Deck clip installation tool and method

Abstract

A tool or an adapter head for a tool. The adapter head connectable to the tool and extending from a proximal end to a distal end having an opening, defining an interior. A retention member in the adapter head has one or more catches for mechanically retaining an enlarged head of an elongate fastener passed distally into the interior of the adapter head through the opening to maintain the fastener at least partially within the interior in a loaded position aligned with a driving bit. The adapter head may include one or more leveraging members extending distally for preventing rotation of the adapter head in use, and one or more alignment members for assisting in aligning a clip engaged with the loaded fastener. The one or more alignment members are optionally actuatable. The retention member may be a biased ball for forming a ball detent with the fastener head.

Description

DECK CLIP INSTALLATION TOOL AND METHODCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 748,092 for Deck Clip Installation Tool and Method, filed January 22, 2025, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the field of building construction, more particularly to a tool for installation of fasteners. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a tool adapter head configured for installing deck clips with fasteners into side grooves in deck planks, an associated system, and method of installation. The tool, system and method can be used to effectively and efficiently install decking structures without requiring an installer to kneel down or install decking planks one-by-one.

[0003] The preferred embodiments disclosed herein relate primarily to installation of a deck structure with deck clips, however, the inventive concepts are applicable to other building structures and installation of elongated fasteners generally. Specifically, the disclosed installation system utilizes fasteners or “clips” with present fasteners for securing grooved deck planks to an underlying support joist and relative to one another in forming a decking structure. The hidden deck clips installable with the tool can secure two adjacent deck planks concurrently, thereby allowing installation of a preassembled decking sub-assembly with multiple planks. The tool permits installation of each clip by a user while remaining upright throughout the entire installation process. Specifically, the embodiments are configured for use with deck planks having undercut side grooves.

[0004] Hidden deck clips and associated installation tools for planks with undercut side grooves exist and are often specific to characteristics of a type of plank. Most known deck clips are configured to be installed via (a) inserting a front end thereof into an open groove in a leading deck plank while the clip is positioned on an underlying joist, (b) driving an elongate fastener through the clip and into theOMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 1joist to attach the clip and secure the leading plank with the front end of the clip, (c) placing a trailing plank on the joist with a rear end of the attached clip received within the groove in the trailing plank front edge, and (d) then repeating the process to form the decking structure. The clips typically have a modified T-shaped cross-sectional shape to engage each of the adjacent planks via the respective side grooves.

[0005] Many different hidden deck clips exist which are installable via the same or similar general process. These clips and the installation processes carry a drawback in that the clips and planks must be installed in this stepwise manner, since a clip cannot be placed between the facing edges of two adjacent planks due to the T-shaped structure of the clip. An additional drawback with these products and this process is that the individual clips and planks usually must be installed by a user kneeling down and holding the respective clip in place, which is disfavored by installers.

[0006] One system has been developed that involves temporarily securing several deck clips to a leading plank each engaged within its groove in a preinstallation position, positioning a trailing plank adjacent the leading plank with the clips extending within each groove, and then driving fasteners through each clip and into the underlying joist to attach the planks and form the decking surface. Tools exist for assisting driving the fasteners from an upright position into the temporarily secured clips. However, the system still requires an installer to place each clip in its pre-intallation position one-by-one while kneeling, which is time consuming and laborious, despite providing the benefit of allowing installation of the fasteners from an upright position.

[0007] It would thus be useful to have an installation tool, system and method for building materials such as grooved deck planks that solves at least one of the above noted drawbacks in the state of the art. In particular, it would be useful to have a tool and system that permits installation from an upright position throughout the entire process.OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 2BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an elongated installation tool in accordance with the disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 shows an adapter head unit for attachment to the elongated tube to form the tool of Figure 1 ;

[0010] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the adapter head of Figure 2;

[0011] Figure 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the head of the tool with a clip and preset fastener loaded;

[0012] Figure 5 is side cross-sectional view of the tool with clip and preset fastener loaded into the adapter head prior to placement between adjacent deck planks in an initial loaded position with deck planks and joist hidden for clarity;

[0013] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool with clip and preset fastener loaded into the adapter head and inserted between adjacent deck planks in a pre-attachment position prior to driving the fastener with deck planks and joist hidden for clarity;

[0014] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool and clip after driving the fastener with deck planks and joist hidden for clarity;

