On May 24, 9:16*am, wrote:
On Tue, 24 May 2011 04:40:21 -0700 (PDT), jamesgangnc





wrote:
On May 23, 5:38*pm, "James" wrote:
I have taken all comments to heart, and plan to cut the beams with a 12 inch
miter saw, and cut in more than one pass. * Several responders said that
would make *a smooth cut if care is taken in the process.

NEW * * QUESTION !! *:

While I used *12 inch spiral nails on a similar project about ten years ago,
my carpenter-helper has suggested that I consider using *Spax Lag Screws, of
the proper material for use with PT lumber. * I suppose that I would use *10
inch screws, either *with a torx *or hex head. * *I am old fashioned *(and
old), and I just can't quite see how a screw could provide as much stability
as a 3/8 *inch spike nail, or a spiral nail. *My carpenter assures me that
it can. * It would also seem to me to very hard to install these, but the
Spax website claims one version of the lag screw doesn't even require
pre-drilling *!! * I just can't envision how this *10 inch screw could be
drilled in straight, and not go off on a bad angle or something...

Any thoughts/ *ideas, *or *(most importantly) *experience using these *Spax
products ???

Thanks for any tips on this *!!

James

It will go straight. *Use a couple where you would have used a single
large spike.

You better have one hell of a powerful drill too, and be prepared to
pay about $3 or more per screw. *Dont even think about using a battery
powered drill. *- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

It's not really hard to drive them as they are pretty thin. For the
volume it sounds like he has, a corded drill would be better. They
are expensive. They are a labor saving solution. Fits the commercial
side a bit better where labor is your biggest cost. They are fast.
Pop a couple in in less than 30 seconds. No predrilling. For harry
homeowner labor is free so that might factor differently in the
decision.

Labor saving doesn't seem to be an issue for him though as he plans to
use a miter saw to cut the 6x6s. MYself I'd mark and cut a bunch with
a chain saw as they were coming off the truck and going down the
hill. Then zip them together with screws and move on.