Dick Anderson of Darlington High School wrote :
My name is Dick Anderson. I taught Woods Technology at Darlington High School in Darlington, Wisconsin 53530. During the school years of 2006 through 2009 students in my Building Trades classes built three timber framed covered bridges. The bridges varied in length from 24 to 44 feet. For pictures and the story, Google "timber framed covered bridges" and look for the site that lists Darlington High School.
During the construction of these three bridges we used over 500 GRK fasteners. Specifically the RSS Structural Screws in various lengths from 3 inches to 6 inches. In most cases no holes were drilled for the installation of these RSS Structural Screws. They were "self-tapping" and no drilled holes were needed due to the tip design on the screw. They made their own way through the wood and threaded themselves into the work assembling the parts of our bridges. They performed flawlessly and saved a considerable amount of labor and time by not having to pre-drill holes.
Sincerely yours,
Dick Anderson.
Felix Marti of Proven Technologies LLC wrote :
I began using GRK screws on my construction sites about 2001.
Over the 30+ years prior I went the route from Slotted screws to Phillips recess to Square drive, being more satisfied as I went. Square drive screws are so much better than Slotted or Phillips, I thought there should be a law prohibiting the manufacture of those poorer screws.
Then came GRK! So superior, so much stronger, so many choices! Truly evolution of the fittest! I had already long since given away my Phillips screws, now I gave away my Square drive screws. I bragged on the GRK Fasteners to everyone I knew in the Construction Industry.
Now I am in sales. One of the first products we sought were GRK Fasteners; a proven product. Give GRK Fasteners a try!
Felix Marti
Managing Partner
Link for more information:www.proven-technologies.com
Mike Lange, owner of Timber Frame Builders in Dent MN wrote :
I have used GRK screws for over 10 years. And I know there is not another fastener available that even compares with a GRK screw. In that time I have continued to be impressed with the things a GRK screw will do on a job site. Whether I need to brace a 28 ft timber frame bent, secure scaffolding or anchor a fall recovery system....
If I had to bet my life or the life of my employees on just one screw.... It would be a GRK!
Thank You
Mike Lange
Owner
Timber Frame Builder,LLC
Link for more information:www.timberframe.bz
GRK IN GUATEMALA! :
The children of Pie De La Cuesta want to thank you for the donation of the GRK screws. What a great tool to use in the construction of the projects we do in Guatemala. We used them to build the furniture, forms, shutters & doors. Two room school house will be built in this village this year. Below is the church in the same village we completed last year with your product. Thanks again.
Cement forms will be assembled with GRK fasteners. 2010(We use the screws over and over again for forms).
Doors & Shutters made with GRK fasteners. 2009
Bench-Table made with GRK fasteners. 2008
Moving Forward on Faith.
Frederick J. Siegwart
Link for more information:http://www.grkfasteners.com/en/PieDeLaCuesta.html
Le Roy Gasner of Gasner Woodworking watched the RSS video :
Hello from Langdon, North Dakota, USA. I was pleased by what I saw in your RSS video. Please keep the star drive sockets as deep as you do. I've noticed that the cheap home improvement store screws are harder to keep engaged if the driver bit is the least bit out of line...no pun intended. Those issues just don't exist with GRK screws. I've found the driver shank can be 15-20 degrees out of line, and there's little or no 'jumping-out' of the driver bit with GRK Screws. That's great when you're working above the floor...say, on a step ladder. The sockets seem just a few thousandths larger, too. Cheap screws become almost 'locked-on' to the driver bit, actually pulling it out of the bit holder. I think this is another cause of the jumping bit issue, too. These are just great screws. Just another example of quality found in all the various screws I've bought from you for a very long time.
Le Roy Gasner, Gasner Woodworking
Waldon Lewis of Santa Cruz CA wrote :
"We have been using GRK Fasteners for about a year for all of our remodeling jobs. We affectionately refer to them as "bonewood screws" because many of the homes we work on are older and the studs and joists we are fastening to are hard as bone. The GRK screws are the only screws that we have found that will easily penetrate the wood without breaking, bending or stripping like a typical screw. They save us a great deal of time and perform to perfection. I won't go to the job site without them! Thank You."
Sincerely
Waldon Lewis
Eric Wright Construction Company
John Moon of John Moon Custom Homes from Boerne TX wrote :
We use GRK Fasteners because they meet our needs from timber framing to running specialty trim. We rely on their strength and product consistancy. They have saved us and our clients time and money by reducing the amount of stripped heads and broken screws during construction.
Rustin Miller of Onyx Fasteners Inc from Trenton NJ wrote :
I tip my hat to your shipping department. Not one of my vendors can come anywhere near the perfection of your packaging. Wow! If your product was eggs, instead of screws, it would have arrived intact, and ready for poaching.
