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Internet # 316100040

Model # FMCTX-FB75AGBW

Store SKU # 1006211545

Cortex for Fiberon ArmorGuard Decking - 2-1/2 inch Cortex screws and plugs - Brazilian Walnut (50 LF)

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  • Cortex for Fiberon Decking – Brazilian Walnut
  • 2-1/2 inch Cortex screws and plugs – 50 LF
  • Cortex Hidden Fastening System conceals your deck fasteners
  • View More Details

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Product Details

About This Product

The FastenMaster Cortex Hidden Fastening System is the fastest, easiest way to hide fasteners in composite, cap stock, and PVC decking boards. Cortex offers a strong connection between the deck board and joist. It hides fasteners across the entire deck, first and last board, perimeter and stairs.Cortex plugs are made with the same material as leading deck boards, meaning you can achieve a perfect seamless finish across your whole deck. Once installed, Cortex plugs become a part of your deck, expanding and contracting along with the boards around them - this means your plugs will not need to be replaced for the lifetime of the project. Featuring a TORX ttap drive system and a high-strength setting tool - Cortex screws are easy to install and optimized for use by the PRO contractor.To install, simply drive the Cortex fastener using the included setting tool - this will countersink the screw to the perfect depth. Then, place your Cortex plugs on top of the fastener holes with the grains aligned, and tap to finish.Designed to fasten 50 lineal feet of Fiberon ArmorGuard Brazilian Walnut decking. Includes 75, 2-1/2 inch carbon steel Cortex decking screws, 100 Cortex plugs and 1 Cortex setting tool.A winner of the 2022 Home Depot Innovation Award, Cortex is trusted by PROs everywhere who are dedicated to craftsmanship and quality.

Highlights

  • Compatible with Fiberon ArmorGuard Brazilian Walnut decking
  • 50 lineal feet of coverage - Includes 75, 2-1/2 inch screws, 100 plugs and 1 setting tool
  • Hides fasteners across the entire deck, first and last board, perimeter and stairs
  • Cortex plugs are made from the same material as market-leading deck boards, creating a 100% perfect match every time
  • Cortex screws are made from high-strength carbon steel
  • The TORX ttap Drive System delivers a superior bit engagement for a stable wobble free installation
  • The Cortex setting tool is optimized for the PRO contractor - Stronger bit material and industrial grade felt will enable you to install 350 fasteners with one setting tool
  • Winner of the 2022 Home Depot Innovation Award
  • Warrantied for the life of the project
  • Return Policy

Product Information

Internet # 316100040

Model # FMCTX-FB75AGBW

Store SKU # 1006211545

Additional Resources

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From the Manufacturer

Specifications

Dimensions

Screw Length

2-1/2 in

Size

#9

Details

Drive Style

Torx

Fastener Color

Black

Fastener Material

Carbon Steel

Fastener Plating

Electro Galvanized Zinc

Fastener Type

Composite Deck Screws

Features

ACQ Rated, Self Tapping

Head Style

Low Profile Head

Interior/Exterior

Exterior

Measurement System

Inches

Package Quantity

75

Product Weight (lb.)

1.06 lb

Returnable

90-Day

Screw Head Color

Black

Thread Style

Coarse Thread

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

Life of the Project

Questions & Answers

How many pieces
ByMar 19, 2026
1 Answer | 
Answer This Question

The Cortex Fastening System for Veranda Trim includes 75 screws, 80 collated plugs and 1 setting tool.

By|Mar 20, 2026


    What is the proper way to remove Azek trim boards that were fastened using Cortex screws and plugs?
    ByFeb 25, 2026
    0 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    Will this work on trex fascia board 1”x12”x12’?
    ByDec 10, 2025
    1 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    This specific Cortex product is for Azek trim. Fasten Master makes a Cortex system specifically for the Trex fascia board 1"x12"x12" (which is really .56" thick). The Cortex for Trex fascia screws and plugs are different than the ones for Azek. It is available in all the Trex fascia colors. Please ask your local Home Depot associate or contact Fasten Master at 800-518-3569 if you have any further questions.

    By|Dec 10, 2025


      Is the tan color referring to what color the plug will be or the color of the screw? It looks like the plugs are white when you select the tan color
      BySep 12, 2025
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      Thank you for pointing out this inaccuracy. This appears to be an error on the website and we are working to have this corrected. Our Cortex kits are made from the deck or trim boards themselves, so the plugs are an exact match and will wear and weather the same. The color "tan" would be an exact match for that specific trim board. Please give us a call at 800-518-3569 and ask for Customer Service, if you should have any additional questions.

      By|Sep 12, 2025


        Are they exterior screws?
        ByAug 6, 2025
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        Yes, the Azek Trim collections are exterior screws.

