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Sistering studs - which nails?

23K views 36 replies 10 participants last post by  Colbyt  
#1 ·
I'll be sistering 2x4 studs (original studs have a bit of termite damage). What size and length nails should I be using to toe nail the new studs to the top and bottom plates (plates are also 2x4, with bottom plate being pressure treated). I'll be using a hammer (no nailer, and probably not worth investing in a nailer for the 6-8 studs I'll have to sister), if that makes a difference.

Since I'll be sistering and will only have access to drive nails from one side, are 2 nails each at the top and bottom sufficient? Should I use the same nails to attach the new stud to the damaged stud (will find sturdy spots on the damaged stud)?
 
#3 ·
Good question. A couple of reasons.

1. I assume the sheathing is nailed into the studs. So if I remove the damaged studs, how would I secure the sheathing to the new studs?

2. In a couple of spots, the bottom plate (sil plate) has been damaged. So rather than remove a damaged stud and replace with a new stud that is then nailed to a damaged bottom plate, I figure I'll cut out a section of bottom plate adjacent to the damaged stud. Then replace that with a section of new bottom plate and secure the new stud to that (new stud also gets attached/sistered to damaged stud).

Access is OK. No fire breaks and the entire drywall wall has been removed. Only thing in the way is baseboard heating element (which only restricts access to the bottom plate). I'll post up a pic later.
 
#5 ·
OK, I'll get 3" long common nails, and the same, but galvanized for the ones going into the treated bottom plate.

Any issues with using galvanized nails to toe nail into the top plate and to attach new stud to old stud? Asking because it would simplify the process to buy and use one kind of nail.

As for diameter, 8d?
 
#13 ·
Yes I have and in Canada we would order a box of 3" common and 2 1/2" common and I bet you would have the same nails at your house. Because they are the nails commonly used when you build a house. I just don't understand still using a system that came from before wire nails were invented.
 
#20 · (Edited)
This is inside and dry treated lumber. Is there still need to use galvanized? I didn't think about it for indoors, although it's been some time since I stopped buying common nails. All I have in stock are 8-10-16 penny galvanized spirals.



OP: if you have a drill, screws are lot easier to use, esp for few pieces. Also if you predrill. Drill just the toe holes and not the plates for best bite. Nails are for budget reason. Also toe nailing overhead is no fun esp if the nail bends half way in. Lumbers can be predrilled after cutting but before the install.
 
#24 ·
OP: if you have a drill, screws are lot easier to use, esp for few pieces. Also if you predrill. Drill just the toe holes and not the plates for best bite. Nails are for budget reason. Also toe nailing overhead is no fun esp if the nail bends half way in. Lumbers can be predrilled after cutting but before the install.
What kind of screw would you use? My understanding is deck screws shear much easier than nails.
 
#26 ·
For putting 2 lumbers together you don't have any shear concerns. Shear is also when we are talking about the whole wall, or specific engineered local area such as a shear wall. But engineers would never specify nails or screws, it would step up to bolts. Even headers can be assembled with thinner pneumatic nails, just more used.

My anecdotal reason would be that I broke off plenty of short drywall screws but never the deck screws. I've even used 3-4" screws that look like drywall screws. As long as you're thinking about the shear, if using screws, use 3 where 2 common nails would work. If you trust nails, predrill the stud.



BTW, is the damage where the nails are? If not, you can face nail the sister and not worry about anchoring the new to old plates.


Again, shearing shown in lab conditions with a single screw or nail is valid but not really in real construction scales. In real situations, shear comes from forces that can move entire structure, not just a few studs.
 
#34 ·
You've got to cut out that rotted wood. It's a little tough from here to tell you exactly how to do it. Don't know if there's a floor above you, if that's a gable end etc?. You can cut out the bad part, splice in a new piece and sister full studs to repair. You can use a construction adhesive to glue the sheathing to the new studs.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk
 
#28 ·
Do the ceiling joists land on this wall, you will want a temp wall for those.

You make be into floor trouble too if the floor is wood. if you cut the studs beside the window replace them with blocks under the cuts as well as the sister.

Take out as much crap as you can, any thing a little questionable that you have to leave in place, paint that with a copper treatment like for treated lumber. That is what our engineers call for, to deal with anything living in there.
 
#36 ·
Where either the drywall or siding is still attached to the damaged stud I would not use nails at all.
Because the nails will push the damaged stud and potentially enlarge the holes used by existing fasteners securing the siding to the damaged studs?

I would use 3" square drive construction screws to minimize any collateral damage.
So something like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grip-Rite-3-in-Construction-Screw-1-lb-Box-3GCS1/204959258

except in square drive - I guess square drive is easier to drive without camming out?

No need to pre-drill with construction screws?
 
#35 ·
Also possible to use structural screws like the ones from Simpson Strong-Tie or to thru bolt the sister to the original stud. Nails are cheaper but if access is a problem then the more expensive fasteners will cost under $20.
 
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