Can you use construction screws for framing?

As for screws, two popular framing options are structural screws and construction screws. A good standard screw would be a number 9, 2.5-inch construction screw. A few other tips: When choosing the length of nail or screw, the fastener should be 1.75 to 2 times the length of the pieces you are connecting.

Why can you not use screws for framing?

Our inspectors have seen a disturbing trend of late: people using wood or deck screws when building structural elements. This means ordinary wood screws cannot be used to attach rafters to top plates, or joists to beams. Nor can wood screws be used to install joist hangers.

Can you use screws instead of nails for framing?

Nails are often preferred for structural joining, including framing walls, because they are more flexible under pressure, whereas screws can snap. Brad and finishing nails are great for detail work like securing molding, door jambs, and baseboards.

What are structural screws?

Structural screws or construction screws are thin, high-strength screws made of super strong, heat-treated, sometimes galvanized steel. They are a newer type of structural fastener that can be used in place of lag screws to cut down on the time and effort put into drilling.

Is it OK to use screws on joist hangers?

Outdoors use 16d double-dipped galvanized nails (or stainless steel when called for) for installing hangers. The manufacturers agree: Never use galvanized deck screws or drywall screws to install joist hangers. Those screws don’t have the shank size and toughness to support joist loads.

Is it oK to use screws on joist hangers?

Are construction screws structural?

Three types of structural screws Structural screws (also called “construction” screws) are stronger than lags and make longer-lasting connections. The straight-sided Torx and Spider bits also hold the screw in place so you can “aim” and drill with one hand.

Are construction screws and structural screws the same?

Structural screws (also called “construction” screws) are stronger than lags and make longer-lasting connections. Structural screws also feature Torx (six contact points) or Spider (eight contact points) drive heads in addition to traditional hex-head styles.

When should I use structural wood screws?

Structural screws are a relatively new type of fastener. They are often used in place of lag screws because they are much more convenient to work with. The increased convenience comes from the design of structural screws, which eliminates the need for pilot hole drilling and lags.

Can I use drywall screws on joist hangers?

If they used sheetrock screws, they have a small shank. You will need to replace with a #10 joist hanger nail or the Simpson screws Ray linked to. They have a larger shank, and are possibly longer. Sheetrock screws are too brittle for such work.