fastenershutters
I have this kind of fastener on my shutters and it seems that every 3-5 years I am buying a new shutter because they break off and the shutter gets torn up in a storm or I am trying to liquid nail them back in the brick facade of my house.
I hate the idea of putting them back up knowing that in 3 years I will be drilling yet another hole in my brick.
Is there an alternative that will last longer and still keep this look?
I'm assuming none of these are structural shear walls since shot pins are inappropriate for such use. There is some arbitrary lateral load that interior partitions are supposed to resist, it's only 5 or 10 psf from memory, I can't find the reference at the moment. I'm not sure what the shot pins are rated for either. So without any more specific data, I would judge that a 4 foot spacing should be about right. There's really no need for doubled fasteners at the ends, as long as there's at least one good shot at the ends. You do not want to place shots too close together, the second shot weakens the first.
There is some minimum spacing determined by the shot pin manufacturer to achieve a certain rated strength. This is usually outlined in so called "ICBO Reports" or similar. I would guess a 5-6" minimum spacing would be safe. The only reason to place shots this close is if the first one spalled out the concrete.
Yes, those are special pocket hole screws. They're basically just self drilling wood screws (which is why they have the fluted tips). Standard wood screws may work, but you are forced between trying to center a pilot hole at the bottom of your pocket or risk splitting the piece you're screwing into.
As far as finding more of them, just search for "pocket hole screws". Most of the big box home improvement stores should carry them.
Kreg Pocket Hole Screw with flat head to engage step in drilled hole and thread cutting flute to prevent wood splitting.
Best Answer
Shutter-loks are basically vinyl nails with annular rings to grip. They are meant to be removable by snipping them, confirming that they have low strength.
Why not simply use screws of a similar length? You need a weatherproof type, such as these which are recommended for shutters.
You could also use coated deck screws which come in several colors and weather well.