Joist Hanger Nailer / Nailing

[Outlander1]

Exactly! Screws are a definite problem where any kind of shifting or stress is involved. They are far to brittle. To test this just drive a screw in about half its length and begin to bend it over....Snap! Do the same with a nail...No snap!

 

[Bird]

I can certainly understand about screws breaking instead of bending, so your recommendation to not use screws makes good sense to me. However, I've used screws for the most part simply because it was easier to drive screws than to hammer nails in and still keep everything lined up correctly and so far have never had one fail.

 

[johnday]

tc;, Palmnailers are great! The last time I installed hurricane ties, on the very first stub nail, I whacked my finger real good. That stopped putting ties in for a day or 2. I've got an elcheapo harbor frieght model. It isn't used much so it should last a while. One of the tricks when putting in hurricane ties, is use the stub nails when fastening to the truss, and 10D's when nailing to the plate. There are screws made for this also. I can't recall the company that makes them, but I think if you do search for Simpson Strong Tie, you'd find them there.

The new PT lumber? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Too early to pass judgement on its longevity. But your kids should be unaffected after they eat the playground and picnic table. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif So far, I'm careful where I use it. I do use HDG fasteners, and the hardware should have the designation of Z185, opposed to Z60. 185 means it has triple zinc coating. It has something to do with the weight per square foot of coating.
At some yards that handle industrial strength lumber, you can still get CCA treatment for industrial/commercial applications. I try to still get the CCA whenever possible. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SPIKER]

I agree with those stating that NOT use screws in joist and hurrican straps. (around here) you can't as they (ispectors) will fail you for it even if you use worng lenght of nails or type specific ones even... I prefer screws much of the time as they will not loosen... anyhow I had heard of an approved screw for them but have not used or seen them and from the local inspectors I knew (2~5 yrs back now) they would not pass you with them installed that way or even if the 10Ds were not type specific.

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[johnday]

Spiker; My catalog is dated 2003, should get a new one, but on page 10, the screws are there. It only says the SD8X1 1/4 is not to be used with structural connectors. Maybe I'm missing something, but it looks like the rest of the sizes can be used. Also, thru out the catalog, it states what fasteners are to be used. For hurricane ties they specify 8D nails, if using stub nails they are identified as 8dX1 1/2. I've never had a problem with an inspector using this guide. As I type, I can't back up to see your location, that might have some bearing on what your inspectors consider adequate.

I usually add the disclaimer that your location may invalidate what we do here, all most of can do is basically give advice on what is acceptable in our area. I kind of like the saying, your results may vary. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[drm]

John,

You quoted the section that the inspectors will reference to reject screws: "...not to be used with structural connectors." All joist hangers, hurricane straps, tie down straps, etc. are structural connectors. Therefore, based on the wording you quoted, screws should not be used with them.

As you are most likely aware, joist hangers and other hardware need to be installed carefully to get the capacities in the design tables which are determined under exacting installation. There are safety factors to allow for field installation and other variations but they should not be relied upon to use other fasteners than what is specified.

...Derek

 

[goodoleboy]

I believe screws are better than nails Ive never seen screws stick out my deck, but I have seen nails pull out of wood decks.

 

[PineRidge]

I learned a long time ago when starting a short nail to hold it with a pair of needle-nosed pliers instead of my fingers. My hands thank me for it over and over.

 

[drm]

Screws are far superior to nails in some installations such as decking and drywall but are not a direct substitution for nails in structural applications. There are even some cases where Lag Bolts, not screws, can be used in lieu of nails and depending on size are stronger.

But, when comparing fasteners of the same diameter, nails are superior. The nails are more ductile, have a larger net cross section, and are in fact stronger. The hangers are designed based on the strengths of specific nails as listed in the design tables and stamped on the hanger. Any change in the installation of the hangers from the hanger design will most likely make the connection weaker and may cause detrimental failure.

 

[drm]

In tight locations with the 1 1/2" framing nails I use an old pair of linesman pliers. The pliers give me a little more area on grip surface to hold the nail. Another trick I picked up is to hold the nail between your first and second fingers with your palm up to set the nails. Of course a heavy pair of leather work gloves also helps to pad your fingers when you inevitably miss a hit while setting the nail. Misses do not seem to hurt as much this way.

...Derek