Why can't I use deck screws instead of nails in fastening joist
hangers for my deck? It seems to me that screws will hold much better
than nails. I know that shear strength has to be taken into
consideration. I wrote to McFeely's about this and they said the
shear strength of a #8 screw is 400 lbs. With four of these screws in
a joist hanger that gives a total of 1600 lbs per joist every sixteen
inches. I know that our county code says that nails are to be used
but it doesn't say you cannot use screws. The inspector is trying to
convice me to replace the screws with nails. What happened to common
sense?

Eldon Armstrong wrote:
Why can't I use deck screws instead of nails in fastening joist
hangers for my deck? It seems to me that screws will hold much better
than nails. I know that shear strength has to be taken into
consideration. I wrote to McFeely's about this and they said the
shear strength of a #8 screw is 400 lbs. With four of these screws in
a joist hanger that gives a total of 1600 lbs per joist every sixteen
inches. I know that our county code says that nails are to be used
but it doesn't say you cannot use screws. The inspector is trying to
convice me to replace the screws with nails. What happened to common
sense?


You can use screws, just not deck screws. This has to do with the
shear strength of the screws.

The SD8x1.25 is the screw for your application.

http://www.strongtie.com/products/co...rs/screws.html

--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX

"Eldon Armstrong" wrote in message
news:1107317239.e7291fdbccb9ccf39b2a2117184a14f3@t eranews...
Why can't I use deck screws instead of nails in fastening joist
hangers for my deck? It seems to me that screws will hold much better
than nails. I know that shear strength has to be taken into
consideration. I wrote to McFeely's about this and they said the
shear strength of a #8 screw is 400 lbs. With four of these screws in
a joist hanger that gives a total of 1600 lbs per joist every sixteen
inches. I know that our county code says that nails are to be used
but it doesn't say you cannot use screws. The inspector is trying to
convice me to replace the screws with nails. What happened to common
sense?

Screws are better, but more expensive and time consuming. I don't know what
the inspector is talking about.

Why can't I use deck screws instead of nails in fastening joist
hangers for my deck? It seems to me that screws will hold much better
than nails. I know that shear strength has to be taken into
consideration. I wrote to McFeely's about this and they said the
shear strength of a #8 screw is 400 lbs. With four of these screws in
a joist hanger that gives a total of 1600 lbs per joist every sixteen
inches. I know that our county code says that nails are to be used
but it doesn't say you cannot use screws. The inspector is trying to
convice me to replace the screws with nails. What happened to common
sense?

Seems to me that the deck screws , if coated, would also last longer
and hold better in almost all ways. However, I can see where a body
might be tempted to unscrew a deck screw and that could be disastrous
if done once a heavy load is imposed. Nails offer a more permanent
fastening.

There's bound to be some thinking like this in the code decision.

In aircraft, the standard is the "minimum standard" and can always be
changed with a superior repair/replacement if it can be proven to
"meet or exceed" the minumum standard. There are hoops to jump
through, but it can be done.

Maybe that is how to make it OK to use screws. Jump through some hoops
and prove your fasteners to be superior. If you can afford it time
and dollars. Otherwise I'd be buying some nails. Hell,......they're
probably a lot cheaper than bucking the system anyway.

My opinion was free, so if it's not satisfactory, I offer a full
refund.


Remove "YOURPANTIES" to reply

MUADIB®

http://www.angelfire.com/retro/sster...IN%20PAGE.html

one small step for man,.....
One giant leap for attorneys.

What specs (or even brands) should I look for in regards to ph screws
and bits that are durable...i.e. don't wear out.

correct email is

Frank Thompson wrote:
What specs (or even brands) should I look for in regards to ph screws
and bits that are durable...i.e. don't wear out.

For what application?

I have almost completely converted over to square drive screws. Try
'em, you won't go back.

http://www.rockler.com/articles/disp...1&&story_id=53

Contractors use nails because they are penny pinchers. Eventually
their ways become the standard because that's what people are used to.
Find another inspector that knows what their stuff. And I hope you
used stainless steel...

"Frank Thompson" wrote in message
...
What specs (or even brands) should I look for in regards to ph screws
and bits that are durable...i.e. don't wear out.

I wouldn't worry too much about bits that don't wear out - I'd just get
several of them. That's why they sell contractor packs.

Contractors use nails because they are penny pinchers. Eventually
their ways become the standard because that's what people are used to.
Find another inspector that knows what their stuff. And I hope you
used stainless steel...

Frank Thompson wrote:

What specs (or even brands) should I look for in regards to ph screws
and bits that are durable...i.e. don't wear out.

Phillips is a standard, sized in numbers. #0 through #3. #2 being the
most common. Robertson (square drive), and Torx are others.

Screws are made of materials, I can get cheap steel ones, galvanized,
stainless, etc depending on the application and requirements.

Yes, the #2 that you use will be come stripped if you let it rotate in
the screw, which is why they are sold in bulk bags, and just used up
like everything else.

A double ended drive bit, with #2 Phillips and square would be really
handy here in North America.

Every project I've done, screws are a lot faster. Zip with a drill driver is
faster and easier than bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang
bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang
bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang
with a hammer.

--

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
www.mormons.com


"jeffc" wrote in message
. com...


Screws are better, but more expensive and time consuming. I don't know what
the inspector is talking about.

Sounds like you need to get a decent size hammer. 16oz standard hammer
is a play toy.

Harry K

Sounds like you need to get a decent size hammer. 16oz standard hammer
is a play toy.


Well, not exactly, but it's called a "finish" hammer for a reason.
You should use a 22oz or bigger framing hammer for framing work,
(and won't those treads do a job on your thumb?) and a
16 oz finish hammer for trim. And an 8-10 oz tack hammer,
just for the hell of it.


Harry K

A good source for high quality tools and bits is

http://www.wera.de/cgi-bin/vshop?HTML=wera.htm

Dave L


In article ,
Frank Thompson wrote:

What specs (or even brands) should I look for in regards to ph screws
and bits that are durable...i.e. don't wear out.

correct email is

"Frank Thompson" wrote in message
...
What specs (or even brands) should I look for in regards to ph screws
and bits that are durable...i.e. don't wear out.

correct email is


Go to www.mcfeelys.com They carry the best brands of all types of screws
and have reasonable prices.

As for bits, are you looking at replaceable bits? Most are rather cheap and
can be discarded as soon as they start to show wear or slip.

Consider using square drive screws as they are even better than Phillips or
Posi-drive screws. If you are using a cordless driver, set the torque
correctly and it will save on the bit and give a better fit of the screw.

Bondhaus makes a ball end square screw drive that is very handy in
tight access spots. Like their ball end hex drivers.

On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 00:58:34 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:


"Frank Thompson" wrote in message
.. .
What specs (or even brands) should I look for in regards to ph screws
and bits that are durable...i.e. don't wear out.

correct email is


Go to www.mcfeelys.com They carry the best brands of all types of screws
and have reasonable prices.

As for bits, are you looking at replaceable bits? Most are rather cheap and
can be discarded as soon as they start to show wear or slip.

Consider using square drive screws as they are even better than Phillips or
Posi-drive screws. If you are using a cordless driver, set the torque
correctly and it will save on the bit and give a better fit of the screw.