[darren]

Hoping someone with experience in Winnipeg can answer my question.

I have read lots on the subject of nails vs screws and understand that nails are the preferred method.

I am framing my basement(no load bearing walls, exterior and interior dividing walls only) and don't have access to a pneumatic nailer. I would like to use screws to do my framing as I have an impact and find it easier than banging in the nails with a hammer.

Need to know if screws are code compliant in Winnipeg, would hate to frame out the whole basement with screws to have the inspector change it out all to nails when he comes to inspect the work.

 

[joecaption]

Only nails when framing.

 

[Msradell]

Nails are certainly normal here in the states but your codes in Winnipeg may allow screws. The only way you can know for sure is to call your local building officials and ask them. It's much better to ask up front and know the direct answer for what they will be looking for instead of doing it one way of finding out later that either the way you did it was wrong or you could of done it some other way.

 

[Bud9051]

Many years ago when I started building in NJ they required 5 nails at each end of each stud and all had to be visible, through the bottom did not count. So, ask first. I doubt Winnipeg is that obsessed, but that is why you ask.

Be sure you have pulled the proper permits, as all additions to a house can now be searches when sold and work that required a permit that wasn't issued or inspected can be a real problem.

Bud

 

[123pugsy]

This is Ontario but your codes may be similar.

(3) Wood screws specified in this Section shall conform
to ANSI/ASME B18.6.1., “Wood Screws (Inch Series)”.

It will cost 35 bucks to find out what this ANSI spec means. Then, one would need to check every package of screw or contact the manufacturer to see it they meet it, if not marked on the package.

I'm sure my inspector won't care how I assemble interior walls so I won't worry about it.

 

[123pugsy]

Pics are always coming fuzzy when I use Prt Sc

Zoomed in:

 

[woodworkbykirk]

in non load bearing situations screws are fine as long as they are wood screws.. do not use drywall screws which i have seen before.. ..

locally they alllow wood screws for structural for the reason being that the inner shank of screws are pretty much the same diamter as almost all air spikes anyways so theres no real major difference in strength.. except that the screw has much greater holding power to resist pulling the two pieces of wood apart

 

[Wildbill7145]

When I was building my shed, a carpenter friend of mine told me I could use 3.5" deck screws as they were rated for structural, but anything shorter than that wouldn't be. I used them and my impact driver because I knew I would just screw things up badly using a hammer and nails.

 

[Bud9051]

I have used a bunch of deck screws for assembly and then followed with the nail gun. But, go back a few years later to take some of that apart and many (in my experience) of the screws will have broken or will break as you try to remove them. My assumption is the screws have been hardened to withstand the torque they apply. Even when tearing stuff apart, if the screw won't come out, just a few taps side to side and it breaks off. I like screws, but I don't trust them.

Having said that, I assume there are screws made the right way that can do the job. As mentioned above, check the specifications.

Bud

 

[Daniel Holzman]

Local codes control. If screws are allowed, they will almost certainly need to be structurally rated. Simpson makes an entire line of structurally rated screws that can be used as an alternative to nails in many Simpson hangers. Your building inspector will know the rules.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Installation torque damages the screw. Reverse torque on removal causes more damage. Forcing the screw with our powerful hammer drill driver exacerbates the problem. Because of this I believe there are industries that prohibit the re-use of fasteners.

 

[firehawkmph]

Cmon guys, where do you come up with some of this stuff? The OP is framing in non-load breaking walls in his basement. I can't tell you how many walls I have screwed together with outdoor epoxy coated screws, mainly because I didn't feel like dragging my compressor out for the size of the job. Mike Holmes on the tv show is always screwing walls together in Canada. And as far as what I use, a cordless impact. The screws don't break, they aren't weakened by being driven in by one, and the walls haven't fallen down.
Mike Hawkins

 

[craig11152]

Cmon guys, where do you come up with some of this stuff? The OP is framing in non-load breaking walls in his basement. I can't tell you how many walls I have screwed together with outdoor epoxy coated screws, mainly because I didn't feel like dragging my compressor out for the size of the job. Mike Holmes on the tv show is always screwing walls together in Canada. And as far as what I use, a cordless impact. The screws don't break, they aren't weakened by being driven in by one, and the walls haven't fallen down.
Mike Hawkins

:vs_cool:a sensible man in Cleveland.

 

[darren]

I called the inspections department today and they said either nails or structural screws. Guess my arm will get a work out as I have no need for a air nailer after I am done with the basement.

 

[ron45]

I would use the nails.
So much easier.
Faster.
Cheaper.
You can always rent or borrow the equipment....

 

[ddawg16]

Love the discussion on nails vs screws. Some will go as far to say that nails have a higher shear strength than screws.

I did a test once.....the wood gives long before the nail.

The reason most people use nails? It's a lot faster and cheaper.

 

[Nestor_Kelebay]

I would use the nails.
So much easier.
Faster.
Cheaper.
You can always rent or borrow the equipment....

My experience is that every time I'd inquire about renting a tool, the cost to rent it for a day was close to 1/4 to 1/3 of the cost of buying it brand new. If, for whatever reason, you need to rent that same tool again, you're kicking yourself for not having purchased it to begin with. Then, at least, you can use it whenever you want for however long you want.

Tools rental places are in the same bag as lawyers, used car dealers and Iranian rug merchants in my books.

 

[ron45]

Even if he hand nails it.
So much easier.
Faster.
Cheaper.

And less burs in them hands and fingers..

 

[rjniles]

My experience is that every time I'd inquire about renting a tool, the cost to rent it for a day was close to 1/4 to 1/3 of the cost of buying it brand new. If, for whatever reason, you need to rent that same tool again, you're kicking yourself for not having purchased it to begin with. Then, at least, you can use it whenever you want for however long you want.

Tools rental places are in the same bag as lawyers, used car dealers and Iranian rug merchants in my books.

I always find a reason to buy a new tool. In the last month I bought a new 4.5" grinder and a plunge router.