What size socket do these coach screws need?
A 13mm socket. You don't need to hunt one down either, because a 13mm socket driver comes included in every pack. Fit it to your drill driver or impact driver and away you go.
Do I need to pre-drill before fitting?
In most softwood and man-made board, no. The single slash point cuts its own path as it drives. For hardwood, dense timber or fixing close to the end of a board, a small pilot hole is worth it to keep the timber from splitting.
How are these different from a traditional coach screw?
A traditional DIN 571 coach screw has a plain hex bolt head, usually wants a pilot hole, and gets tightened with a spanner. This one has a hex flange head with a washer built in, an aggressive slash point, and it goes in about 3x faster with a socket on a power tool. It's the modern replacement for the old style.
Can I drive them with an impact driver?
Yes. They're power tool compatible. Pop the included 13mm socket onto an impact driver or drill driver and drive them straight in. No spanner needed.
Will they hold in brick or masonry?
They will, with a nylon plug. Drill the correct size hole for the plug, push the plug in, then drive the screw. For plain timber to timber work you just drive them in.
What is the gold finish for?
It's zinc and yellow passivate (ZYP), which gives a corrosion rating of 2. That's fine for interior jobs and covered exterior spots. For fully exposed or coastal work, step up to a higher rated exterior fixing.
