Why can't I use deck screws instead of nails in fastening joist hangers for my deck? It seems to me that screws will hold much better than nails. I know that shear strength has to be taken into consideration. I wrote to McFeely's about this and they said the shear strength of a #8 screw is 400 lbs. With four of these screws in a joist hanger that gives a total of 1600 lbs per joist every sixteen inches. I know that our county code says that nails are to be used but it doesn't say you cannot use screws. The inspector is trying to convice me to replace the screws with nails. What happened to common sense?
- posted
19 years ago