Screws vs. Nails - Prepping to build a Shed/Garage for my Harleys

[MossflowerWoods]

TBNers,

As of this Thursday at the latest, our Harleys will have lost their garage in town due to that house has tenants moving in (Yahoo!). Now they will be parked in the carport.

I am planning to build a shed/garage just inside the gate where the drive way swings around a bend to make a 90 degree turn down to the house. There will be a projects thread (with pictures of course) for that project.

I actually have a series of questions but the one I'm obssessing on now is this.

Screws or Nails.

Personally I'm a screw gun guy. I have issues hitting the nails straight, plus I now have carpal tunnel in both hands bad enough the DR is insisting I get surgery in the right hand ASAP, and the left 6 weeks later. I keep telling him I have too much work to do. He does not care & tried to get me in this Friday.

I'm really talking about the floor and frame etc. The siding panels I will nail easymost. Same with the trim, shingles etc.

But what kept me up last night was a concern that the floor joist hangers worrying that screws might not have the same load bearing capacity as Nails, thereby defeating the planned strength of the joist.

I'm hoping this is not quite as polarized as Ag vs R4 tires , and at least as informative as Stick vs. Oxy/Acetylene:thumbsup:.

Gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES!

Thanks in advance!
Be well,
David

 

[bp fick]

I like driving screws, but honestly, give some thought to a nail gun. It is easier on your wrists, I believe, as I too suffer with these same, painful maladies.

You can shoot ring shank, galvanized, coated or nails that combine all these features for great holding power. Once you shoot, I believe you'd find it far less hurtful for your wrists, arms and hands than screwing.

 

[Fixemall]

Use nails (ring shank) for framing and staples for the sheathing. If you are uncomfortable with an air gun get a Paslode cordless nailer, they work great and are a bit safer.

 

[jimmysisson]

Bostitch and others make a positive-placement nail gun for hangers. You might can rent one just for the hangers. Other fasteners, agree with other posters - screws are just too slow. Nail gun is the answer.
For the carpal, keep your thumb wrapped, not up the handle - might help short term. Sometimes the urge (or need) to beat something into place is unstoppable!
Jim

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Use nails (ring shank) for framing and staples for the sheathing. If you are uncomfortable with an air gun get a Paslode cordless nailer, they work great and are a bit safer.

Fixemall,

What's a ring shank nail?

I'm fine with an air gun. My next build is I need to finish the attic.

BUt an air gun means I need a compressor and a generator because there is no power at the garage location. Unless there is something I don't kow about (of which there are many, just read my posts and that is obvious).

Thanks,

David

 

[srossman]

Fixemall,

What's a ring shank nail?

I'm fine with an air gun. My next build is I need to finish the attic.

BUt an air gun means I need a compressor and a generator because there is no power at the garage location. Unless there is something I don't kow about (of which there are many, just read my posts and that is obvious).

Thanks,

David

Check out paslode.com They make a cordless nail gun that runs on a battery and gas cartridge. No compressor needed.

 

[LD1]

I agree with the "get the nail gun". It is the best $200 or so you will spend.

But in a nut shell, screws have superior pull-out strength compaired to nails.

Nut nails have superior sheer stength.

So you have to look at what forces are going to be applied and decide accordingly.

For example, things like headers, joists, beams, etc need the sheer strength of nails.

Things that need good pull out strength you can use screws. Like metal siding/roofing, wall studs, purlins, sheeting, etc.

And for the most critical connections, the use of carriage/thru bolts is reccomended. Like post to header connections.

But I would also advise that you check the code where you live. It may or may not apply, but do what they advise. Where I live, there is no code for NON-residential structures. So we can do what we want. But double check your area.

Also, most of them joist hangers, strong-ties, etc have stamped on them what they reccomend for fasteners and how to install the correctly. I suggest following that as well.:thumbsup:

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I agree with the "get the nail gun". It is the best $200 or so you will spend.

But in a nut shell, screws have superior pull-out strength compaired to nails.

Nut nails have superior sheer stength.

So you have to look at what forces are going to be applied and decide accordingly.

For example, things like headers, joists, beams, etc need the sheer strength of nails.

Things that need good pull out strength you can use screws. Like metal siding/roofing, wall studs, purlins, sheeting, etc.

And for the most critical connections, the use of carriage/thru bolts is reccomended. Like post to header connections.

But I would also advise that you check the code where you live. It may or may not apply, but do what they advise. Where I live, there is no code for NON-residential structures. So we can do what we want. But double check your area.

Also, most of them joist hangers, strong-ties, etc have stamped on them what they reccomend for fasteners and how to install the correctly. I suggest following that as well.:thumbsup:

LD1,

This is EXACTLY what I wanted to know.

Thank you.

My basic plan is to build the base with pressure treated lumber, prob 2x6 mounted on 4x4 posts set in concrete but I might need to re consider concrete footers - my concern is my ability to level the structure & to keep the ramp into the doorway manageable.

I'm also going to add a solar 12v system to charge the batteries and provide 1 or 2 lights as needed.

Thanks,
David

 

[smstonypoint]

LD1,



My basic plan is to build the base with pressure treated lumber,

David,

Some fasteners deteriorate when used with pressure treated lumber. Stainless steel is supposedly impervious to the chemicals used in treating the lumber, but stainless steel fasteners are pricey.

Another poster mentioned Paslode nail guns. I have Paslode cordless framing and trim guns and have no complaints. Paslode has a hot-dipped galvanized framing nail that is approved for use with ACQ and MCQ lumber.Hot Dipped Galvanized Plus 30ｺ Framing Nails - Paslode

Steve

 

[Fixemall]

Fixemall,

What's a ring shank nail?

I'm fine with an air gun. My next build is I need to finish the attic.

BUt an air gun means I need a compressor and a generator because there is no power at the garage location. Unless there is something I don't kow about (of which there are many, just read my posts and that is obvious).

Thanks,

David

A ring shank is a nail with tiny rings running the entire length of it, makes them harder to pull out in most lumber. As others have pointed out, take a look at Paslode, they run on a rechargeable battery and Butane, are reliable and eliminate the need for air and onsite power.