LIONMAX Deck Screws 3 Inch, Wood Screws #10 x 3, 300 PCS, Rust Resistant, Exterior Epoxy Coated, Outdoor Decking Screws, Torx/Star Drive Head Deck Screw, T25 Star Bit Included, Tan

I reached for these 3-inch tan deck screws to re-board a weathered step and to tighten up a wobbly gate, and they’ve since become the box I keep within arm’s reach for most outdoor wood-to-wood connections. They’re simple, but the combination of Torx drive, aggressive thread, and a corrosion-resistant coating hits the sweet spot for deck boards, fence pickets, and general exterior carpentry.

What stands out

• The T25 star drive is the right choice at this length and gauge. It puts more torque into the screw without chewing up the head or your bit, and the included T25 bit fits snugly.
• The screws start cleanly. The self-tapping point grabs quickly and tracks straight with minimal walking, even when you’re working one-handed on a ladder.
• The tan epoxy coating is more than cosmetic. It blends with most pressure-treated lumber better than bright zinc or black phosphate, and in my use it’s held up well against moisture.
• The container is genuinely useful. A labeled, lidded box sounds minor until you’ve kicked open a thin cardboard sleeve on a jobsite. This one kept the screws where they belonged and made it easy to carry a day’s supply.

Driving and handling

I drove these with both a compact drill/driver and a 1/4" impact driver. The T25 head eliminated cam-out under load; I didn’t slip a single head, which is exactly what you want in a 3-inch screw biting into treated joists. The star recesses were cut consistently, and the included bit showed a good fit with minimal wobble. After a few hundred drives, the bit still had crisp edges.

Thread geometry is on the aggressive side. In softwoods (SPF framing, cedar fence rails, and standard ACQ-treated lumber), the screws cut quickly and pulled boards down tight without the “stutter” you get from blunt points. The shank has a smooth section near the head that makes them nicer to grab by hand and a little less likely to abrade your fingers when you’re feeding them from a pouch.

These are advertised as no pre-drill screws, and for most exterior lumber that’s accurate. That said, I still recommend a short pilot near end grain and on narrow stock to reduce the chance of splitting—especially on dry cedar and when you’re within 1" of a board end. In dense hardwoods (oak stringers, ipe, or old-growth heart pine), they’ll go, but you’ll have a better time pre-drilling and driving at a lower RPM to avoid heat and coating damage. The point is sharp but not a specialty cut for exotic decking.

Head seating was predictable. In pressure-treated 2x material and standard deck boards, the heads set flush without mushrooming fibers. Where I cared about a cleaner face (bench slats and cedar), a light countersink made for a neater finish, but it wasn’t strictly required.

Corrosion resistance

The tan epoxy coating claims 1000 hours of salt-spray testing, which puts these in the durable coating category for general exterior use. I left a handful embedded in a scrap of treated lumber outdoors through several wet weeks and didn’t see any rust blooms or obvious discoloration. The coating will scuff if you miss your driver alignment and skate across the head, but on properly driven screws it stayed intact. For inland decks, fences, and garden structures, I’m comfortable with this level of protection.

If you’re building in a coastal environment, near pools with salt systems, or in contact with highly corrosive species or chemicals, stainless fasteners are still the safer bet. These are coated steel screws, not stainless; match your fastener to your environment and any local code or manufacturer guidance for your decking material.

Holding power and joint quality

As a #10 x 3-inch screw, this is a versatile size. For 5/4 deck boards to joists, I often reach for 2-1/2" screws; for thicker stock or where I want more bite into the joist, 3" is right. In my tests, these Lionmax screws pulled warped boards down reliably and resisted backing out. That aggressive thread engages rapidly and maintains a tight hold. I didn’t experience head snapping, and I intentionally over-torqued a few into knots to check. The shafts kept their integrity; the limiting factor was the wood fibers long before the screw complained.

Because they’re coated, they slide through the top member decently once the threads pass, helping draw the joint tight. If you ever find the upper piece jacking, a quick clearance hole in the top board solves it.

Fit and finish

• The tan color is practical and unobtrusive on most outdoor projects. On gray composites it stands out; on brown composites or PT pine it blends well.
• The heads are well-formed, with clean recesses. I didn’t encounter malformed or paint-filled recesses, which is common with bargain screws.
• Thread cut is consistent across the box. No bent shafts showed up in mine, and the tips were cleanly formed.

I did see occasional tiny flakes of coating near the head on removal tests, which is normal for coated screws. If you anticipate removing and re-installing, drive at lower speed and back out steadily to preserve as much coating as possible.

Packaging and bit

The plastic storage box is a small but welcome improvement over tear-prone cardboard. It’s labeled clearly, and the hinged lid survived a few tosses into the truck without opening. The included T25 bit is a thoughtful touch and eliminates the “wrong bit on site” problem. Keep it with the box, and you’re set.

Use cases and limitations

Where these shine:
- Decking, steps, and handrail blocking in treated lumber
- Fence pickets and rails
- Outdoor benches, planters, and general exterior joinery
- Interior utility work when you want star drive and strong hold

Where I’d look elsewhere:
- Coastal builds, docks, or contact with saltwater: go stainless
- Structural connections (ledger to rim, joist hangers): use code-listed connectors and nails/screws rated for that application
- Dense tropical hardwoods: consider stainless screws designed for that species and pre-drill

How they compare

Against typical big-box epoxy-coated deck screws, these hold their own. Drive feel is similar to other Torx-head deck screws and superior to Phillips or square-drive options for this length, largely because the T25 recess handles torque without cam-out. Premium screws with specialty tips and multi-layer coatings may drive a hair faster in dense stock or offer more corrosion margin in harsh environments, but for everyday decks and fences, the practical difference is small. Considering you get a large count and usable storage, the overall value is strong.

Tips for best results

• Use the included T25 bit and keep steady in-line pressure. Let the driver do the work; high pressure isn’t necessary with a star drive.
• On board ends and brittle species, drill a short pilot to avoid splits.
• If appearance matters, consider a shallow countersink for uniform head seating.
• Keep drive speed moderate to reduce heat and protect the coating.
• Match screw length to your materials: 3" is great for 2x stock; it’s overkill for thin faces where 2–2-1/2" would suffice.

The bottom line

These Lionmax deck screws check the right boxes for outdoor projects: secure star drive, sharp starting point, strong hold in treated lumber, and a coating that resists the kind of weather most backyards throw at it. The tan finish is a practical touch, the included bit eliminates guesswork, and the storage box keeps the whole kit tidy.

Recommendation: I recommend these for general exterior carpentry—decking, fencing, and outdoor builds—especially if you want the reliability of a T25 drive and a corrosion-resistant coating without paying a premium. If you’re building in a marine environment or using exotic hardwood decking, step up to stainless and pre-drill; otherwise, this is a dependable, good-value screw that drives cleanly, holds tight, and doesn’t fuss.