Sincerely,
Rus.
Jack Byrd of Byrd Property Management wrote :
First time for this product, did a GREAT job. The R4 did just what you said it would do. Very good product.
Jack Byrd.
Martin Hobbs wrote :
Dear people,
Just browsing your web site to make a future order and was reminded of the trim screws I ordered last year. Wanted to let you know that I drove a few thousand screws with an impact driver and only broke about three screws, AMAZING! Thanks for such a great product at a very reasonable price. Keep the quality the same and you will have me as a customer for life.
Eric Belanger of Eric Belanger Construction from Rochester VT wrote :
Dear GRK Fasteners Company,
I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your screws. I mean they are great, they don't strip out, they don't need a counter sink, and the color coated tips are great. I am a builder in Vermont and I can't say enough good things. Thanks for a great product.
Eric Belanger
GRK Screws used in Antarctica's extreme conditions! :
Grk's screws are presently being used to restore Scott's Hut, which was built by the famed explorer Robert Falcon Scott in 1911, during his Terra Nova expedition.
Scott's Hut is listed as one of the 100 most significant historic structures at threat from age and decay, according to the World Heritage Fund. It is located between New Zealand's Scott Base and the USA's McMurdo Research Station on Ross Island, Antarctica.
The work is being done by the Antarctic Heritage Trust which is a New Zealand-based organization responsible for the restoration and maintenance of the historic buildings in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica.
GRK screws are made for the harshest of conditions on earth!
Link for more information:http://www.grkfasteners.com/en/antarctica_scott_hut.htm
Michael Shubosky, a GRK Sales Rep for NJ, West Upstate NY and PA shared this experience with us :
Coming to an end of a recent show, many of the customers had left and John, my neighbor at the the booth directly across from me (a well known manufacturer / supplier of a competitor's "black" screws) challenged me to a competition. He would use their product (a competitor to GRK's rugged Structural Screws [RSS™] and I the GRK RSS™. The test material was a setup of 3 pieces of Boise LVL product...
John was tired of listening to me talking about blade design this.. blade design that.. I could not believe me ears, was this guy nuts? I told him, "John, you really don't want to be embarrassed in front of everyone!" This only got him more animated and again he voiced the challenge.
By now a small group of customers and vendors had gathered and someone said, "IT'S THE 'FIRST ANNUAL SCREW-OFF COMPETITION'! "I felt like I was in an old time western shootout... The OK Corral...
The contest was over rather quickly as you might have already guessed. The RSS™ 5/16 x 4" PENETRATED THE LVL LINE UP LIKE A HOT SCREW THROUGH BUTTER, ONE HANDED, TWO HANDED, MULTIPLE ENTRIES.. MULTIPLE EXTRACTIONS!! I HAD THAT LVL LOOKING LIKE SWISS CHEESE. YOU HAD TO SEE THE LOOK ON THIS GUY'S FACE, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE FOR HIS PRODUCT.
John was notiably shaken. AT FIRST HIS PRODUCT WOULD NOT EVEN PENETRATE THE SURFACE (it had some type of yellowish coating - almost felt like a thin plastic). HE PUSHED HARDER.. HARDER.. HARDER. HIS FASTENER SLIPPED OFF THE BOARD SURFACE SEVERAL TIMES AND TO THE FLOOR OF THE SHOW!!! This guy was so red in the face I felt sorry for him...
HIS FASTENER FINALLY PENETRATED THE LVL AND THIS GUY HAD TO USE HANDS, ARMS AND THE FULL FORCE OF HIS BODY TO GET THE SCREW TO BE COMPLETELY SEATED!!! HE NEVER ATTEMPTED OTHER PENETRATIONS!
By now the group that had gathered was either shaking their heads or walking away, talking about what they had just witnessed. GRK FASTENERS HAD WON THE 'FIRST ANNUAL SCREW-OFF COMPETITION'!
This was the first time this had ever happened to me at any show in this industry or any other, and I would never start such a challenge (don't want to act like a bully!)
But what could I do? Our "screwhood" was challenged.
Best regards, Michael Shubosky
Eric Hoover of Brazillian Wood Depot, Atlanta GA emailed :
We sell a lot of GRK products, and I have included information about them under 'Best Decking Fasteners' on the short blog: http://www.bwdepot.com/Pages/brazilian_decking_blog.htm. Please include this as an unsolicited testimonial on your website.
