Hey Tony, Sounds like a well built deck and apparently genius does strike twice occasionally! Your install method sounds EXACTLY like the Camo Fastener method which we also sell. https://www.soluslumber.com/shop/supplies/deck-fasteners/camo-fasteners/ Here's a video where you can see them doing exactly what it sounds like you're suggesting and they have a special tool that again, from the sounds of it, works like your bedframe. Side note, with PT you don't need to predrill the holes but with hardwoods you do. Here's a video showing Camo Fasteners being installed. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B2HqHGLCSqw
You mentioned hidden fastener clips breaking off..... we sell a ton of them and have yet to receive a single complaint about them breaking off. When choosing a hidden fastener it's important to select one that has a stainless steel plate built into the clip that the screw passes through. We recommend the Eb-Ty Clip for Ipe. https://www.soluslumber.com/shop/supplies/deck-fasteners/ebty-fasteners/ If you go to our video gallery under the "Deck Building" section there's a great video on installing hidden fasteners https://www.soluslumber.com/gallery-how-to-videos/
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