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Discussion Forum

Cutting off nails that are too long

oldsub86 | Posted in General Discussion on February 21, 2007 08:18am

OK, may seem like a silly question to you but I have been wondering and thought I would ask for a general consensus (or something like that). The story is, I have been looking at the ceiling in my basement workshop and wondering if it would be brighter down there if I painted the floor joists and the bottom of the main floor subfloor with some white paint. There are, of couse, lots of nails sticking through that would make the job a bit unpleasant and will not improve the look in the end. I began to wonder about clipping them off. I could use an air powered cutoff tool – you know the type – a small thin grinding wheel sort of thing. That wouldn’t do much to the nail and as such shouldn’t loosen it in the wood above.

However, I can recall reading something somewhere in the past that recommended roofing with nails that were longer than the roof was thick. I therefore wonder if there is any advantage to the nail sticking through the wood for an inch or close to it.

So the questions are: A – is there any advantage to the nails sticking through?

and B – am I likely to do any harm if I cut them off without getting too rough with them?

Tell me what you think – apart from – I must have too much time on my hands and I should get a life.

Randy

 

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Replies

  1. User avater
    IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 08:26am | #1

    So the questions are:

    A - is there any advantage to the nails sticking through?

    no......

    B - am I likely to do any harm if I cut them off without getting too rough with them?

    no.....

    Tell me what you think -

    right angle grinder and a cut off wheel...

    suit up in the safety garb and glasses / face shield.. 'cause those cut offs are gonna have velocity and will be hot...

    apart from - I must have too much time on my hands and I should get a life.

    why change.. you fit right in...

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 09:48am | #3

      Totally agree but don't forget the ricochets........... 

      On a hill by the harbour

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 10:21am | #5

        shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...........

        don't mention the hot nail down the collar or up the sleeve either...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

        1. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 10:25am | #6

          You have obviously done something similarily stupid to me 

          On a hill by the harbour

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 10:31am | #7

            AHYUP!!!!!

             

            the 1st time was interesting..

            the 2nd time up on the ladder was just plain nuts...

             

            duct tape to the rescue...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          2. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 10:32am | #8

            Nowadays we use polyisocyanurate gell 

            On a hill by the harbour

          3. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 10:36am | #9

            is that super glue???Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          4. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 10:37am | #10

            you know since you don't do duct tape yur card is threatened...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          5. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 10:44am | #12

            Tooooooooo Funny

            Our load out list allways has a full loop of fabric backed adhesives.

            I like to have about a 20 roll assortment.

            Gun tape is superior to duct tape though.

            As far as bandages go .. Gun tape and ripped tshirts are the best for small wounds..... 

            On a hill by the harbour

          6. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 11:05am | #14

            we don't do small wounds...

            triage or nothing...

            BTW a Bostick duct stapler is excellent for closing larger bleeders..

            no sense getting blood all over the client's home...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          7. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 11:05am | #15

            are you formerly Thomas???Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          8. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 11:12am | #16

            No I have been Novy since close to the start of the forum. IT was 97 or 98 I think. My profile says 96 just to get a reaction. I don't post all that often but tonight I couldn't sleep. I used to post alot more in the webex days. 

            On a hill by the harbour

          9. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 11:17am | #17

            on the hill by the harbour is was got me to wunderin'...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          10. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 11:23am | #19

            Halifax, Nova Scotia. I actually live behind the hill that blocked "a bit of" the Halifax Explosion.

            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion

            Edited to add " A bit of"

            On a hill by the harbour

            Edited 2/21/2007 3:58 am by Novy

          11. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 11:29am | #20

            I remember that...

            NG, Science Chanel and Discovery covered it... many times...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          12. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 11:42am | #21

            Just sent you an email about it but forgot to put a subject line in . 

            On a hill by the harbour

          13. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 12:12pm | #22

            who is yur ISP for here???

            didn't see yet..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          14. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 12:18pm | #23

            Eastlink 

            On a hill by the harbour

          15. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 12:24pm | #24

            sent an email to open a link...

            cyber space got yurs...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          16. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 12:47pm | #25

            Got it. Check your email

              

            On a hill by the harbour

          17. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 11:19am | #18

            I am one of the Nova Scotia contingent with the likes of Ron Budgell, Gordsco & Adrian.

            We are all about to start working on the new Cape Breton Space Center.

            Ron is going to build all the bunkers out of ICFs, Adrian is going to make it all pretty with cabinets by his students & I am going to run the bar....... 

            On a hill by the harbour

          18. User avater
            BillHartmann | Feb 23, 2007 12:20am | #38

            "are you formerly Thomas???"You thinking of the guy from Alaska? And enviromental engineer.I have not seen him online for 6-9 months..
            .
            A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

          19. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 23, 2007 01:10am | #39

            yup amd me either...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          20. Novy | Feb 21, 2007 10:39am | #11

            Seriously we use alot of old barn wood and of course the quickest way to lose the nails is the mini grinder with a zipcut.

            I have to be on top of the guys all the time to wear the full sheild, earmuffs and long sleeves etc.