[0015] Figure 8 shows the view of the tool of Figure 6 with clip in the preattachment position in the gap between adjacent deck planks;

[0016] Figure 9 shows the view of the tool of Figure 7 with clip installed via a fastener driven into the underlying joist and the wing of the clip within the grooves of the deck planks;

[0017] Figure 10 shows an exemplary clip with preset fastener in an initial condition with the wing aligned with the clip body;

[0018] Figure 11 shows the clip of Figure 10 after driving the fastener to rotate the wing and attach the clip;

[0019] Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the disclosed standup tool with adapter head; andOMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 3

[0020] Figure 13 is a top view of the adapter head in a pre-installation position between adjacent deck planks.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Among the benefits and improvements disclosed herein, other objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the figures. Detailed embodiments of a deck clip installation tool and method are disclosed; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

[0022] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in some embodiments” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), although it may. The phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0023] As used herein, “based on” is not exclusive and permits being based on additional factors not expressly described unless the applicable context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is equivalent to the term “and / or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

[0025] Further, the terms “substantial,” “substantially,” “similar,” “similarly,” “analogous,” “analogously,” “approximate,” “approximately,” and any combinationOMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 4thereof mean that differences between compared features or characteristics is less than 25% of the respective values / magnitudes in which the compared features or characteristics are measured and / or defined.

[0026] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

[0027] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the inventive subject matter and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the inventive subject matter otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the inventive subject matter.

[0028] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0029] As used herein, the “pre-attachment” position or condition refers to a condition wherein a fastener, optionally preset within a deck clip, is loaded into the tool.OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 5

[0030] As used herein, the “pre-installation” position or condition refers to a condition wherein a fastener is placed in position relative to one or more building members for installation. In a preferred embodiment, the exemplary preinstallation position is located within spacing between two adjacent deck planks. In a preferred embodiment, a fastener is maintained loaded into the tool in the preattachment position and moved into the pre-installation position before being installed.

[0031] Disclosed herein are embodiments of an installation tool 10 and adapter head 12, and an associated system and method of installation, configured primarily for use in installing deck clips 100 to attach grooved deck planks P to an underlying joist J, however, not limited as such. In the depicted preferred embodiment, the tool 10 includes an elongated extension tube 200 to which an adapter head 12 attaches at a distal end thereof. The proximal end 208 of the tubular structure 200 includes a bit connection element 212 for attachment to a chuck of a power driving tool like a drill. The bit element 212 is operable to transfer a torquing force from the drill to a lower driving bit 224 to drive a fastener (described below). Additional intermediate members and connections between the bit connection element 212 and driving bit 224 may exist within the tool. The adapter head 12 may be attached to the tubular structure via any known secure mechanical attachment mechanism, for example a bayonet fitting, as shown, locking lever, quick connect, threaded engagement, or comparable mechanical mechanism. Additionally, embodiments exist wherein the adapter head 12 is attached directly to a nose of a power driving tool without presence of an extension tube.

[0032] As shown most clearly in the cross section of Figure 4, the adapter head 12 is configured for engaging a clip 100 with preset fastener 104 via a ball detent mechanism, wherein the enlarged head of the fastener 104 forms the detent that is retained by one or more balls 22 under inward bias from compressed coil springs 24. The depicted preferred embodiment includes a pair of opposed balls 22 cooperating with each other to engage the head of the fastener 104, however, the exact number of balls is a non-limiting characteristic.OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 6

[0033] The adapter head 12 additionally includes leveraging members 18 positioned on each lateral side of the clip 100 when the clip with preset fastener 104 is loaded. Here, the leveraging members 18 are configured as posts that extend distally parallel to a central axis defined by the tool. In operation, the leveraging members 18 assist in aligning a loaded clip 100 in a pre-installation position within a gap between two adjacent deck planks P, and leveraging against the edges of the opposing planks to inhibit or prevent the tool 10 and clip 100 from rotating while torquing the fastener 104 during installation. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the head 12 also includes retracting alignment members 16 preferably configured as blocks on the front and rear side. In the depicted embodiment, each of the alignment blocks 16 is biased distally (downward) in an initial extended position by axially extending compressed springs 26. The alignment blocks 16 are retractable proximally when a force is applied on the blocks to overcome the spring bias, such as when the blocks are placed on adjacent edges of building members (deck planks) and the tool is forced downward.

