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Using screws on joist hangers. We explore whether you should use nails or screws.
- Using screws on joist hangers I planned on using nails for the joist hangers I have. Dont modify them by cutting them shorter. Joist hangers do the heavy lifting only when they’re fastened with the right screws. Screws, such as the Simpson CSA, do not require pre-drilling. For more Mastered Learn how to use a joist hanger with easy step-by-step instructions for secure and reliable support in your construction projects. TIPS: hurricane ties, joist hanger tips, nails vs screws: what is better? Assembling the deck, I'd only use nails. Dont reuse joist hangers. Below is a summary table of the top products designed for these applications, followed by detailed descriptions and a buying guide to help Aug 26, 2025 · In short, selecting the right screw isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, longevity, and peace of mind. Typically it requires the screws be put in at an angle and you will use a number of screws (4 most commonly) that pull in different directions to maximize strength. Learn the balance between screw size and joist width to avoid structural failure. Boost durability and precision in your projects t Jun 5, 2021 · I have attached hundreds of deck joist hangers using both screws and nails. Joist hangers provide greater shear force support to joists, as the hanger allows for both face nailing and toe-nailing into ledger boards and rim joists. Screws must be driven in slowly and carefully to ensure they penetrate both the joist and the ledger board or beam, which can be challenging in tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas. For outdoors use hot-dipped galvanised nails. All three are used to secure two beams together to provide a stable and sturdy structure to handle a heavy load. Use code-approved nails or structural screws for reliable shear strength. 2 days ago · Learn why standard wood screws are unsafe for joist hangers. Jan 28, 2025 · Missing Nails Every hole in a joist hanger needs a nail. Whether you’re a professio. Nov 5, 2023 · How to Use Joist Hangers To use joist hangers, start by purchasing the correct size hanger and matching fasteners. Why do you need to use a specific Fastener for your JOIST HANGER?Shane will tell you about the RIGHT choice in under 3 minsBe sure to SUBSCRIBE to get more g The parts won’t hold themselves up. Screws don’t have enough shear strength. The Advantages of Using Screws for Joist Installation: 1. Joist hangers also make joist installation simpler, as the hangers hold the joists in place as you fasten them. For hangers, I've used nails for the majority of my career. Together fasteners and connectors create a system that ensures the strength of your connections and the safety of your structures. Use 10d galvanized nails or manufacturer-approved structural screws to ensure secure, code-compliant joist hanger installation. We explore whether you should use nails or screws. nails: Which should you choose? Discover the pros and cons of each option to ensure your hangers are secure and long-lasting. When nails are missing, the hangers won’t hold as much weight as they should. Furthermore Use joist hanger nails that are designed for the particular hanger. These connectors are cost-effective and can be used for many small and large jobs. Joist hangers are essential components in modern construction, providing the necessary support for joists that hold up floors, ceilings, and decks. May 19, 2024 · When it comes to securing joist hangers, the decision between using nails or screws is crucial. This article explores the purpose of joist hangers, step-by-step installation guidelines, common mistakes to Oct 31, 2024 · Get the right screw size for your joist hangers to ensure a strong, secure connection. 1 Nails vs. The load-rated SD screw has been tested and approved for use in many popular Simpson Strong-Tie products. We use screws almost exclusively, Simpson makes many different sizes for different hangers and loads, manuals are quite thorough. Aug 28, 2025 · Screws provide better resistance against withdrawal forces, which is critical in joist hangers subjected to dynamic loads like wind or foot traffic. Chapter 1: Types of Fasteners for Joist Hangers – What Works Best? 1. Depending on the size of the holes in the hanger you should use a number 8 or number 10 nail and use 10D hot dipped nails to nail the hangers through the joists when toe nailing. Joist hangers and their corresponding screws must provide excellent load capacity, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with wood types. Don't leave gaps between the end of the joist and the beam, the truss and the wall plate. This can When installed properly, joist hangers will keep your deck or floors sturdy and durable. Oct 4, 2024 · For standard joist hangers, secure the hanger to the joist using only 1-1/2 in. Could I use screws in place of nails for the joist hangers, or are nails the better choice? Joist Hanger Installation: why more people are using screws instead of nails +Why this joist connector is often missed. Jun 18, 2025 · Master the art of joist hanger installation with expert tips and techniques for flawless wood joinery. Mar 14, 2020 · You can use screws designed explicitly made for joist hangers. The previous blog in the How to Pick a Connector Series by Randy Shackelford, on “ Selecting a Joist Hanger,” covered the available Simpson Strong-Tie joist hanger options and how to pick a hanger for your design. Failure to install joist hangers properly can result in a hazardous result. Screws used instead of nails Joist hanger manufacturers specify nails. The fix is simple: add nails. There are four things to consider with deck joist’s hanger fasteners, costs, including material and installation. Jan 31, 2023 · Never use deck screws or drywall screws to secure your joist fasteners, as joist hangers are engineered products that require specific hardware. This week’s blog focuses on … Continue reading "How to Pick a Connector Series – Selecting Fasteners" The Strong-Drive SD Connector screw is specifically designed to replace nails in certain Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and is the only screw approved for that application. Avoid longer nails that would poke through the joist and splay out the other side of the hanger. And it is a shed, whos looking that close. Jun 14, 2025 · Choosing the right screws for joist hangers is crucial to ensure durable, safe, and strong wood frame connections. ----------------------------------------- However, you can