[mmhendrie]

I have to build a wall in place, and need to put in the header and footer, then add the studs. I've not done this before, but read plenty on the web and have a couple of quick questions:

1. The header and footer - best to nail or screw?
2. Header and footer - how ofter do you place the nail or screw?
3. The studs - how far from the bottom of the stud do you drive the nail?
4. I understand you drive the nail at a 60degree angle - any tips to ensure you achieve this angle?
5. Any tips in general driving the nails into the stud, I imagine trying to hold the stud straight while driving the first nail, especially at the header, will be quite challenging.

thanks in advance!!

 

[skizsam]

I have to build a wall in place, and need to put in the header and footer, then add the studs. I've not done this before, but read plenty on the web and have a couple of quick questions:

1. The header and footer - best to nail or screw?
2. Header and footer - how ofter do you place the nail or screw?
3. The studs - how far from the bottom of the stud do you drive the nail?
4. I understand you drive the nail at a 60degree angle - any tips to ensure you achieve this angle?
5. Any tips in general driving the nails into the stud, I imagine trying to hold the stud straight while driving the first nail, especially at the header, will be quite challenging.

thanks in advance!!

1-I used to use nails and found it much easier to use screws (the grey boxed screws at Home depot 2"). If you make a mistake the screws are much easier to remove.
2- Until if feels secure!
3- a science behind it
4-Don't worry about the angle, just angle it enough so it grabs both pieces of wood.
5-drive a nail in the sole plate behind the stud your trying to secure, this will act a a stopperand you can drive a screw form the other side. Also clamps help

 

[jcalvin]

I have to build a wall in place, and need to put in the header and footer, then add the studs. I've not done this before, but read plenty on the web and have a couple of quick questions:

1. The header and footer - best to nail or screw?
Whatever you are comfortable doing. Make sure that the fastener is long enough to penetrate the stud and plate. The fastener is only there to hold the stud in place, not carry any load.

2. Header and footer - how ofter do you place the nail or screw?
Here again, the fastener is only there to hold the plate in place. I shoot mine about every 16" or into each rafter or joist.

3. The studs - how far from the bottom of the stud do you drive the nail?
Take one of your nails and hold it on the outside of the board at the angle you will be driving them. At whatever height splits the length of the nail in two is the appropriate height.

4. I understand you drive the nail at a 60degree angle - any tips to ensure you achieve this angle?
You could mount an angle finder on you nail gun or screw gun if you want. Or just make sure that the angle isn't so great or too little that the nail glances off of the wood penetrating only the plate or stud.

5. Any tips in general driving the nails into the stud, I imagine trying to hold the stud straight while driving the first nail, especially at the header, will be quite challenging.
If you are using a nailgun, it won't move a lot. If you are hand nailing, cut a board that will fit between studs, if 16"oc 14.5" board if 24"oc a 22.5, nail on the opposite side of the board remove the board and move to the next one. Make sure you lay your studs out before you start this to avoid accumulation.


thanks in advance!!

I don't have a copy of the code with me, but I'm sure someone on here will post in on what the book says to do. I have yet to see an inspector measure the angle of the nails though.