Toe nailing trusses to the top plate?

TonyGG

Is there a accepted way to secure/nail the truss to the top plate?
Or is there a right way versus all other methods?
A friend of mine insist on four 16d through one side and 1 16d on the other???

Termite

It totally depends on the truss, and the required uplift connection. You get about 90 pounds of uplift resistance for every properly installed 16d nail you toenail in. There comes a point where a few nails is too many nails, and compromises the uplift resistance of the truss.

The connection needed is specified for each individual truss on the MiTek or Alpine truss packet (not the layout) that gives the design data for each truss. If the work is being inspected, plan on having that packet there for the inspector.

Personally, I'm a fan of truss clips and three or four toenails max, unless the specs dictate more.

TonyGG

thanks again for your help. I'm going to use the "U" shaped hurricane straps for the final tie in.
I was wondering if there was a general consensus on toe nailing during truss setting day. Of course, I may be over thinking this!

Termite

You're probably overthinking, but don't exceed 4 or 5 nails in most circumstances. Actually, I forgot about our previous truss discussion...

For your trusses (being 50' long), you'd be smart to get a nice beefy hurricane tie to anchor your trusses. Maybe something more substantial than what I pictured above. Check with your truss guy to see what he suggests!

If you can, take some pictures to show us how you set your trusses and finish your garage/barn!

TonyGG

for sure...

Termite

In the meantime, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Keep 'em all vertical!!!

joasis

You may wish to consider that if you do nail 16d's in, and spot 4 of them on 1 side, there is a fine opportunity to split the wood, and that would weaken the truss to wall connection. What we do now is drive a 4 inch torx screw right up through the plates into the truss, and one from each side. The clips get screwed on with 2-1/2 inch torx screws. Never had an inspector look twice.

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