Screws instead of Nails in Framing - ok?

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 4:32 pm

Rod,

So are the standards pretty much universal from state to state, when it comes to framing?

e.g. Is a 2x4 stud wall w/16d nails pretty much a "standard", albeit a minimum?

Max

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 6:26 am

MadMax wrote:

Rod,

So are the standards pretty much universal from state to state, when it comes to framing?

e.g. Is a 2x4 stud wall w/16d nails pretty much a "standard", albeit a minimum?

Max

Max,

the standards don't vary that much state to state unless seismic comes into play - and then all bets are off.

BUT - although contractors generally build walls lying down with 2 spikes per stud through the top plate or the shoe - which does make it (I suppose) a "standard" - the code doesn't recognize it as such.

The code proscribes minimum fasteners to be used for that condition - but also allows for the toe-nailing of studs into the shoe or top plate...........

And - as I mentioned earlier - the code(s) also allow for the use of equivilent methods (seeing as all of the codes are considered to be "minimum standards") with the intent that the codes should not stop the use of alternative methods which can prove to be as good - or better than- the codes - as long as those methods are backed up by good engineering principles.

I hope that cleared things up.

Rod

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:53 pm

I think I found the screws that Mike Holmes is using in his framing.

They say "Outperforms nails in all projects where fasteners are required."
The examples are all framing with 2x material (e.g. 2x6's).

They're called Paulin High Performance Dura-Grip Construction Screws.
They're Yellow Zinc Dichromate Plated (not recommended for ACQ Treated Lumber).

Imported by: H Paulin & Co. Limited, Toronto Canada M1L 4N3

http://www.hpaulin.com/

I bought a couple. I could take photo's if anyone wants, or bend a few in a vice until they snap and compare them to nails.

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:13 pm

Z, where on their site did you see a description of these Dura-Grip screws. I found nothing in their catalog.

Lee

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 11:13 pm

jazzman_in_pa:

I haven't found a web based description yet.
There was a mention in the catalog, but no useful english text on the topic.

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 9:40 am

I find it kind of silly that there is a hard time realizing that a structure will tend move and shift; and if the framing were to be held together with screws they would snap. Nails on the other hand just bend, which is better? That simple.

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 1:01 pm

Quote:

if the framing were to be held together with screws they would snap

The implication on the advertising was that these screws would not snap.

So I put them to the test, and Nails came out better than These Screws.

http://www.bobgolds.com/NailVsScrewTest/home.htm

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 2:12 pm

Very interesting, straightforward, and compelling test, Bob. Although I don't expect any of my walls to be bent out of shape by 45 degrees, your test is still graphically persuasive about the relative strength of nails versus screws in a shear situation.

Lee

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