[0034] The clips 100 for use with the disclosed tool 10 typically include a body 103 with rotating wing or blade 102, and a fastener 104 preset through a bore in the wing and at least partially within a hole in the body (see Figure 10). In the initial condition of the clip 100 shown in Figure 10, the wing 102 is aligned laterally with the body 103 and is typically substantially coextensive in the front-to-rear direction so that the clip 100 can be positioned within a gap between two adjacent deck planks. Embodiments of the activatable clip 100 are detailed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 267,737 and International Patent Application No. PCT / US2025 / 037491.

[0035] To load a clip 100 into the adapter head 12 in the pre-attachment position, a user simply aligns the clip 100 laterally between the opposed leveraging posts 18 and between the alignment blocks 16 and advances the clip / fastener composite proximally with the fastener in the interior of the adapter head (either by pressing the clip upward or pushing the adapter head downward onto a stationary clip), whereupon the enlarged head 106 of the fastener 104 presses against theOMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 7balls 22 as it moves proximally, overcoming the inward bias from the respective lateral spring 24 to allow the head of the fastener to pass further proximally into the adapter head 12, before the balls 22 return inwardly under spring bias to hold the fastener 104 in the pre-attachment position shown in Figure 4. When the clip 100 is maintained in the pre-attachment position shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5, it is substantially aligned with and positioned between the opposing leveraging posts 18 with one of the alignment blocks 16 on the front side and the other alignment block 16 on the rear side.

[0036] Within the disclosed system, a plurality of decking planks P are oftentimes held in a position extending above a joist J parallel to one another in an edge-to-edge arrangement with a spacing gap between adjacent edges. The planks can be held firmly in place via clamping and / or spacing elements or systems (not depicted) prior to being permanently attached with the clips 100. Particular examples of such spacing elements or systems are described and claimed within co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 267,739 and International Patent Application No. PCT / US2025 / 037492, hereby incorporated by reference. Another known example includes individual spacing wedges placed between adjacent planks. With the planks P maintained together with a predetermined spacing between them, a loaded clip 100 can be installed first by moving the tool to position the clip 100 within the spacing between adjacent grooved deck planks P by inserting it from above. The act of inserting the clip 100 in this way causes the alignment blocks 16 to retract proximally (upward) against the bias force of the compressed vertical springs 26 via contact with the upper surfaces of the decking planks P at the adjacent edges thereof. This can best be seen with reference to Figure 8, showing the alignment blocks 16 abutting the top surfaces of the adjacent planks and shifted upward with the clip exposed to the grooves G in the adjacent planks. As shown, the alignment blocks 16 may be maintained in slidable engagement with the adapter head 12 by a fastener 28 or similar pin or projection that extends laterally through a longitudinally extending slot 30 in the housing 13. This particular arrangement is non-limiting in that other slidable configurations exist, including for example, providing a longitudinally extending slot in theOMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 8alignment blocks 16 themselves, use of more than one fastener 28 per block, or a track or groove system or similar.

[0037] After placing the clip 100 in the pre-installation position between adjacent deck planks P (Figure 8) and on the joist J, the clip is installed via energizing the drive tool (drill) engaged with the attachment bit 212 to torque the fastener 104 and driving the bit downward. Downward driving of the bit 212 drives the fastener 104 downward, overcoming the inward bias on the balls 22, and allowing the fastener to be driven through the clip 100, thereby rotating the wing 102 in situ. The body of the clip 100 is configured to rotationally lock the wing 102 once it is rotated into a forward-to-rearward extending position perpendicular or oblique to the clip body 103, as shown in Figure 9. In the depicted embodiment, the wing 102 is received and falls within a vertically extending slot in the body, which prevents further rotation of the wing, while permitting downward movement. As the wing 102 is locked in a rotational position with one end within the groove of each adjacent deck plank P, further driving of the fastener 104 downward into the joist J forces the wing 104 downward to trap the bottom nubs of each of the planks P.

