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?