When I have to attach a rafter to a beam with a joist hanger, I find it helpful to kerf the rafter’s plumb cut with a skillsaw. Then I can insert the hanger into the kerf, as shown in the drawing, and nail it in place. The kerf depth coincides with the full cutting depth of my 7-1/4-in. saw, so I don’t have to mess with adjustments. I can also stack my rafters and make one cut to kerf them all at the same time. This method is a lot easier than notching the rafter, and it provides a continuous plane up the rafter to attach gypboard.
Greg Halverson, Portland, OR
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