Sincerely, Eric Hoover
Link for more information:http://www.bwdepot.com/Pages/brazilian_decking_blog.htm
Le Roy Gasner of Gasner Woodworking, Langdon ND writes :
A good month ago I placed an order under an outdated account. You suggested other vendors in this area. I placed an order through Tool Crib of the North, as per your suggeston. They came through so very fast - I had my order within a week. So, I just wanted to say "THANK YOU" for all the work. I'll be doing it again! You're great folks with a great product... it's great dealing with you.
Sincerely, Le Roy Gasner
Captain Phil Smith of International ALERT Academy writes :
The tower that you see in the attached photo is being entirely held up with GRK RSS™ fasteners. We are so grateful for the quality and strength that your product provides. This tower continues to be a blessing to the men who use it in training and the instructors doing the training.
Thank you again for an excellent quality product.
Sincerely,
Captain Phil Smith
Executive Officer, ALERT Basic Training
International ALERT Academy, Big Sandy, TX
Jerry Northington of Birmingham, AL writes :
A few weeks ago, I attended a show sponsored by Moore-Handley Hardware Co. I saw the GRK booth and talked to the representative. He gave me some sample screws which I tried on a project at my home. The R4 fasteners worked great! They are far superior to the regular deck screws and long drywall screws which I had been attempting to use. The R4 screws pull all the way down and countersink while the other screws typically would not pull down completely. Attempts to seat them often result in stripped heads or broken screws. The torx head on the GRK is magnificent.
Thanks for making such a fine product.
Best Regards, Jerry Northington
Greg Kossow a Professional Woodworker writes :
My name is Greg Kossow and I am currently writing a book under contract for Taunton Press called "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Trim Carpentry." I have been a professional woodworker for 25 years, most of that time specializing in interior finish trim carpentry. I did a stint for three years building wooden boats during that time, and also have done a fair bit of residential framing. I have just recently run across your RT Composite Trim Head Screw, and have been using it for different applications. As a finish carpenter I find the screws' ability to adjust the material being fastened in and out with the rotation of the screw to be a very useful feature. I don't know if this was an intended result but it sure works well. Also the piece being attached is held solidly in place even if it is not tight to the surface being joined to. I find myself using them in place of traditional shims with great success. I would like to review them in the book and would appreciate any other information about the screw and reverse thread configuration.
Thanks, Greg Kossow
Tim Finn, a Professional Engineer with over 30 years of extensive field experience says :
"I wish there was an effective way for me to share what a GREAT Screw GRK is. I did some custom work down in the Menlo Park area of California's SF Bay area. My mentor is an engineer who retired as a VP from Bechtel. He has done it all over his 80 plus years. While I was there I needed some screws. I told him that he and I were going to get the best screw there is. He was excited but for different reasons. But when he saw how effective your screw was he better appreciated my remark and came to agree with me that the best screw is from GRK."
Shannon Skovlund, a sales representative for BPI Inc of South Dakota writes :
One day I pulled into Ethan Co-Op Lumber Association in Ethan South Dakota to visit Brian and show him GRK's Caliburn Concrete screws. Brian asked "Are they any good?" to which I replied "Of course, they are GRK!" Brian said "Let's Find Out..," so we went into the alley of the lumberyard, drilled a hole into the concrete, put a washer on a 3 1/2" Caliburn XL and fed it through two lengths of a log chain. We then hooked the log chain on the end of the fork of a 10,000 lb fork lift. Pulling on the chain the fork lift had a 2 1/2 - 3" deflection. We lowered the fork and slid the chain towards the center of the fork. Pulling again it appeared the chain was ready to snap. It didn't and the screw pulled out. The threads were completely intact, telling us it was the concrete that gave way!
Carolina Timberworks of Banner Elk, North Carolina writes :
Dear Rod and Tom,
I wanted to write a quick note to thank you very much for taking the time to visit us at our office two weeks ago. It was a very real pleasure for me and I genuinely enjoyed meeting you and benefited from your extensive product knowledge, and from seeing your very enthusiasm for the GRK product line.
Sharing your enthusiasm, we would like to be on record as a huge fan of GRK products. Over the past eight or nine years in the timber frame industry, my partner, Chris Miller and I have personally used thousands of GRK RSS Screws in our timber framing. Often the construction personnel on site are curious about our work and notice the fasteners, and we are always glad to rave about how great they are - and how well they work.
