Self-sealing fastener and related method of use

A fastener comprising:

• an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including a pointed tip configured to penetrate a work piece;
• a head joined with the proximal end and extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis, the head including a lower head surface and an upper head surface;
• a striker post extending upward and away from the upper head surface to a terminal upper end, the terminal upper end including a striking surface, the striker post including an exterior post wall extending around the longitudinal axis;
• and
• an elastomeric plug including an upper plug surface, a lower plug surface, an exterior plug wall, and an interior plug wall bounding a plug bore extending through the plug from the lower plug surface to the upper plug surface, the elastomeric plug positioned along the longitudinal axis with the striker post extending through the plug bore so that the exterior post wall faces the interior plug wall defining the plug bore,
• wherein the striking surface is adjacent the upper plug surface and disposed inwardly from the interior plug wall,
• wherein the striking surface is configured to be struck by a driving tool to advance the elongated shaft into the work piece such that the head penetrates the work piece to produce a recess into which the elastomeric plug is forced to plug the recess from a location above the head,
• wherein the lower head surface includes a cutting edge around a perimeter of the head, the cutting edge configured to cut into the work piece to produce the recess.

A fastener comprising:

• an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis;
• a head joined with the elongated shaft and extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis;
• a striker post extending upward and away from the head to a terminal upper end including a striking surface;
• and
• a plug defining a plug bore, the plug positioned along the longitudinal axis with the striker post extending through the plug bore,
• wherein the striking surface is configured to be struck by a driving tool to advance the elongated shaft into the work piece such that the head penetrates the work piece to produce a recess into which the plug is forced to plug the recess from a location above the head,
• wherein the plug is positioned entirely above the head, without extending below the head.

A fastener comprising:

• a shaft having a proximal end including a head and a distal end including a tip;
• a striker post extending away from the head opposite the shaft;
• and
• a plug mounted around the striker post above the head,
• wherein the striker post is configured to be struck by a tool face to advance the tip and shaft into a work piece so that the head penetrates the work piece to produce a recess,
• wherein the plug is configured to plug the recess in the work piece with the plug from a location above the head,
• wherein the plug is positioned entirely above the head, without extending below the head.