Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Re: Nails

04 April 2013

Re: [DIY] Re: Nails

Perhaps it is a function of my age, but I have not as yet seen a hidden fastener that I felt would not loosen over time. The natural expansion and contraction of the decking is almost certain to cause the material to begin to float over the joists and begin to give a feeling that something is not secured. We built our deck nearly 15 years ago and yes I used tons of deck screws and while you can in fact see where they have been pulled down below the surface of the decking when installed, the decking is still as solid as a rock. I always snap a line before installing deck screws for appearance sake. Most natural decking will tend to buckle over time as a function of sun and moisture and deck screws also help prevent this happening as well. Nails have no place in deck construction as they will most certainly work loose very quickly and the heads will work up to provide something to catch your foot on.

Dale in the Flatlands. "Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous."

Ed wrote:

Another option, no visible nails or screws. I used these "tiger claws" a few years ago and really like the appearance. Here's a page that talks about them. Ed
http://www.deckfastener.com/pages/welcome.asp

--- In DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com, "Tori" <fertilegrnd@...> wrote:
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> When does one use nails over screws? I understand screws are more durable than nails but nails are finer and disappear into the wood as screws dont, and i realize galvanized is weather safe but SSteel is even more so but more $$$. Thats all I understand- dont get when I should use one or the other . Considering shelving boxes at this point.
>