Description
Use these fasteners to discreetly and securely attach items to sheet metal and thin extrusions, such as solar panel racking. They are ideal for attaching wire mesh to black anodized solar rails for critter guard / birdproofing using the Rail Mount Method or in combination with CritterBlok™. Why use these instead of your average hardware store self-tappers?
- Heavy-duty black polymer coating makes both screw and washer blend in with the racking. This burly coating won’t chip during installation.
- Pre-assembled washer is large enough to securely hold 1/2″ square wire mesh in place. No more fumbling with loose fender washers! The washer is backed with butyl rubber for a secure grip that won’t loosen over time.
- 304 stainless steel base material makes these screws impervious to corrosion, even in coastal and humid environments.
- Driver bit included with screw 50-packs. This is a special 5/16″ nonmagnetic nutsetter that securely grips stainless steel fasteners. NOT included with 500-packs of screws; please purchase separately.
Not sure how many to order? Use our Critter Guard Job Cost Calculator to find out.
Comparison of Wire Mesh Fasteners
| Slick Tools Screws | Solar Armor J-Hook | SnapNrack Clip | CritterBlok V2 Clip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How well is Mesh Secured | Excellent | OK | Good | Excellent |
| Max Span Between Attachments * | 36″-72″ | 24″ | 30″ | 32″ |
| Ease of Installation | Difficult | Easy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Compatibility with Railless Racking | X | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Compatibility with ‘lipless’ PV Modules | ✔ | X | X | X |
| Ease of PV Array Service | Easy | Difficult | Moderate | Moderate |
| Reusable (if removed for service) | ✔ | X | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cost – Typical Job** | $19 (100 screws) | $48 (100 clips) | $156 (80 clips) | $180 (75 clips) |
** Assumes PV array with 200′ perimeter; fastener bulk pricing as of July 2026.
Sam Taylor –
Love that you guys take the time to source stuff like this. The black color in addition to the large washer is really nice to have when using the rail mount method.