Fastener Clip for Hid Fast Fastener Tool
HIDFAST Fastener Selection Guide
HIDFAST fasteners are hidden deck fasteners designed to secure deck boards without visible screws on the surface. Each part number reflects decking thickness compatibility and the gap it creates between boards.
HF3 Series — For 2″ or Thinner Decking
| Part # | Gap Size | Recommended For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HF3M | 3/16″ gap | 5/4″ PVC & composite | Middle-gap fastener; balances drainage and aesthetics |
| HF3W | 1/4″ gap | 5/4″ PVC & composite | Wider gap, best for drainage/expansion in wet climates |
| HF3 | 1/8″ gap | 5/4″ PVC & composite | Narrow gap look — tighter spacing |
All HF3 series fasteners are intended for boards 2 inches thick or less (common 5/4 composite and PVC deck boards).
HF2.5 Series — 2.5″ Decking Fasteners
| Part # | Gap | Recommended For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HF2.5 | 1/8″ gap | Standard boards ~2½″ thick | Tighter spacing look |
| HF2.5 WIDE | 1/4″ gap | Standard boards ~2½″ thick | Wider spacing for water runoff |
These are ideal for thicker deck boards where a different gap is desired but still for straight boards, not tongue & groove.
HF2.75 — Tongue & Groove Boards
- Designed specifically for tongue & groove deck boards
- Creates the necessary spacing for T&G profiles
- Works on decking up to about 2¾″ thick
Ideal choice when using T&G-style boards where the fastener must engage the profile correctly.
Quick Summary
Choose HF3 if:*
- Your boards are 2″ thick (typical 5/4 composite/PVC)
- You want hidden fasteners with controlled spacing
Choose HF2.5 / HF2.5 WIDE if:
- Boards are thicker (2½″)
- You need either narrow or wider gaps
Choose HF2.75 if:
- You’re installing tongue & groove decking
All Fasteners are 304 Grade Stainless Steel
HidFast is a hidden deck fastening system that installs deck boards without visible screws or clips on the walking surface — giving you a clean, professional look. Unlike traditional clip systems that sit in board grooves, HidFast fasteners are stainless-steel fasteners driven through the edge of the decking board into the joists at an angle.
Key Features
- Hidden install: Fasteners are driven from the edge of the board, so no screw heads or clips show on top of the deck once installed.
- Stainless steel: The fasteners are usually made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel for long-term durability outdoors.
- Spacing included: Fastener design includes a spacing feature between boards (e.g., 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″) so you don’t have to guess gap spacing.
- Pneumatic install: They’re collated and installed with a special pneumatic Decker tool, meaning rapid installation once set up.
How It Works
- Load the fasteners into the HidFast pneumatic gun (called a Decker Tool).
- Place the board against the frame/joist.
- Drive each fastener at a shallow angle through the edge of the deck board into each joist. The fastener catches the joist and secures the board.
- Next board slides on: The fastener has a prong or small head that the next board mates against so it locks in place before fastening.
Once all boards are installed, you’ll see no hardware on the deck surface — just evenly spaced boards.
About this product...
The accuracy and speed of this gun makes the difference. The way in which every fastener is shot into the hardiest center of each joist. The guide on the gun lines it up perfect every time. When it comes to speed there is no comparison. You walk along the joist swinging the mallet. As fast as you can move you can install, with hidden fasteners. One fastener per joist, no pouches full of screws.
Cross reference for available clips:
- HF3M - For 2" or Thinner Decking needing a 3/16" Gap (recommended for 5/4" PVC and composite decking)
- HF3W - For 2" or Thinner Decking needing a 1/4" Gap (recommended for 5/4" PVC and composite decking)
- HF3 - For 2" or Thinner Decking needing a 1/8" Gap (recommended for 5/4" PVC and composite decking)
- HF2.5 - Fastener with 1/8" Gap
- HF2.5 WIDE - Fastener with 1/4" Gap
- HF2.75 - For Tongue & Grooved Boards
All Clip Packs cover 100 SQ. ft. (175pc.)
- *Use on wood decking that is 3⁄4”actual thickness.
- # Fastener spacer is designed for use with Kiln dried decking.
- For Thermally Modified or Wood that has an actual thickness of 1-1⁄4”, set the tool foot plate at the 1” setting, and use HF3W.
- Work one end to the other, and drive the next board onto the tongue and into the heads of the fasteners with our rubber dead blow mallet.
- When operating the HIDfast Tool, always remember to pull the safety in the handle before driving a fastener, by lightly, to moderately striking the rubber deflector cap.
- When driving the next board onto the short points of the fastener, always keep your feet on the board, and moving ahead of where you are hitting with the rubber mallet.
- Work from one end to the other, the same installation as hardwood flooring.
Always check with the board manufacturer for their required gap between boards. Most KD 6” wide wood decking boards should have a ¼” gap, and should use our HF3W fastener. All of our fasteners listed here are not recommended for Pressure Treated decking unless it is Kiln dried after treatment, then use HF3.
Click HERE for fastener guide:
