

Available payment methods are shown at checkout.

Trusted Delivery

Shipping options at checkout

View rates and estimated delivery times before you pay.

View shipping details