Speaking of which, we have a story that speaks volumes about how great GRK's RSS Screws are. About 5 years ago, Chris and I were in Cashiers, NC on a timber frame job and needed to raise a huge 12x16x26' (about 1650lb) douglas fir beam into position below an I-Beam. We rounded up everyone we could find on site, and instructed them in carrying timbers. Then, about 10 of us walked the timber to a position and hoisted it into a temporary spot on scaffolding--about 6" below the bottom of the I-Beam. At this point, everyone was winded and breathing hard, and the beam was not yet secured. Since everyone was winded, they were standing around watching while Chris inserted two GRK RSS Screws into holes in the I-Beam--meaning only to temporarily secure the timber from falling. I know that every person there was blown away when the first screw actually 'sucked up' one end of the timber tightly against the bottom of the I-Beam. Chris then nonchalantly did the same to the other screw, with exactly the same result. It was a remarkable demonstration of how incredible your product is.
Well, better end the war stories and get back to work, but it was truly a treat to meet and visit with both of you.
Best Regards,
Eric K. Morley
Link for more information:www.carolinatimberworks.com
Jean Reid of L.L. Johnson Lumber Mfg. Co. writes :
L.L. Johnsons Lumber and Johnsons Work Bench, with three locations in Charlotte and Grand Rapids MI and South Bend IN are suppliers of hardwood lumber, decking materials and supplies for all of your woodworking needs. We have stocked GRK Fasteners for several years now, and have been very pleased with the quality and selection of products, and the comments from our customers. The fasteners are now asked for by name for many various applications by our woodworking customers. We are now using GRK Screws for any building and remodeling projects within our company. I would like to suggest you take a little time to see what GRK can do for your business and you customers.
Sincerely,
Jean Reid, Purchasing Manager.
A note from Custom Cabinets and Fine Furniture in Heron Lake, MN :
Dear Terry,
Just a note to tell you how pleased I am with your products. I have now switched to exclusively using GRK screws in my cabinet shop.
It is my firm belief that one cannot use a better product in cabinet construction. This product has saved countless hours of anxiety when changes are needed. The ease of installation and the assurance of using screws not breaking in face frames has been incredible. I have the pleasure of telling this to all who listen.
In the years since you approached me with your products, I have continually found new application for products. I look forward to seeing new products.
Thanks again for stopping. If I can be of help to you, let me know.
Mr. John Worrel of Alvin Texas writes :
"I use your screws on just about everything that I assemble that has to do with wood! I hope to see you all continue to expand your line of screws and retailers, and wish you all GREAT success! Because, without a doubt you have one of the best quality products anywhere. I have been using your products for about 8 years now and hope to always have access to them. Every now and then I run out of a particular size and just about go into a panic until I am able to re-stock."
A letter from John Costik of Woodline Productions, Bradford PA :
Dear Uli
I would like to thank you for all the technical assistance that GRK has given us lately. Your company really made an effort to see that our needs were met.
Your screws, while initially higher in price, have considerably reduced our total assembly time. We have found that your screws have more positive driving force, no screw breadage, less friction due to dry lube, and no cam out problems. In addition, no longer need to countersink at the drilling station.
We'll be using GRK screws from now on. Thanks again.
Sincerely, John M. Costik
Mr. Tom Miner of Chester, MD writes :
"GRK MAKES THE VERY BEST FASTENER I HAVE EVER USED (AND I HAVE USED MANY)... GOOD WORK! I AM PROUD TO SAY I HAVE CANADIAN HERITAGE."
Mr. Gordy Sigren of Brown Lumber Co. writes :
"Since bringing on GRK fasteners we have broadened our customer base from finish carpenters to landscapers and everyone in between. It's the screw of choice for our contractors. GRK's service and quality is the best in the industry."
Link for more information:www.brownlumber.com
Bruce R. Schlesinger of Construction140 writes :
"Thanks so much for your quick action on this. See photo - drive now installed in front - better shots to follow. When we are done, GRK will have screwed approximately five (5) linear miles of IPE siding (every hole predrilled and countersunk) and just over 2,000 square feet of decking."
Lester Rose from Texas writes :
"I know one mans opinion does not make a company but this summer I worked at a National Wild Life Refuge in MN and they were buying and using your screws. I had never seen these and of course questioned their use. I am here to tell you these are the best screws I have ever used. I have moved to TX to another refuge and I emailed the manager in MN to find out who you were so I could get them to buy those here. She responded and I found you on the net. Will be pssing the information on. You can count on it. I look forward to my next project as a volunteer here, and to using your screws. NONE BETTER!"
Yours Lester Rose
Sam Biedny of Sam Biedny Enterprises, Corona, CA writes :
"Hello Mirco!!, Happy New Year to you!! I am continuing to make progress on the project. Everything is being held together with your fasteners. I'm totally convinced there are no better screws made anywhere in the Universe. THANKS!!" Sam Biedny of Sam Biedny Enterprises, Corona, CA is using GRK Fasteners to build a model home which will serve as the basis for an entire subdivision of high end homes.
