You can finish your deck with deck planks without using obvious, unsightly screws with hidden deck fasteners. A Kreg deck jig or a Camo clip are both options.
However, deciding which of them to use and in which location is important and difficult.
A Kreg deck jig is a single-sided deck fastening item made of plastic with two slanted holes at the top and bottom of the deck for fastening screws. It comes with two stop collars, a drill bit, a driving bit, and a few fasteners.
The Camo Fastener, in comparison, is a dual-sided hidden fixing clamp for precise edge screw guiding while freeing up your hands.
After the decks, though, it is challenging to use. Both of these can be used to secure screw-free deck areas effectively. Even so, their respective operating systems and applications vary.
Table of Contents
What Do Camo And Kreg Jig Do?
Camo has created several reasonably priced deck fastening systems replete with contractor-grade tools to make installation quicker and simpler.
Most composite, PVC, pressure-treated wood, and oak decking are compatible with concealed fasteners.
Their clamps, guides, and equipment are well-designed and practical, frequently compatible with clips from other brands, and have applications other than just putting in deck boards.
Conversely, Kreg produces the ideal jig for side drilling combined with PVC, wood, or softwood flooring.
The jig has an easy-grip base and triple-directional steel drill guides, making it simple to access butt seams and other confined areas.
It produces precise 45° holes and is easy to use every time.
Additionally, it directs the screw to the ideal depth for countersinking, creating a link to the joist that is invisible. The Kreg jig even has a hole for positioning the stop collar properly.
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Differences Between Kreg Deck Jig And Camo
Making choices is simpler if you are aware of what you are doing. For this reason, you ought to shop around before purchasing a deck tool. To simplify things, here is a contrast between the camo and Kreg jig.
Screwing System
How versatile your tools are can be determined by their screwing method. The Camo products have an enclosed screw system, while the Kreg Deck jig uses an exposed screw system.
So Kreg triumphs in terms of adaptability. Camo is an option, though, if you intend to operate hands-free.
Like a mold, the open screw mechanism operates. You prepare the area and use any fastener you choose. The Kreg deck jig tool operates in the same way.
You must align the spacer and secure the screw from above to drill it in. The advantage is that you can use any screw you like to deal with. Contrarily, a camo tool has an enclosed screw mechanism.
You can install two fasteners simultaneously and won’t need your hand to align the pieces. However, you’ll have to forego screws flexibility to do that.
Spacers
If you have a deck job, you’ll require spacers for a correct lineup. A superior sport for this is camo. It has an integrated gap, whereas Kreg requires different ones to function.
You’ll need a spacer for your deck projects if you want to have a messed-up framework. The Kreg deck jig requires separate spacers to keep things steady, but they are included in the package.
You’ll receive a variety of spacers for various distances. If they don’t work out, you can also purchase different spacers. The stability of that is the issue. The spacers are more likely to fall to the ground below at any moment, so you’ll need to use your hand to keep it steady.
A creative tool in this regard is camouflage. You can use the built-in spacer to make the standard 1/4 spacing. In addition, you won’t have to fear the spacers slipping out of your hands.
It is a sign of how simple it will be to change your deck’s configuration or undo the job. Kreg is simpler to undo and reinstall. Contrarily, camouflage requires more effort and time.
You can redesign or alter your deck’s layout for various reasons. If the spacing needs to be more right or you are unwilling to put up with the creaking, you might need a substitute.
In either case, you must reverse your previous actions and enter again.
When it comes to unscrewing, Kreg is much simpler to use. You won’t have much difficulty because the mechanism is open, and the screws are simple to remove.
Even if the error is in the center of the board, you can still go back and fix it, then move on.
The complete antithesis of that is camo. The screws thread far more deeply into the deck because it is an enclosed structure, making it more difficult to remove them.
Even if you manage to remove them, they fracture terribly. You must undo the entire process if you want to remove something done in the middle.
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Double-Sided vs. Single-Sided
Two edge deck screws can be held simultaneously by the Camo deck fastening tools, thanks to its innovative design. It enables dual-sided screwing without reversing the fastener’s orientation.
Kreg deck jigs, in comparison, only have anglers on one side. You must rotate another side of the deck if you want to attach it.
Essential Skill Level
It demonstrates the instrument’s ease of use. The Kreg deck jig is primarily a tool for fast fixes. The Camo product is sufficiently durable to be used for tasks for businesses.
The Kreg deck tool is better suited for someone who prefers to tackle small repairs themselves. Therefore, the mechanism is very straightforward, and you hardly need additional instruments.
Camo is almost professional-level. It is designed for professionals who need something effective but tote more tools. Therefore, if you’re starting, avoid using the Camo utility.
Splitting Concerns
Kreg jig is the most detrimental division. While drilling, Kreg frequently splits, and Camo only fractures when undoing the screws. The infamous Kreg deck jig is great for splitting timber. The deck will start to chip around the nailing location as soon as you begin drilling it in.
Contrarily, Camo has a neat screw entrance. Camo screws only ever break wood when they are being undone. It is due to the perforated Camo screws penetrating the wood more deeply.
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Pros and Cons of Kreg Deck Jig vs. Camo
Camo Pros
- Simple to use
- They are gentle on the knees and the body.
- Camo requires no pre-drilling
- Works on most flooring
- Tools, bolts, and clips are of good quality
Camo Cons
- Tools only use manufacturer’s screws
- The screw head is slightly evident at the edge
- Camo needs to be larger for taller users board
Kreg Deck Jig Pros
- Works for every kind of fastening job
- Easy to use
- Maximum grip
- Drill holes with precise angles without splitting
Kreg Deck Jig Cons
- Requires two drills: one for cutting and the other for driving
Price And Quality Comparison
After weighing the cost and build quality of both hidden deck anchoring tools, Camo’s fastener might edge out Kreg’s fastener by a small margin.
They are both comparable in quality and durability. However, Kreg deck jigs are pricey for the materials compared to strong camo rivets. Additionally, it is flimsy and shifts while drilling.
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Which One Should You Choose?
Your decision will largely depend on your degree of skill and long-term strategy. You might require something different from Kreg deck jigs if you’re a skilled expert.
It is designed for those who favor an easy DIY remedy. So it would be beneficial if you chose camo deck drill tools.
However, the situation is different. Unfortunately, camo is more difficult to repair and begins to creak quickly. So choose the Kreg one if you’re looking for a durable factor.
Still, if we had to make a recommendation, the Camo would be the best course of action.
Last Thoughts
In short, both goods are comparable to one another. However, one might be preferred over the other for some important factors.
The Kreg deck jig is an all-inclusive set with all the tools required to remove unsightly fasteners from your deck surface. With a lengthy operating history, it could be more stable.
It is, therefore, appropriate for quick deck fastening jobs involving wooden or composite material. On the other hand, Camo is a premium, all-in-one deck board attachment that is practical and strong.
It has dual side deck spacers and two built-in screw retaining spaces for manageable utility. Consequently, this merchandise is for you if you are a contractor.
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