Can You Use Screws For Framing

Fiasco labs apr 5 16 at 20 55.

Can you use screws for framing.

I would never use screws on a shed or wall framing. Can screws be used instead of nails for attaching wall sheathing to framing. You can also use hurricane clips straps etc. Obviously you cannot have a screw that is longer than the sum of the widths of the two pieces you are joining.

By the way if you look at the shear rating for those grk screws on the link i posted a standard 3 framing screw has something like 2000 lbs before it snaps. Screws are nice and gentle. This however sounds like it s a post and beam construction house. Roe osborn a senior editor at jlc responds.

Screws are less likely to pop out or surface than nails when wood expands or contracts. Nails are also called upon when securing plywood. If you want to change the ratio of the length of the screw in the two pieces you can use counter sink holes. 16d nails will bend when house framing is subjected to earthquake non structural screws can snap off causing join failures.

Use screws for securing deck boards to the frame. Strength comes from choice of frame members and layering. Framing lumber is typically fir or similar softwood and screws often do not require pilot holes. You won t need to bore a pilot hole because these screws have serrated threads.

Nails are often preferred for structural joining including framing walls because they are more flexible under pressure whereas screws can snap. Layering as in applying well nailed osb or plywood sheathing to the stud walls. I m curious what the shear rating at the smallest thread is on a 16d common nail. There is a common misconception in the building industry that screws always outperform nails when attaching wood to wood.

Nails are sufficient for framing in those cases where you won t get excessive and directional weight thrown in the equation as on a deck. Especially one that sits 12 off the ground. They re not structural screws and therefore do not meet the requirements as replacement for 16d nails. You can use these anywhere you would a 16d nail so they re ideal for any projects that use dimensional lumber.

In other words you can place the screw deeper in your top piece. That way you will be able to attach them tightly. Screws and glue would be a good choice for sub floor attachement but nails and glue will be sufficient.