Plylox vs. Screws: Which Is the Best Way to Secure Plywood Hurricane Shutters?
Securing your windows with plywood shutters is an essential step in hurricane preparation. When it comes to choosing the best way to attach those shutters, many homeowners are faced with two main options: Plylox window clips or screwing plywood shutters directly into your window frames, or actually house walls. Each method has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the differences.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Plylox vs. Screws debate, and help you choose the right option for your home’s hurricane protection needs.
What Are Plylox Window Clips?
Plylox (Brand name) are spring-steel clips that hold plywood shutters in place without the need for drilling into your home’s window frame or wall. They are designed to fit a range of window sizes and can be installed quickly—without causing permanent damage to your property.
Plylox Hurricane Clips – An easy, no-drill solution for securing plywood during a storm. Click the image or button to check the latest price on Amazon.
🛒 Buy Now on AmazonPros of Plylox Clips:
No Drilling Required: One of the biggest benefits of Plylox clips is that you don’t need to drill holes into your window frames or walls. This saves time and avoids permanent damage to your home’s exterior.
Faster Installation: Using clips is a quicker installation method compared to drilling multiple holes for screws.
Easy Removal and Reusability: Plylox clips can be removed easily after a storm and reused year after year, making them a cost-effective solution over time.
Potentially Less Labor Intensive: For those who prefer a simpler, less tool-intensive installation process, Plylox clips offer an easy solution without needing drills.
Works on Most Standard Window Types: Plylox clips fit most window types, provided you have an inset (usually between 2.5 to 3 inches). However, proper measurement is important.
Affordable: Compared to permanent shutter installations or impact windows, Plylox clips are a more budget-friendly way to prepare for hurricane season.
Independent Lab Tested: Plylox claims their clips are lab-tested and hurricane-proven (though the category of hurricanes may vary).
Cons of Plylox Clips:
Relies on Window Inset: Plylox clips require a certain window inset (typically 2.5 to 3 inches) to function properly. If your windows don’t have a sufficient inset, these clips won’t work.
Precise Plywood Fit Is Critical: For a secure fit, the plywood must be cut to the correct size (typically ¼ inch narrower than the window opening). Inaccurate measurements can result in a loose or ill-fitting shutter.
Potential for Movement: Although the clips are designed to be secure, some users find that adding screws to further secure the clips helps improve their performance, especially in extreme conditions.
Limited Plywood Thickness: Plylox clips are often designed for ½ inch plywood. Using thicker plywood may require additional adjustments or screws for a secure fit.
May Not Work for Non-Standard Windows: Certain window configurations, such as sliding glass doors or windows without a traditional inset, might not be compatible with Plylox clips.
Website Claims vs. Real-World Performance: Some users question the effectiveness of Plylox clips in very strong storms, despite the manufacturer’s claims.
🔧🌀 Used in a Hurricane: Our Take On Plylox
We've personally used Plylox hurricane window clips and overall, they work great—especially when you're in a rush before a storm. The quick, tool-free installation is a huge plus during crunch time.
We’ve read that some people have experienced issues with the clips loosening in high winds, but we haven’t had that happen yet. That said, one thing is absolutely critical: your plywood cuts need to be exact. These clips won’t work at all unless the fit is tight.
Here’s how they work:
The tension legs of the Plylox clip compress when you insert the plywood. That compression forces the clips to push outward against the sides of your window inset, securing the plywood in place without needing any hardware. It’s a clever tension-based system that holds surprisingly well. Again, some users suggest the need to screw the clips in. Not needed if you have the right thickness plywood.
Minor downside: When you remove the clips, you might see light scratches in the stucco or brick around the window. For us, that’s a small price to pay compared to filing an insurance claim for broken windows. Also, remember, this is only effective on recessed windows!
What About Using Screws for Hurricane Shutters?
Using screws to attach plywood to your windows involves drilling into your window frame or surrounding wall and securing the plywood with heavy-duty screws. This method is more traditional and provides a reliable, long-term solution.
Hurricane Shutter Screws & Anchors
A reliable, heavy-duty solution for storm prep. Ideal for securing plywood boards tightly in place. Tried and true for decades of hurricane seasons.
Pros of Using Screws:
Stronger and More Secure: Screws provide a robust and reliable way to secure plywood to your home. When drilled into window frame studs or concrete, screws can offer superior resistance against high winds and debris impact.
Works on Various Window Types: Screws can be used to secure plywood on most types of windows, including wood, concrete, and block walls. The installation method may vary depending on your window frame type.
More Tolerance for Plywood Fit: While you still need to ensure a proper plywood cut, screws provide more flexibility with fit compared to the precise measurements required for Plylox clips.
Accommodates Different Plywood Thicknesses: Screws can be used with various plywood thicknesses, as long as the screw length is appropriate for the plywood and the underlying structure.
Cons of Using Screws:
Requires Drilling: Installation requires drilling multiple holes into your window frames or walls, which can be time-consuming and requires the right tools.
Potential for Damage: Drilling holes into your window frames or walls can cause permanent damage.
More Labor Intensive: Drilling and securing screws can be physically demanding, and the process can take longer compared to using clips.
Risk of Incorrect Installation: Improper drilling or using the wrong type of screws can compromise the effectiveness of your hurricane shutters.
Difficult to Remove: After a storm, you’ll need to unscrew the fasteners or wing nuts, which can take time and effort. You can either leave the studs in the wall for future hurricanes or fill them.
May Require Pre-Installed Anchors: For concrete or block walls, you might need lead sleeve anchors or Tapcon screws, which adds complexity to the installation.
Risk of Stripped Screws: If screws are overtightened, the holes may become stripped, reducing their holding power.
🔧🌀 Used in a Hurricane: Our Take On Screws and Anchors
We grew up using the classic method: screws straight through the plywood into the frame or wall. It’s a tried-and-true hurricane protection method that has stood the test of time.
The biggest cons?
You’ll have holes all over your home’s exterior (stucco, siding, window trim, etc.).
And honestly, it’s not the prettiest look, especially if the studs stay up post-storm.
But despite that, screws are incredibly secure. You can rely on them to hold plywood shutters firmly in place even in strong hurricane winds. They worked 40 years ago—and they still work now. You just need the right screws for your wall type (wood screws for frames, Tapcons for masonry, etc.).
Yes, it’s more labor-intensive, and you’ll need power tools and time to measure and drill properly. But if you want peace of mind and maximum holding power, screws are rock-solid.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Choosing between Plylox clips and screws comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Plylox Clips: Best for renters, quick and easy installations, and those who don’t want to drill into their property.
Screws: Ideal for homeowners who want a permanent, strong solution and those living in high-wind zones or with large windows.
🏆 And the Winner Is… Plylox
After comparing both options side-by-side, our top pick—by a narrow margin—is Plylox. While both methods have solid merits, Plylox clips win out for one key reason: speed and simplicity.
Sure, they demand precise wood cuts and only work with recessed windows, but when time is tight and a hurricane is heading your way, the ability to pop your plywood in place without drilling a single hole is a game-changer. Fast to install, easy to remove, and reusable year after year—Plylox clips are the prepper’s friend when every minute counts.
They might not be the absolute strongest solution out there (we haven’t tested all tools), but for most homeowners looking to strike a balance between safety, speed, and ease of use, Plylox comes out on top.
⏱️ Fast. Functional. No Power Tools Needed. That's why Plylox gets our vote.
Get Prepared Before the Storm Hits
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