My husband and I are finishing off an attic and having problems with the joists – the wood splits when toenailed. Our attic was framed with 2x8s 24″ oc and we are adding additional 2x8s to make everything 12″ oc. Though a bit of overkill for the length of joists required it is the easiest way to meet live load requirements. However with everything 12″oc using a framing nailer in this space is impossible. Therefore we are using a Senco mini hand nailer and 16d nails. We are both new to toenailing and would appreciate advice from those with experience.
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Replies
Are your...
....joist ends sitting on top of wall top plates?
If no, you should be using hangers.
If yes, use smaller nails - 12d sinkers or even 10's will do fine, or pre-drill undersized pilots for your 16d's (pilot hole not clearance hole)
Jim
Toenailing Joists w/out Wood Splits
Sorry - yes we are toenailing into the top plate.
Thanks for pointing out that we were using the "wrong" nail. After re-reviewing the 2003 IRC it appears that 3 - 8d nails are required so we thought that perhaps that might be the best way to go. But do you think that 10d or 12d would be better given the additional 1/2" to 3/4" in nail length?
With 75 joists to install the thought of pre-drilling is unappealing but may be necessary....hopefully the nail change will solve the problem.
Thanks for the help!
The usual suspects will P&M
The usual suspects will P&M about this suggestion, but I'd use screws. GRK structural screws will produce a stronger joint than nails with better control and less splitting. (And pre-drilling doesn't hurt.)
Toenailing Joists w/out Wood Splits
We hope that a change in nail will help but if not we may be using screws. Thanks for the help!
Simpson now has their SD9 and SD10 screws that replace nails - perfect for this application. I suggest the Rigid right angle impact driver if the space it tight.
Simpson has a list of which screw to use with which connector too, so be sure to match them up correctly.
Yeah, if you're using hangers you should use the Simpson screws. But for toe-screwing the Simpsons are the wrong ones -- the GRKs, though expensive, are the way to go.
When building my own house I only used 8d nails ... on I joists. 16d sounds way overkill. Option B ... use Simpson connectors and the appropriate nail and use your palm nailer. Given your condition/situation, seems like that wouldn't be necessary.
toenailing joist
Unless there is some reason for not having your joist on 24" centers other than the need for added load carring capicity, simply sister your new joist to the existing joist. You could pretty well forget the toenailing and should be a lot faster with no splitting..