Replies

1. 
   BillBrennen | Nov 07, 2007 03:46am | #1

   Doc,

   Do an advanced search on "ACQ corrosion" on Breaktime. Personally, I'd be wanting stainless nails in a built-up ACQ beam.

   As to size, 3-1/4" by .131" is standard for framing gun nails used in this type of application. .120" is a little light, IMO. But the corrosion issue trumps all.

   Bill

1. 
   dockelly | Nov 07, 2007 04:34am | #2

   Hey Bill,I have done some research and find it very inconclusive. Obviously you can't go wrong with SS but Zmax is used by all the builders down here with good results. I know you were referring to the nails I mentioned in my post, not metal connectors, but there supposed to be the same amount of galvanization on both. I probably will get some SS for the beams given there importance. Thanks

1. 
   james | Nov 07, 2007 06:51am | #3

   I think that all this "ACQ safe" stuff is pretty short sited.

    

   Let us consider that EP'ed fastners will corrode VERY quickly in ACQ.. now dipped fastners will take a little longer ... well that means that double diped fastners will also fail... just takes a bit longer.

   I guess we are building in a demo date for exterior stuff that receives a bit of water etc.... my guess is 5-7 years before the acq rated stuff goes south in extream areas ( read coastal or high waterfall areas )... dosen't seem to make economic sense to use galvanized fastners in these areas... now in the nevada wastelands, sure.

    

   james

2. 
   JDRHI | Nov 07, 2007 05:42pm | #4

   A triple ACQ beam?

   This for an exterior deck?

   Either way, me thinks you need carriage bolts.

   J. D. Reynolds
   Home Improvements

    

    

   
   

1. 
   dockelly | Nov 08, 2007 03:34am | #5

   I asked the guys here about carriage bolts and was told it was overkill. It's for under the house in a crawl space. Engineer called for ACQ, in a crawl space with a high water table, on an island.

1. 
   JDRHI | Nov 08, 2007 07:14am | #11

   I see you're in NJ.....good deal of swing in humidity.

   For piece of mind, I'd add carriage bolts. I've seen built up girders seperate over time when nailed only.

   I'm honestly not sure what code is....but I do know that I've never seen a built up girder specd that didn't also spec thru bolting.

   And if I ever do, I'm gonna bolt it anyway....overkill or not.

   J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements

    

    

1. 
   dockelly | Nov 08, 2007 07:17am | #12

   That's how I think, costs more but peace of mind with over build. Keep in mind I used PL Premium as well, 2 beads, generous beads.

   Edited 11/7/2007 11:29 pm ET by dockelly

3. 
   ponytl | Nov 08, 2007 03:59am | #6

   3" nails aren't even code here... 3.25 min for structural frame...

   p

1. 
   dockelly | Nov 08, 2007 05:36am | #8

   I might of been wrong about that, pretty sure they are 3 1/4, I'll check tomorrow when I'm at the house.

4. 
   DDay | Nov 08, 2007 05:28am | #7

   you can put some of these in, even at this point, they are stronger than lags, rated for ACQ and drive in with a 1/2" cordless drill on low speed. The corrosion issues of ACQ are with high moisture areas, not typical decks. Check out decks that used galv hangers and nails from 3 or 4 years ago and you will not see corrosion, except in the very high moisture environment. I would only use SS in certain situations on the coast, otherwise galv are fine.

   http://www.fastenmaster.com/product.aspx?currentPage=1&catID=8&prodID=9

5. 
   popawheelie | Nov 08, 2007 05:48am | #9

   We had an inspector pull out a pair of calipers and measure the dia of our framing nails once. He was a hoot. Soon after he was gone.

1. 
   dockelly | Nov 08, 2007 06:08am | #10

   Yeah, not surprised he's gone.