        By|Aug 7, 2025


          Can I use the "Collated Cortex Hidden Fastening System for Veranda Trim - 2 inch Cortex screws and plugs" on 1/2 inch Veranda Fascia? Is the 1/2 inch Fascia too thin for these screws and plugs?
          ByMay 21, 2025
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          The minimum thickness for the Cortex is 5/8" so this would be too thin. In some cases we have a Cortex Fascia kit designed for thinner fascia materials. It comes with a boring tool, wider headed screw and plug. Unfortunately, this is not available in Veranda.

          By|May 22, 2025


            are plugs sold separately? having 5 extra is not enough
            ByNov 2, 2024
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            Please contact us if you have run out of plugs. We will gladly send you more plugs at no charge with a proof of purchase for this product. Reach out to us at 800-518-3569.

            By|Nov 4, 2024


              Are the plugs smooth or grain style?
              ByOct 27, 2024
              1 Answer | 
              Answer This Question

              Thank you for your question. The above plugs are smooth.

              By|Oct 28, 2024


                Viewing 1-8 of 44

                Customer Reviews

                4.7 out of 5

                • 4.7 out of 229 reviews
                • 91% recommend this product
                Filter by:
                Showing 1-10 of 229 reviews
                These were easy to use, and appear to hold well. Blends well
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                Used on PVC window trim, worked great. Screws went in easily and plugs look nice.
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                This customer chose to rate the product and not provide text.
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                This customer chose to rate the product and not provide text.
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                Great effective product!
                Installed a new composite deck. Pulled up my old rotten pressure treated deck boards. Installed new composite deck boards. My old painted columns that required constant maintenance and painting were a concern to me with my newly installed deck boards. I wrapped the columns in white composite. This kit was helpful with installation. It covered the screw holes for a seamless finished look.
                by
                • Recommended
                I used this product to secure veranda board on decking facial and results was amazing
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                Challenging to use for the perfect look.
                Hard to counter sink! If you don't put you shoulder / weight into these fasteners, you won't have the space for the plugs. If you are lucky and the plug fits - it looks great.
                by
                Response from FastenMaster teamFeb 21, 2023
                Thank you for your feedback! If you need further assistance, please give us a call in customer service at 800-518-3569. fastenmaster
                • Verified Purchase
                Works great
                Azek Cortex Hidden Fastening System is a concealed fastening system to fasten Azek brand PVC Trim. This Cortex system eliminates the need to caulk sand and paint every fastener head. The included bit has a felt collar/depth stop that sets screws below the surface and includes plugs made out of Veranda trim tap right in the hole for a clean, flush finish. The plugs actually friction fit with no need for glue either and match stock white trim. Note, I have tried this with 1/2” thick material and it doesn’t work because the screw depth needed for the plug will blow out of the back of the material so this is best used for 3/4” thick material or thicker. Each box comes packed with everything needed to install 50 linear feet of Azek Cortex Trim.
                by
                • Recommended
                Works great
                Veranda Cortex Hidden Fastening System is a concealed fastening system to fasten Veranda brand PVC Trim. This Cortex system eliminates the need to caulk sand and paint every fastener head. The included bit has a felt collar/depth stop that sets screws below the surface and includes plugs made out of Veranda trim tap right in the hole for a clean, flush finish. The plugs actually friction fit with no need for glue either. No mess and or fading over the life of the project. Note, I have tried this with 1/2” thick material and it doesn’t work because the screw depth needed for the plug will blow out of the back of the material so this is best used for 3/4” thick material or thicker. Each box comes packed with everything needed to install 50 linear feet of Veranda Cortex Trim. Use a rubber mallet to set the plugs however, if the plug sets too deep, use a screw to pull out the plug and replace.
                by
                • Recommended
                Make Your Composite Deck Project Flawless
                I have tried a couple installations of composite decking material and have been completely unsatisfied with the screw-down method. Holes left ragged edges and specialized screws still left unsightly screw heads exposed. I decided to try the FastenMaster 75-Piece 2.5 in. Cortex for Veranda Decking Screws in Brown, Browns / Tans to experiment before my next composite project. I followed the instructions and the end result was very satisfying! The instructions said to drill a 7/32” hole halfway through the deck board. I drill stop collar to set a consistent depth would be necessary on a large project. I then drove the screw into the deck board and joist. The provided driver bit worked perfectly. Aligning the grain on the hole plug would be a bit tedious on a large project, but the end result is worth it. I used a hard plastic mallet and set the plug flush with the deck board and could not feel any unevenness. The plugs come in a variety of colors to match most any deck project but using Veranda deck boards would provide the best results. I will definitely use the FastenMaster product on my next composite project.
                by
                • Recommended
                Showing 1-10 of 229 reviews