[0038] An exemplary clip 100 for use with the disclosed tool 10 is shown in greater detail in Figures 10-11. The clip 100 generally includes a wing 102 maintained relative to a body 103 with a preset fastener extending through a hole in the wing 102 and at least partially through a hole in the body 103. In the initial configuration shown in Figure 10, the wing 102 and body 103 are aligned with each other extending in the same direction and substantially coextensive in the front-to-rear direction, which permits insertion of the clip 100 into the space between adjacent planks P. In the depicted embodiment, the body 103 includes a slot 105 from its front to rear side, which acts to rotationally lock the wing 102 perpendicular or oblique to the body while the fastener 104 is driven. The slot 105 is also configured with vertical clearance to permit further downward movement of the wing once it is locked rotationally. This allows the clip to be installed to attach planks of differing dimensions.OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 9

[0039] As described above, a key characteristic of the disclosed tool 10 or adapter head 12 and its relationship with the clip 100 to be driven is that the distal nose section is sized and shaped to fit within the spacing between adjacent deck planks P, and is configured to hold the clip in an alignment to also fit within the spacing. This phenomenon is provided, in part, by (i) the cooperating alignment blocks 16 and the opposite posts 18 which essentially circumscribe the clip 100, and (ii) the interaction of the ball detent mechanism with the fastener 104 that allows vertical insertion and locking of the clip with preset fastener. When the clip 100 is loaded, it is prevented from rotating out of alignment via the alignment blocks 16. Once it is inserted between the adjacent deck planks P and the alignment blocks are forced upward, the posts 18 act as leveraging members against the edges of the planks to prevent rotation of the tool and clip. Figure 13 is a top view of the tool in the pre-installation position with the leveraging members 18 placed within the spacing gap G between adjacent deck planks P. In this position, the leveraging members 18 assist alignment and prevent rotation of the tool.

[0040] The tool 10, as shown, preferably includes an elongate extension barrel 202 extending from a proximal end (top) 208 to distal end (bottom) 210 and housing internal components for transferring torquing force from the attachment bit 212 to the driving bit 224 and ultimately the fastener 104 to allow the user to remain standing while installing the clips. However, this is clearly not a limiting characteristic of the inventive concepts described herein. The adapter head 12 can optionally be connected to a cooperative adapter or nose at the distal end of a conventional handheld driving tool or used with additional upstream components.

[0041] Figure 12 shows the entire tool 10 in cross section (without driver engaged). The upper portion 200 of the tool 10 is generally known in the field, and while it contributes to the overall utility and operation of the disclosed embodiments, it does not form part of the invention in and of itself. As shown, the upper portion 200 includes an elongate barrel 202 or frame extending from a proximal end 208 to a distal end 210 and defining a central axis with a handle 204 extending therefrom. The attachment bit 212 is ultimately communicative to the driving bit 224 such that engaging a driver (drill) to the attachment bit 212 andOMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 10energizing it transfers a torquing force to the driving bit 224. In the particular depicted embodiment, the attachment bit engages an intermediate leveraging bit 214 with an outer annular surface 216. The intermediate leveraging bit receives another intermediate extension bit 222 with mechanical members configured to engage the driving bit 224. A compression spring 220 may be positioned between the annular surface 216 and a lower annular surface 218. In this embodiment, the spring 220 is compressed when the bit and fastener are driven downward by the user, and the spring returns the bit proximally upon releasing the downward force once the fastener is driven into the building member. This particular configuration is non-limiting to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0042] Preferred embodiments of a tool 10 and adapter head 12, and associated method and system have been depicted and described herein, but many of the specific features are non-limiting to the invention as a whole. For example, the Figures show balls 22 and lateral springs 24 for mechanically maintaining the enlarged head of a loaded fastener. However, other embodiments exist with catch elements that are not balls or spheres. For example, catches can take other forms such as a dual sided ramp or rounded nub or another surface or shape that allows the fastener head to pass distally while forcing them radially outward, and then force them outward again when driven proximally out from the adapter head. Additionally, the depicted leveraging members are a pair of cylindrical posts 18, however, embodiments exist with leveraging members that take different shapes or contours. There may also be more than or fewer than two leveraging members as may be desired for a given purpose. Similarly, the alignment blocks can be singular or take different shapes and sizes compared to those depicted herein. As those skilled in the art would readily understand, the inventive embodiments are not limited to use with a fastener preset into decking clip. The engagement mechanism is effective for retaining and aligning any fastener with enlarged head for driving into a building structure.

[0043] Figure 5 shows the clip 100 loaded into the tool with the spacer blocks 16 in their extended position on each side of the clip. Figure 6 shows the spacer blocks 16 in their raised position (with other building materials removed forOMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 11clarity). Figure 7 shows the clip 100 in its installed position with the fastener 104 driven downward and the wing 102 rotated approximately 90° from the initial position. In this position, each of the opposite ends of the wing 102 is within a groove of a decking plank P (note that building members are omitted from Figure 7).

