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NFT: Nails or screws when building a shed?

Knineteen : 5/16/2017 10:52 pm
Building a 200 sq. ft. shed from scratch. Standard dimensional lumber framing, nothing special.

Nails or screws for fasteners?

I can't get a straight answer from anyone, leading me to believe it doesn't really matter.

Advice?
i always use screws  
ShocknAwe80 : 5/16/2017 10:53 pm : link
always
Nails would be cheaper  
jcn56 : 5/16/2017 11:04 pm : link
and you could do the job faster with a nail gun. I prefer screws, takes a bit more time and it'll run you more, but you won't have to worry about play in a few years time.
Sorry, I'm from  
Bleedin Blue : 5/16/2017 11:27 pm : link
The old school of thought. Nails are much stronger when it comes to framing a structure. Screws are fine for interior walls and Sheetrock. Rent a pneumatic nailer for your project, you won't be sorry.
Nails are cheaper, faster and stronger.  
SoDev : 5/16/2017 11:47 pm : link
Screws are better for parts that might warp, like flooring, trim and the ramp. They are also better if you ever plan to take something apart again.

A combination of both would probably be ideal. Screws for the floor/trim and nails for the main structure.

Square bit screws drive better than Philips. It's easier to access the whole shed with a door on the side wall. Don't forget hinge depth when measuring the door opening.
For framing buy/rent a Paslode pneumatic nail gun  
Rob in Rockaway : 5/16/2017 11:57 pm : link
and use ringed nails.
So much this  
Cap'n Bluebeard : 5/17/2017 8:32 am : link
In comment 13473670 Bleedin Blue said:
Quote:
The old school of thought. Nails are much stronger when it comes to framing a structure. Screws are fine for interior walls and Sheetrock. Rent a pneumatic nailer for your project, you won't be sorry.


My father was a contractor for decades and I worked with him many summer, spring, and winter breaks. We always used pneumatic nail guns and nails for any framing and screws on about 90% of the interior work (sheetrock, flooring, etc)
IRC has tables which...  
Ryan : 5/17/2017 8:48 am : link
...outline required fasteners for various construction applications and lumber dimensions, but since you're building an uninhabited detached structure less that is 200 sq ft or less (I think that's the cut off) building code may not apply. But it doesn't hurt to use as a guideline.

That being said many municipalities require permits for shed construction/installation (yes even the pre fab ones that they drop on 4x4s laid in gravel) so you may want to hit up your BCO and municipal website for input. Also some variability depending on how you're going to frame (standard ridge/rafter roof vs trusses, etc).

I don't do any exterior or much framing work but I had always used and was taught to use nails (12 and 16p for framing; 8p for sheathing) due to greater shear strength. However as I understand the code is evolving for many applications (deck framing for example) and no longer permits you to just knock things together with nails and more and more requires reinforcing metal fasteners and hangers as nails are "subject to withdraw".
You always use screws  
Torrag : 5/17/2017 11:17 am : link
They are superior for restricting movement over time. This is a no brainer.
He said for fasteners!  
Csonka : 5/17/2017 11:42 am : link
Definitely screws for fasteners.
RE: IRC has tables which...  
Knineteen : 5/17/2017 12:16 pm : link
In comment 13473745 Ryan said:
Quote:
That being said many municipalities require permits for shed construction/installation (yes even the pre fab ones that they drop on 4x4s laid in gravel) so you may want to hit up your BCO and municipal website for input. Also some variability depending on how you're going to frame (standard ridge/rafter roof vs trusses, etc).

I don't need a building permit, but do need zoning and other related permits that exist solely to make the town money.
Screws  
ctc in ftmyers : 5/17/2017 7:59 pm : link
I'm ag2 so don't need permits for out buildings. I built a 60'x24" pole barn 20 years age. Made it through 3 hurricanes so far. The only nailed was the trusses to the beams and the rat board for them. Beams were built in place and bolted to the columns. Same with the stalls. Screws and bolts. When you want to change things around, a lot easier to take apart with screws.

Nailed or screwed.  
Sarcastic Sam : 5/17/2017 8:05 pm : link
Someone is having fun, and someone isn't.
....  
CarsHURT'86 : 5/17/2017 8:54 pm : link
Nails for 2x4's, 2x6's etc and screws for sheathing. Just make sure to buy exterior screws and as mentioned above buy the square tips.
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