Framing nails is essential for performing the functions that hold the structural components of a house together. Framing nails create the skeleton of a building. If the wrong size or type of framing nail are used, the structure of the building may be weak.
If the structure is weak, the building may not meet the building codes for that structure. Building codes are used to ensure that a structure can withstand various force. The framing nails for that structure must be selected accordingly.
How to Choose Framing Nails
Framing nails come in various size, which are categorized by the penny size system. The penny size system indicate the length and thickness of the framing nails. For example, 16d framing nails are used for lumber sized 2×4 or 2×6. Smaller framing nails, approximately 2 inches in length, are used for light tasks.
Larger framing nails, 3-1/2 inches in length, are used for primary studs and plate in the structure. Longer framing nails are necessary for deep penetration of the receiving board. Deep penetration of the framing nails is necessary for the framing nails to be able to withstand lateral forces.
Thicker framing nails are used for the same reason that longer framing nails is selected; thick framing nails can more better resist being bent by shear forces. There are two different parts of framing nails that impact the ability of the nails to perform their function of holding the structure together. The head of the nail and the shank of the nail play critical role in the strength of the joint created by the framing nails.
Full round heads help to even distribute the force of the joint across the framing members to prevent the nail from being pulled through the member. Full round heads are often required for framing members that are exposed to wind forces. Some framing nails have clipped heads to allow the nails to fit more better in the magazine of the nail gun.
However, these nails are often not permitted in areas with uplift forces that is required by the building codes. The smoother the shank of the nail, the easier it is to drive the nail into dry lumber. However, ring-shanked or helical-shanked nails is used for situations where a stronger grip on the framing member is required.
For instance, when framing decks or structures in areas that are prone to hurricanes and heavy rainfall, the rings on the shanks of the nails provides the nails with a betterer grip on the swollen framing members. Framing nails must be compatible with the nail gun that will be used to place the nails into the lumber. The collation angle for the framing nails will determine the type of nail gun that will be used.
For instance, some nail guns have magazine that are sized to hold many full-head framing nails. Other framing nails may have steeper angles to the heads so that they can better driven into tight spaces. The type of framing nails to be used should match the specifications for the type of nail gun that will be used to place the framing nails into position in the lumber.
Not all parts of a structure use the same types of nails. For instance, studs must be end-nailed or toe-nailed to the bottom plates to allow for the transfer of shear forces between the studs and the plates. Headers often use rows of nails that is staggered to ensure that the force is evenly distributed along the header.
Rim joists must be tied to the floor planks every 6 inch. Engineered beams, such as LVLs, must use longer and thicker framing nails because they are engineered to resist lamination slip. Blocking on a structure must be toe-nailed at the end of the members into which they are being secured.
Finally, hurricane ties use full-head framing nails because they require specific ratings of strength to remain valid in meeting building codes. Framing nails have two main type of strength. The first is the withdrawal strength of the nail.
This measures the strength of the nail in preventing it from being pulled straight out of the framing members. Using ring-shanked framing nails can increase the withdrawal strength of a framing nail. The second is the lateral shear strength of the framing nail.
This strength determine the ability of the framing nail to not be bent sideways by the framing members. The lateral shear strength of a framing nail is related to the diameter of the framing nail and the density of the wood from which it is pulled. Finally, treated lumber contains copper preservatives that will corrode plain steel framing nails.
Therefore, if using treated lumber, it is best to use framing nails made of hot-dip zinc or stainless steel to prevent the nails from corroding. There are various tools for driving framing nails into position in the lumber structure. For instance, pneumatic nail guns require a compressor.
Cordless nail guns use batteries to provide the necessary power to drive the nails into the lumber. Pneumatic nail guns are best for large construction worksites. Cordless nail guns are best for remodeling a structure because there is no need for a hose to move the nail gun from one location to another.
Additionally, the PSI of a pneumatic nail gun can be adjusted so that the framing nails are driven flush to the surface of the framing members. Driving the nails too hard with a pneumatic tool can cause the embedment of the nails into the framing members to be lost. When using framing nails, there are certain mistake that should be avoided.
For instance, it is not a good idea to use sinker nails in place of common framing nails. Sinker nails are thinner in diameter and may not meet the lateral strength requirements for framing members. It is also necessary to ensure that the framing nails penetrate at least half the thickness of the receiving framing members.
Finally, in cold weather, the power of the nail gun may be lessened. To combat this, the pressure of a pneumatic nail gun may have to be increased or the batteries in a cordless nail gun may have to be warmed. Additionally, as stated above, it is necessary to always check the local building codes for a structure to ensure that the nailing patterns used for various components of that structure are correct.
