Framing for a new Room - what hardware to use?

[cebukid70]

Should I use penny nails or screws for framing the lumber?

I am adamant that screws are a stronger, more robust way to frame the room.

[dadiOH]

Maybe but nails have worked very well for a long time.

[George]

Do you have any basis for this belief?

[BobK207]

Nails are generally more ductile....easier & faster to install (gun driven or even hand nailed)

Screws (depending on the type you choose are) are often more brittle...esp drywall screws which are frequently used in inappropriate situations. They're call drywall screws for a reason.

Framing nailing is just there to hold the frame together. The strength of the system really from the sheathing (drywall or plywood) ...shear transfer through the structure is now usually handled with framing connectors (Simpson hardware) but good old blocked & nailed connections can work as well.

I'd suggest using 16d "shorts" 3 1/4" x .131 (really a 12d nail) gun driven nails for your framing.

Yeah, the right screws can be stronger in some applications but in earth quake country or high wind areas I'd put my money on a properly design & constructed (nailed) structural system.

cheers Bob

[DerbyDad03]

re: I am adamant that screws are a stronger, more robust way to frame the room.

True.

And using 2 screws per stud end is an even stronger, more robust way to frame the room. Lag bolts would be even stronger.

Now ask yourself: What would you gain by using screws over nails? Under what circumstances would the extra expense be justified?

If rooms framed with nails were failing by the millions, then the industry would have switched to screws along time ago. I'm going to hazard a guess and say that most problems occur due to failure of the wood itself, and/or poor construction methods, as opposed to the fastener used - assuming it wasn't a plastic plug or chewing gum.

[Joe]

You really need both. For the usual 3.5" screws an impact driver is absolutely essential. The Makita 18V Li ion drivers are a good choice. Using an air nailer is the fastest where there is plenty of room to work. A typical pro tool is the Senco line using using KD29 or ND29 3.5" 16d nails or HL27 3" 10d Ring Shank nails. The screws have the highest holding power, ring shank nails are next and plain nails are last but better these days than in the past with the coatings they use. These modern tools are so easy to use these days that before long hammers may only be used for breaking rocks.

Joe

[Stormin Mormon]

Screws can be inserted with an electric drill. I believe they are stronger.

[Robert Allison]

Frame with nails, there is just no other solution for any kind of quantity and it is plenty strong. When tying into existing building, where walls are already sheetrocked, use screws. This keeps the hammer blows from popping the drywall nails.

Use screws only when you need a bit of extra holding power. Your wallet, your time, and your muscles will thank you.

[Cooper]

wrote

I have a feeling, there are 3 little pigs involved in this. And, a huff and a puff.

[Cooper]

wrote

I have a feeling, there are 3 little pigs involved in this. And, a huff and a puff.

[HeyBub]

Yes.

So what? Strength is not an issue. You might as well say screws are prettier, or come in more colors, or are more expensive, or have an "X" (or a "|") on their head, or come from a company with a name that sounds like a pink unicorn. None of these have anything to do with whether screws are the best choice for framing.

If you want to use screws, go for it.

[franz fripplfrappl]

glue and screw. works for furniture.