Joist hanger screws?

[countrybumpkin]

Anyone used the screws they have out designed for metal connectors? I'm just about to start my loft build in my shop and trying to decide if I want to use them or stay with nails that are a lot cheaper.

 

[bcp]

I've moved to screws. Easier to modify or repair, and you don't come back years later and find many of them now out 1/4 inch due to expansion and contraction of the wood.

More expensive but worth it to me, but I'm not building a house where they would be a huge expense.

You do need to use the screws designed for the connectors, no something like drywall screws.

Bruce

 

[747driver]

I would not use screws unless they are specifically designed for that type of use. Most screws are not designed to be
used in a shear load design such as hangars. I only use the hangar nails.... they are designed to handle that shear load . Can't say i have ever seen hangar screws....let us know if you do find them.

 

[Looking4new]

I much prefer screws over nails. They hold better and longer. You can suck two pieces of wood tighter with screws than you ever could with nails. IMHO

 

[SirReal63]

Strong-Drive® SD Structural-Connector Screw

Be aware that they are not compatible with all hangers, be sure and see if your hanger will work with the screws. I used them on a deck, and yes they are much easier than the nails but I think I still prefer the proper nails.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

didn't know they had screws for hangers, I would like that better. thanks for the info.

 

[EddieWalker]

I like the screws Simpson has out for their joist hangers a lot better then the nails. Like already mentioned, they are easier to install, and really nice if you ever have to adjust or move anything.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Thanks, I just ran across the Simpson brand and been reading , looks like Home Depot has them in at least 100 count for about 12 dollars, a lot better than the usp brand of 50 count for 10 dollars.

 

[KevT]

I still use the nails, but then I have a positive placement nailer made for hangers and straps. Even easier than screws

 

[Rustyiron]

With a lot of hanger's using 12 or so fastener's per hanger, I could not imagine the time and cost over using an (air - strip nail) joist hanger nailer.

 

[Pirate]

I would like to see some proof that a specific joist screw is better than say a deck screw. I can't see how all those screws really matter on what type you use.

 

[EddieWalker]

Deck screws are not structural and they are not designed to support a load. They are designed to hold lumber in place. One of the big mistakes I see amateurs or home hobbyist make when building a deck is to attach a beam or joist to the side of a post with just nails or screws.

Specifically engineered screws that are designed to support the load of a joist hanger are made of a metal that will not snap like a deck screw will. They are thicker and made from a stronger metal. They also have bigger and stronger heads.

Think along the lines of carriage bolts scaled down to something similar in size to a screw.

 

[Rustyiron]

Not exactly on topic, but boy do I wish I invented the GRK fastener line!
For anyone that's ever used/bought them, you know what I mean!

 

[Rustyiron]

Not exactly on topic, but boy do I wish I invented the GRK fastener line!
For anyone that's ever used/bought them, you know what I mean!

 

[EddieWalker]

I used 12 inch GRK's for anchoring the bottom plates under my beams into my log posts when building my wedding gazebo. Pricey, but still a bargain for what you get.

 

[s219]

I have used the Simpson screws on hangers, and liked them. On one projects, I used screws for some hangers and nails for others, depending on which was easier to deal with

 

[hslogger]

It's nickel dime in my book. There is a reason that Tico type nails are recommended for nail plates and hangers like Simpson stuff. Simpsons screws are made to go with their product and they are good. The gents who like the GRK's are right on as far as install but not always the strength for some loads. They have an exterior and interior line, and a pressure treated line, all specific for the task. Their star drive modus operandi is super. Try 'em and you'll love em.

 

[PILOON]

When it comes to joist hangers, I have seen bunches that simply sport maybe 4-5 roofing nails.
Folks don't realize that to be structural each and every hole needs to have an appropriate fastener.
I for one really like using a palm nailer for that job along with the correct nails.
Whatever fastener used it needs to be shear vs tension rated.
Screws 'pull' therefor are a tension device and by design joist hangers want a sheer fastener, mind U if all hales are used I doubt that any decent fastener will fail.

Recently noticed a deck build where the carpenters merely toe nailed the joists with 6 ea 3" nails.
I promptly advised the owner to add joist hangers and fill every nail hole. (and our winters will load up to 4 ft of packed snow on most decks)

 

[EddieWalker]

Recently noticed a deck build where the carpenters merely toe nailed the joists with 6 ea 3" nails.

Around here, the most common nail used on a deck is between 2 and 2 1/2 inches. I've seen as many as 20 used to attach a 2x6 joist or beam to the side of a 4x4 post, but usually they just use 2 or 3. When I get the call, the joist or beam has already pulled away from the post and things are starting to fall apart. It's rare that I can save anything, but sometimes I get lucky.

As for the palm nailer, If I can avoid dealing with a hose and air compressor, I will. On deck, I never use a nail on anything. It's all screws and bolts. About the only time I use a framing nail gun is when framing up walls and rafters.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I got this Bostitch teco nailer quite a while ago, before code approved hanger screws were in general use. It was an amazing upgrade from hand nailing! But if I ever do anything else requiring hangers, I will probably go with the special screws, because a cordless driver is lighter and easier to handle than the nailer with hose.