[0044] Figure 8 shows a clip 100 in a pre-installation position within the spacing between adjacent deck planks P and the spacer blocks 16 in their raised position and in abutment with the top surfaces of the deck planks. Figure 9 shows the clip 100 in its installed position with the wing 102 received within the grooves G of the deck planks P and the fastener 104 driven into the joist J, thereby attaching the planks P and forming the decking assembly. Driving the fastener 100 in this manner drives it firmly into the joist and tightens the wing 102 downward against the opposing lower nubs of the adjacent planks P with the body 103 of the clip firmly secured between the adjacent edges of the planks. In the view of Figure 8, the wing 102 is still laterally aligned with the clip body 103 with the fastener 104 in a relatively raise position prior to being driven into the joist. In Figure 9, the wing 102 is rotated out of lateral alignment with the body 103, extending in the front-to-rear direction, with the fastener 104 driven downward to attach the planks P. While the leveraging members 18 cannot be seen in the cross-sectional views of Figures 8-9, during these installation steps, they are positioned on each lateral side of the body 103 of the clip 100 within the spacing between the edges of the planks P. In this position, they prevent the head 12 from rotating with the fastener as it is driven.

[0045] The installation tool 10 dramatically increases the efficiency of deck installation, since an installer can rapidly load a clip 100 / fastener 104 and then place it within the spacing between deck planks on a joist and install it. This is in contrast to known installation methods that require an installer to hold a single plank P and clip in place while driving the clip, often while kneeling down.

[0046] While preferred embodiments of the foregoing have been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptationsOMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 12and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 13

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An adapter head for installing building hardware with a tool, comprising: a frame extending axially from a proximal end to a distal end and having an interior; anda retention member positioned axially between the proximal end and distal end for retaining a head of an elongate fastener passed into the interior from the distal end to maintain the fastener in a loaded position.

2. The adapter head of claim 1 , wherein the retention member includes one or more catches for mechanically retaining a head of an elongate fastener in the loaded position.

3. The adapter head of claim 1 , wherein the retention member includes a least one bias member providing an inward bias against a catch configured for retaining the head of the elongate fastener.

4. The adapter head of claim 1 , wherein the retention member includes a pair of opposing catches, each catch being biased inwardly.

5. The adapter head of claim 3, wherein the catch is a ball and the bias member is a compression spring.

6. The adapter head of claim 5, wherein the ball and head of the elongate fastener form a ball detent mechanism, thereby holding the elongate fastener in the loaded position.

7. The adapter head of claim 1, further comprising at least one leveraging member extending coaxial to the frame at a distal end.OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 148. The adapter head of claim 7, wherein the at least one leveraging member is a post extending parallel to the central axis of the frame.

9. The adapter head of claim 7, whereinthe at least one leveraging member comprises at least two posts extending parallel to and spaced apart laterally from one another, andthe posts are configured to extend into a spacing between adjacent edges of a first building member and second building member.

10. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the fastener is preset into a body of a deck clip and remains preset into the body of the deck clip when positioned in the loaded position, thereby retaining the deck clip.

11. The adapter of claim 10, wherein when the fastener is in the loaded position, the body of the deck clip is positioned between a first leveraging member and a second leveraging member that extend distally parallel to the central axis.11 b. The adapter of claim 1 , further comprising a spacer block extending distally from the frame under a distal bias, wherein the spacer block is movable in the proximal direction against the distal bias.