            They don't need to be told again after one of those hot speedy projectiles connects or goes undercover.

            One of the most versatile tools I have ever come across. 

            On a hill by the harbour

          21. User avater
            IMERC | Feb 21, 2007 11:02am | #13

            ya have to wear ear muffs 'cause of the reacket alone.. can't imagine getting one of those cut offs in the ear canal... make my head hurt just thinking about it..

            cutting barn nails is where i got the handel on where that hot metal can go....

            buddy cut of a bridge spike and it fell in his loose fitting pants...

            that was interesting to watch...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  2. woodroe | Feb 21, 2007 08:43am | #2

    Well, there you have it. All the right answers.

  3. Jerry18 | Feb 21, 2007 10:12am | #4

    I used the airtool you mentioned to cut off a lot of hardened steel nails from the hardwood floors above, before I installed my staple-up radiant heat. It was suprisingly fast and easy, just keep your shirt buttoned up. I found out the hard way, a hot nail down your shirt is no fun.

    Jerry

    1. blue_eyed_devil | Feb 22, 2007 11:59pm | #36

      Hijack alert:

      Are you satisfied with the stapled up radiant system?

      blue"...if you just do what you think is best testing those limits... it's pretty easy to find exactly where the line is...."

      From the best of TauntonU.

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Feb 23, 2007 12:04am | #37

        if ya hadn't issued the alert no one would have ever noticed...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      2. Jerry18 | Feb 24, 2007 03:03pm | #40

        Blue,Very happy with the staple-up. Went against some conventional thought as far as design goes; I didn't use any plates. I have 1/2 PEX stapled to the subfloor, 8" OC, an 1-1/2" airspace followed by 1/2" foil faced polyiso foam and then R-19 FG. Hardwood floors above with no problems. I get even, silent heat and you gotta love warm floors!Jerry

    2. User avater
      rjw | Feb 24, 2007 07:03pm | #44

      >>a hot nail down your shirt is no fun.

      Depends on what else she does with her nails....

      View Image

      With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise Him in the midst of the throng. For He stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death.

      - Psalms 109:30-31

  4. GregGibson | Feb 21, 2007 07:03pm | #26

    It's my job here to think outside the box.  Why not leave the nails, leave the lid on the paint can, and get some 2 inch white foam to press up into the joist space.  Voila !  White ceiling, added insulation, and it covers the nails, which will keep the material in place.

    Greg

    1. woodroe | Feb 22, 2007 03:32am | #30

      Stay outside the basement box on this one. If it catches fire, the smoke from that foam will kill you before you can get outside the box.

      1. GregGibson | Feb 22, 2007 03:07pm | #34

        Oops.  Thanks for the correction.  I'll stay in my own box !

        Greg

    2. User avater
      McDesign | Feb 24, 2007 04:22pm | #42

      Good plan - that was my thought, too.

      Forrest

  5. JohnT8 | Feb 21, 2007 07:16pm | #27

    You wouldn't want to just paint the floor with a sprayer?  Wouldn't have to cut all the nails off.

     

    jt8

    "The cynic is one who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing."  --Oscar Wilde

  6. Link | Feb 21, 2007 09:56pm | #28

    Is there a reason you don't want to just haing a ceiling under or in between the joists ?

    I have a workshop/basement that I didn't want to make the ceiling any lower than the existing joists and wanted to have access.  I cut strips of wood and attached them to the sides of each joist and dropped in pieces of sheetrock.  That, along with the four 4' double shop fluresent lights make it much brighter down there.

    1. User avater
      IMERC | Feb 22, 2007 02:28am | #29

      cut the nails...

      paint...

      use the space between the joist as jig and tool storage or that oddball whatever it is...

      think in terms if in between the joists it's not under foot or taking up wall space...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

      WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  7. ponytl | Feb 22, 2007 04:50am | #31

    i had a bunch to cut off once and came across  some cutters... i think they were used for shoe'n horses were about 18" long... and the cutter edge part was about 1" wide.... was very quick work... maybe someone here knows what these "horse shoe nail cutter" things were but they sure worked well and cut very close to the board

    p

    1. User avater
      Heck | Feb 22, 2007 04:52am | #32

      Those were IMERC's toenail clippers - he wants them back._______________________________________________________________

      Knowledge about life is one thing; effective occupation of a place in life, with its dynamic currents passing through your being, is another. William James

      1. Novy | Feb 22, 2007 05:14am | #33

        Another dog bone for Heck 

        On a hill by the harbour

      2. User avater
        IMERC | Feb 22, 2007 11:55pm | #35

        I was wundering where they got off to...

        guess I should suggest to the posse not to stop by yur place...

        this week anyways...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  8. Junkman001 | Feb 24, 2007 03:31pm | #41

    Find a hobby.

     

    Mike

    Insert initially amusing but ultimately annoying catch phrase here.
  9. Danno | Feb 24, 2007 05:55pm | #43

    Watch where the grinding sparks go too--don't want to set anything on fire!

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