design a screw pattern to allow you to screw a structural member, such as a beam or joist, to another cross member. Nov 13, 2019 · Can I use screws instead of joist hangers? While structural nails are typically used to fasten joist hangers, you may be wondering if screws can be used instead. Whether you are building a deck, floor, or ceiling, correctly installing joist hangers ensures structural integrity, safety, and longevity of the project. Installation Process Installing joist hangers with screws can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive than using nails. Pick the wrong size and the connection can lose capacity, fail inspection, or corrode out long before the deck or floor. Sep 23, 2024 · Using force, such as hammering a nail into a beam, can damage both the joist hanger and the surrounding structure, which is crucial for supporting heavy loads. Oct 31, 2022 · Why Use Joist Hangers Joist hangers are connectors skillfully molded from steel. Aug 25, 2019 · My brother insisted on using those fasteners for the deck boards and several of them snapped trying to straighten bowed deck boards. Discover the tools and techniques needed to properly install joist hangers for decks, floors, and more. Joist hangers commonly have a U shape to fit around three sides of the joist. This connection is much stronger than using screws or nails alone. Nov 13, 2023 · Are Joist Hangers Crucial? Should You Nail or Screw Joist Hangers? Can I Use a Nail Gun with Joist Hangers? Joist hangers, end-nailing, and toe-nailing are joist connection methods used to fasten the joists to the ledger board. They have to be fastened in place. Structural Screws In many older projects, nails were standard for joist hanger installation. Here’s a how-to guide on joist hanger installation. Jul 18, 2025 · Joist hangers are essential hardware components used in construction to provide strong, reliable support for joists in wood framing. The choice of fasteners can impact the overall strength, stability, and longevity of the structure. Install fasteners through predrilled holes in the hanger and rim joist using heavy-duty structural connector screws. Jul 4, 2023 · I have never seen joist hangers that need more than 1 1/2" hanger nails, I have never used screws but can't imagine why you would need more length, the floor will stop any pull out and more length does not add to the shear strength of the screw. Align the joist with the rim joist and hammer the prongs of the hanger to the rim joist. Do not use flat bottom gables with scissor trusses. If you're intent on not using the specified 1-1/2" joist hanger nails (they don't have to be Simpson brand) then you really should be looking at something called a structural screw (if you Today we give you information about joist hangers and how to correctly install them. However, avoid using any other types of screws as they cannot support joist loads and are not designed to withstand shear force. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Sep 4, 2025 · In this post, we’ll dive into when and how you can use screws for joist hangers, the pros and cons of screws versus nails, and what you need to know to keep your construction safe and strong. Whether or not you can use the #10 instead of a #10 screw for a joist hanger would depend on the specific joist hanger; please contact the Simpson Strong-Tie Customer Service team at 800-999-5099 so we can help you with your specific joist hanger application. Data Point: According to a 2022 study by WoodWorks, joist hangers fastened with structural screws showed a 40% higher ultimate load capacity compared to those fastened with standard nails. Learn about the factors that determine the right screw size. Aug 28, 2025 · Whether you’re a hobbyist building your first deck or a small contractor looking for reliable methods that save time and reduce callbacks, understanding how to use screws effectively in joist hangers is essential. This is a solution used in timer framing where the size of the members makes a hanger unfeasible In this article, we will explore the feasibility of using screws for joist installation, examining the advantages, challenges, and best practices associated with alternative attachment methods. Never use deck screws or drywall screws to install joist hangers. A joist or a truss must lie fully on the bearing. The nails I bought are 16d galvanized made by Simpson, the same company that made the hangers. We look forward to hearing from you. Regular Wood Screws vs. Increased Holding Power: Screws generally provide greater shear and pull-out strength than nails, thanks to their threaded design. There is no way they have adequate shear strength for the joist hangers. Jun 26, 2024 · When installing joist hangers, the type of fastener used is crucial for ensuring stability & safety. Enhance the strength and safety of your builds with our expert guide. Joist hangers are preferable to both toe-nailing and end-nailing. Much more consistent install especially with LVL material and tight areas Aug 2, 2024 · Get the right joist width and hanger screw size to ensure a strong, safe structure. If your joist fasteners come with manufacturer provided nails, use them. long galvanized joist hanger nails. In certain applications screws are easier and more convenient to install than nails, and the single-fastener load Oct 28, 2021 · Nail at 45 degrees. Either will suffice for hangers. Structurally it is crucial to evaluate hanger fasteners shear strength along with corrosion resistance. May 30, 2009 · I looked at some of the extra screws and they look like ordinary deck screws. This guide gives you a clear rule of thumb, when to step up in size, and how to match screw length and coating to the job. They create a strong connection between joist lumber, beams, or rim joists. The only exception to this is when you’re using a structural screw specified by the manufacturer, such as the Jul 7, 2022 · What size screw should I use for joist hangers? For interior framing, that means using only the thicker 10d, 12d or 16d common nails (rather than skinnier sinker nails) to fasten a joist hanger’s face flange to wall ledgers, headers and beams. Joist hanger screws vs. Aug 29, 2025 · While the idea of using screws in joist hangers might seem straightforward at first glance, it hinges on following one crucial code rule: only use approved structural screws tested specifically for that purpose. Some carpenters get this wrong. I have used screws but I can bang out a lot more with a positive placement nailer than I can with an impact and screws. njswv1d yi89bi lddzi 2es bfxzq 0m tegi thrm 8eiy5nm p1v1