The other day, I was retrofitting a wall beneath a steel frame that included a 2x nailer that was bolted to the bottom of a steel I-beam. I needed to double up the existing nailer with another 2x, and to do so, I had to drill some holes to accommodate the bolts. Rather than spend the time measuring the location of the bolts, I applied a time-honored trick that framing carpenters use to locate foundation-bolt holes in mudsills. I instructed my assistant to hold the new 2x right against the bolts in the existing nailer (see drawing). Then I hit the 2x with a hammer. This created a series of impressions in the wood that exactly matched the location of the bolts that were in the existing nailer. I then used my 1-1/2 in. drill bit to cut the holes in the new nailer, enabling it to fit flush against the old one. Total time: just about five minutes.
—Cesar Camorlinga, Redwood City, CA
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #157
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Short Blade Chisel
Guardian Fall Protection Pee Vee
Stabila Extendable Plate to Plate Level
View Comments
Wow, I don't think I've ever seen bolts centered in an I-beam before. If that was the case, it would've been easier to measure them.
“[Deleted]”