12-23-2009, 04:24 PM
Quote:Oh noooooo! I had the blueprint upside down when I built the building!!! Does this mean I have to start all over?
Nope! Just move the roof!
Quote:Oh noooooo! I had the blueprint upside down when I built the building!!! Does this mean I have to start all over?
Gary S Wrote:Thanks Tetters,
In the past, I had always assumed that the screws were better than nails. I thought that nails were used only because they were faster and cheaper. Now I am giving it more thought.
I wish I could find some actual engineering studies, because again, I don't think the "shear" is as important as some of the internet info makes it seem.
But dang it, you guys have me considering going back and adding nails in addition to the screws!!!!
Good stuff!
doctorwayne Wrote:Nails and screws are relatively easy to pull once you get a grip on them, with nails more-or-less being removed from the hole created by their installation and screws removing the material immediately around them. If you're installing a ringed flooring nail with a hammer, and for some reason (hit a water pipe ) have to remove the partially-driven nail, chances are it will either also remove the wood around the rings, much as a screw would, or the head will break off.
doctorwayne Wrote:Most building codes have regulations governing lumber specifications (permitted spans, loads, live load limits, etc.) and also nailing "schedules" which specify how many of what type, size, and length of fastener are to be used for each particular application.
doctorwayne Wrote:A lot also depends on the metallurgical properties of the fastener, especially for screws - I've bought screws that were of such poor quality (one big guess where they were made) that the heads snapped off as the screw was being driven, or the material was so soft that the socket was mangled by the driver bit, even though the fit between the two was excellent. I've also had many instances where the screw will bend while being driven.
MountainMan Wrote:Nope! Just move the roof!
doctorwayne Wrote:If you're installing a ringed flooring nail with a hammer, and for some reason (hit a water pipe ) have to remove the partially-driven nail
yellowlynn Wrote:I was on a mission trip to Jackson, Ohio to build a church. We used 5 1/2 TON of nails. The reason? state codes required 70 nails, repeat, 70 nails at all truss joints with 1/2" plywood gussets. Pound 35 in from one side, turn it over, crimp the nails and put in 35 from the other side. Then turn it over and crimp those nails. It sure splintered the plywood, but the state inspector said those were the best trusses he'd seen (????????) . I think the trusses were about a 40 or 50" span. We had no nail guns, all by hand. Talk about sore arms!!!!
Lynn
Gary S Wrote:In my internet searches on screws versus nails, most of what I found was anecdotal evidence that house framing is stronger with nails. This was from carpentry or builder forum discussions. Man, those guys get downright irate when someone asks if screws may be better than nails - "By God, I have been using nails for 20 years and the inspector passes it, therefore nails must be better than screws" and "What kind of ignoramous would use screws when everyone knows nails are better?"
This one guy had asked if there are any scientific tests which determined if nails were indeed better than screws. They went off on him big. Called him all kinds of names, etc. "Hey doofus, why do you need a scientific test? Every house I built was with nails so nails must be better."
Of course, the only evidence against the screws was the "drive it half way in and whack it with a hammer" test. I just don't see that as being a realistic test of the loads that a screw would be subjected to. And the scientific toenail test I mentioned above certainly suggests that screws may be better. And my little experiment did also. Anyway, I feel confident in the screws. Now... back to the building! The rain has moved out, it is clear and sunny, so time to get some work done!!!
See y'all later!
Gary
Gary S Wrote:When you built your house, did you already have your layout in mind and fashion the basement accordingly? Or did your interest in trains come later?
tetters Wrote:LOL!!! That post made me laugh. Just because of the comments you uncovered, which only proves my point earlier about discussions similar to this turning into a slug fest.