Tan XL1500 Coated Exterior Star Drive Deck Screws, 5 lb - Durable

In this review the Tan XL1500 Coated Exterior Star Drive Multi-Purpose Deck Screws are evaluated for homeowners and tradespeople who need reliable, coated decking fasteners. The bottom line: these screws stand out for their SABERDRIVE XL 1500 protective coating and robust alloy steel construction, which together deliver strong, corrosion-resistant performance for exterior work. Our review finds them best when you need long-lasting fastening and reduced splitting, with the star-drive design helping reduce cam-out during installation.

Key Features

• SABERDRIVE XL 1500 coating: Provides tested corrosion resistance to help the fasteners endure outdoor exposure and reduce rust over time.
• Star-drive head: Maximizes torque transfer and reduces cam-out, which helps protect both the screw head and your bit during repetitive driving.
• Serrated thread: The serrated thread cuts into wood to reduce board separation and hold decking boards securely in place.
• Alloy steel, case hardened: Offers unmatched strength to resist snapping or shearing under typical construction loads.
• Type 17 point: Cuts into wood without pre-drilling in most applications, saving prep time on common decking boards.

Who It's For

These screws are aimed at DIYers and professional contractors installing exterior decking, fencing, or general wood construction where a durable, coated fastener is required. The combination of a protective coating and serrated thread makes them a practical choice for long runs of deck boards that need strong holding power and corrosion protection.

They are less well suited to applications that require very long or specialty-headed fasteners, or where an alternate drive style is preferred; some installers also report occasional bit slippage with star drives, so users heavily reliant on one specific driver style should test fit first.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable SABERDRIVE XL 1500 coating offers tested protection against rust for exterior use.
• Star-drive head reduces cam-out, helping the bit and screw last through longer jobs.
• Serrated thread and Type 17 point minimize board splitting and often remove the need for pre-drilling.

Cons

• Some users report occasional star-drive bit slippage under heavy torque, so bit quality matters.
• Length may not suit projects requiring longer fasteners, as these are 1-1/4 in screws.

Specifications

Brand	Midwest Fastener
Model	XL1500 Coated Exterior Deck Screw
Size	#9 x 1-1/4 in
Package weight	5 lb (approx. 894 pieces)
Coating	SABERDRIVE XL 1500 - ASTM B117 tested
Material	Alloy steel, case hardened
Drive / Point	Star-drive / Type 17 point

Our Verdict

The Tan XL1500 coated star drive deck screws are a solid value for exterior decking and wood construction where corrosion resistance and strength matter. They pair a proven protective coating with serrated threads and a Type 17 point to reduce splitting and eliminate pre-drilling in many cases, making them a practical, cost-effective option for most deck installs and repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these screws suitable for outdoor decking?
Yes, the SABERDRIVE XL 1500 coating is tested for rust resistance and the alloy steel construction is intended for exterior applications.

Do these screws require pre-drilling?
In most common decking woods the Type 17 point and serrated thread eliminate the need for pre-drilling, though very dense hardwoods may still benefit from pilot holes.

Will star-drive bits fit these screws?
They use a star-drive head; using a good quality star bit reduces the chance of slippage and protects the fastener head during installation.