Question 1

What is the difference between Dagger-Guard and Ultra-Guard?

Accepted Answer

Both are rated at 1,000 hours of ASTM B117 salt spray. Dagger-Guard is a three-layer coating for general exterior, metal building, concrete and masonry work. ACQ Dagger Ultra-Guard is a zinc/chromate substrate with a proprietary organic topcoat specifically approved for ACQ pressure-treated lumber, so it is the one for decks and fencing. ACQ Dagger-Pro Ultra-Guard doubles that again to 2,000 hours.

Question 2

Which drill point do I need?

Accepted Answer

Match the point to the steel thickness. A #1 stitch point joins two layers of light gauge. #2 handles 0.036 to 0.105 inch. #3 covers 0.105 to 0.175 inch. #4 goes to 0.312 inch, and #5 drills structural steel up to 1/2 inch. Type 17 is not a drill point at all - it is an auger point for wood that starts without a pilot hole.

Question 3

What finish should I use in Southwest Florida salt air?

Accepted Answer

Plain zinc is an indoor finish here - it is rated at 24 hours of salt spray. For anything exterior, start at Dagger-Guard or ACQ Ultra-Guard at 1,000 hours. Within sight of salt water, go to 305 stainless, and for direct exposure such as docks and seawalls use 316 stainless.

Question 4

Can I mix stainless fasteners with aluminum?

Accepted Answer

With care. Stainless and aluminum sit far enough apart on the galvanic series that a wet, salty environment will corrode the aluminum around the fastener. That is exactly what the aluminum-industry line and IFI’s Corrosion Between Metals guide address - use the coated aluminum-industry screws and matching bonded washers rather than bare stainless into aluminum.

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