12. A method of installing a fastener, comprising:providing a tool with a drive mechanism and an adapter head, the adapter head including a retention member for retaining a head of an elongate fastener passed into an interior of the adapter head from a distal end to maintain the fastener in a loaded position;passing an elongate fastener into the interior of the adapter head until it is retained by the retention member in the loaded position;engaging the drive mechanism with the head of the fastener; and energizing the drive mechanism to torquingly drive the elongate fastener distally, thereby disengaging the elongate fastener from the retention member and driving the elongate fastener out from the distal end and into a building member.OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 1513. The method of claim 12, wherein the retention member and fastener head combine to form a ball detent when the fastener is in the loaded position.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the retention member includes a pair of opposing inwardly biased catches that engage the fastener via an enlarged head.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the catches is a ball for forming a ball detent with the enlarged head when the fastener is in the loaded position.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein passing the fastener inward into the adapter head causes the fastener head to abut and force at least a portion of the retention member outward against an inward bias until the fastener head passes the retention member, whereupon the retention member returns inward under the bias to hold the fastener in the loaded position.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the fastener is preset in a body of a hidden deck clip, comprising the steps of:when the fastener is in the loaded position, placing the deck clip in a spacing between adjacent edges of a first deck plank and a second deck plank prior to the step of energizing, whereindriving the fastener out from the distal end attaches the deck clip to the building structure.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the adapter head further comprises a pair of leveraging members laterally aligned with the deck clip when the fastener with deck clip is in the loaded position.

20. The method of claim 12, whereinthe adapter head comprises a pair of spaced apart alignment blocks at the distal end,the alignment blocks are biased in the distal direction, and OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 16the step of placing the deck clip in a spacing between adjacent edges of a first deck plank and a second deck plank causes each of the alignment blocks to retract proximally via abutting a top side of a deck plank.

21. The method of any of claims 17, whereinthe deck clip comprises a laterally extending body and a wing rotatable relative to the body and aligned extending in the lateral direction,the elongate fastener is preset into a hole in the wing and an aligned hole in the body,each of the deck planks has a laterally extending groove in its edge facing the other plank, andthe step of energizing rotationally drives the fastener, thereby causing the wing to rotate to a position extending forward-to-rearward with a portion of the wing positioned in each of the grooves in the deck planks.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the at least one leveraging member abuts the edge of at least one of the deck planks and prevents the adapter head from rotating while torquingly driving the fastener.

23. The method claim 12, wherein the tool further comprisesan elongated tube connected to the adapter head and extending proximally, andan elongated torque transfer member with a distal engagement bit extending through the tube for engaging the head of the fastener.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the tool further comprises a bias member for biasing the distal engagement bit in the proximal direction, whereinthe step of energizing and applying a distal force to drive the fastener causes compression of the bias member and allows the bit to move distally, and the bit returns proximally under bias from the compression member upon release of the distal force.OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 1725. An adapter head for use in installing building hardware with an elongated fastener with an enlarged fastener head, comprising:a frame extending axially from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a distal opening;a fastener retention member positioned axially between the proximal end and the distal end and comprising a first inwardly biased catch unit and an opposite inwardly biased catch unit, each of the catch units being biased inwardly toward the other catch unit;a pair of leveraging members positioned axially distal of the fastener retention member, each of the leveraging members being spaced laterally from the other leveraging member and extending in the distal direction, wherein the frame axis is between the leveraging members; anda pair of alignment blocks spaced apart from one another in a forward-to-rearward direction and positioned laterally between the leveraging members, each of the alignment blocks being biased in the distal direction, whereininsertion of an elongated fastener with an enlarged head into the opening and passing the enlarged head distally causes the fastener retention member to retain the fastener in a loaded position via engagement between the catch units and the enlarged head, the fastener being positioned in the spacing between each of the leveraging members and in the spacing between each of alignment blocks.

26. A tool for installing building hardware having an elongated fastener with enlarged head, comprising:a driver for transferring a torquing force to a driving bit;an elongated barrel connected to the driver and extending to a distal end; an adapter head connected proximate the distal end of the barrel, wherein the adapter head extends from a proximal end to a distal end having an opening and defines an interior therebetween,the adapter head further comprises a retention member comprising at least one catch for mechanically retaining an enlarged head of an elongate fastener passed distally into the interior of the adapter head through the opening to maintainOMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 18the fastener at least partially within the interior in a loaded position aligned with the driving bit, andengaging the bit with the fastener head and energizing the driver torques the fastener to drive it distally into a building member, disengaging it from the at least one catch.

27. The tool of claim 26, wherein the adapter head comprises at least one leveraging member for leveraging the tool against a surface of a building member to inhibit rotation of the tool during driving of the fastener.

28. The tool of claim 26, wherein the adapter head comprises at least one alignment member biased in the distal direction and retractable against the bias via a proximal force.

29. The tool of claim 26, wherein the at least one catch comprises at least two opposing balls that are biased inwardly and which form a ball detent with the enlarged fastener head to mechanically retain the fastener in the loaded position.OMG / 368 / PC - PDF162 19

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