Advice needed

[Phatsub]

I'll be building a patio cover over a fresh concrete slab using 4x4's and 2x6's.
The post achors will be set in the new slab. My question is, should I build this structure with nails or screws? It will be roughly 12'x16' and 8' high.

Thanks.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I'll be building a patio cover over a fresh concrete slab using 4x4's and 2x6's.
The post achors will be set in the new slab. My question is, should I build this structure with nails or screws? It will be roughly 12'x16' and 8' high.

Thanks.

Use screws, they will not back out of the wood like nails do over time.

 

[Phatsub]

Would pilot holes be necessary?

 

[Uncle Buck]

I never drilled pilot holes, just zip zip and away I go!

 

[mtwaterguy]

Not necessary, but it helps make the job easier. Predrilling also helps keep the wood from splitting.Definately worth the extra work in my opinion.

 

[Phatsub]

Splitting was my main conceren. I'll go ahead and take the extra time to pre-drill.
I'll start construction as soon as the slab dries (right now it's not even poured)
Then post pics during and after the build.

Thanks for the info.

 

[KenS]

If you're using treated lumber, make sure the screws are compatible with the chemical treatment used in the wood.

High copper content in today's CA- or ACQ-treated wood means that any other metal (like nails, screws, bolts or flashing) that comes in contact with the lumber sets up a mild electrical charge with the copper, making traditional steel fasteners and aluminum flashing corrode more quickly (up to five times faster than in the old CCA-treated lumber).

Serious fastener corrosion can occur in as little as six months when incompatible hardware is used with treated wood.

Most contractors today prefer impact drivers over conventional drills to drive screws. Once you've used an impact, you will never go back to a drill. You can bury heavy lag screws in 6x6s with 'em. Predrilling is time-consuming overkill for framing.

 

[Phatsub]

Do I need treated lumber if I plan to paint it? If so, what type of screws should I use?
I'm going to get whatever Home Depot has in stock.

 

[kbs2244]

Use a power screwdriver, not a drill. Drills spin too fast and don't have a clutch.
Use SS screws and while you are at HD get some of the one handed squeeze clamps.
You use them to be sure everything is ligned up correctly before screwing it down.

 

[ddawg16]

Yes...use screws...
Yes...pre-drill the holes...especially on the slave piece (the first piece of wood the screw is going through...make that hole big enough to the screw to slide through)

You don't have to use SS screws...the coated ones will be fine...and they typically match the color of the wood better...

You only need to use the pressure treated stuff at the ground level....but do paint everything....I would suggest painting it all 'before' you assemble it. It's a lot easier and you get better coverage.

 

[Phatsub]

Great info guys, thanks. I've got an 18v Dewalt VSR clutched drill but I'm considering the Ryobi cordless impact driver that was mentioned in another thread here. I've got a good parts list started now.

Coated screws
Pre-drill
Pre-paint
Treated lumber for 4x4 vertical post only

The concrete guy was preping the "hole" yesterday when I got home from work.
I showed him where I want the post anchors placed and he said he'll be pouring
today, tomorrow or Friday, so we'll see how that goes.

Should I look for a specific type of coated screw? These are new to me.

 

[boiler7904]

I wouldn't mix cordless tool platforms. Go with a DeWalt cordless impact driver so you can share batteries. You'll end up using the cordless impact driver more than the drill once you have it.

 

[Phatsub]

I wouldn't mix cordless tool platforms. Go with a DeWalt cordless impact driver so you can share batteries. You'll end up using the cordless impact driver more than the drill once you have it.

I would've liked to do that but the cost of the Dewalt impact driver at $300
causes me to have to go with the Ryobi. My local HD doesn't have one in stock so I'm having to order one online, along with the batteries and charger. I wish they would sell everything together. I guess this makes more money for HD and the MFG's.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I would've liked to do that but the cost of the Dewalt impact driver at $300
causes me to have to go with the Ryobi. My local HD doesn't have one in stock so I'm having to order one online, along with the batteries and charger. I wish they would sell everything together. I guess this makes more money for HD and the MFG's.

I think you will be pleased with the Ryobi 18v product line. There are several of us regulars that have that line and have been very pleased with them. I am one of the pleased!

 

[Phatsub]

I just ordered the driver, charger and a 2 battery pack, $168. The driver is Ryobi blue and the batteries are yellow...I'm gonna be concerned about their compatability until I get them in my hands.

 

[tatra]

i used some screws on a project that were torx and man o man were they sweet compared to the robertsons i was driving into the exact same wood...........no cam out and a tapered thread for better holding power............a little more money but used 5 robertson bits up to the original torx on that job and very little effort........will try to find a link for you

 

[Phatsub]

I've used some square drive screws in the past that worked very nice compared to phillips head. I hate rounding off screw heads.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I just ordered the driver, charger and a 2 battery pack, $168. The driver is Ryobi blue and the batteries are yellow...I'm gonna be concerned about their compatability until I get them in my hands.

All of my 18v Ryobi batteries are yellow, have no concerns at all!

 

[Phatsub]

Good. That's a relief.

 

[Phatsub]

Here's the hole That will be poured by this weekend. I'll post more after progress begins.

 

[Phatsub]

Update #1
The concrete's getting poured.

 

[Phatsub]

It is poured.

 

[sasquatchpa]

Check on buying the DeWalt impact as a 'bare tool'. Several vendors I deal with sell tool this way. Most builders have half a dozen chargers and batteries.

 

[Phatsub]

I ended up going with the Craftsman C3 series 19.2v. $4 less than the Ryobi and it's already been shipped. HD screwed up my order so I cancelled it.

 

[Phatsub]

According to UPS tracking, my Cman impact driver should be delivered tomorrow, AND I'll be home to watch him stop in front of the house. That hasn't happened in years. Normally I get home from work to find a pkg on my front step. I like when brown comes to see me.

 

[Mike83]

I have the same C-man impact driver and use it all the time - mostly light automotive work for quicker bolt removal and insertion. But it also drives screws like a champ! You will like it!

 

[Phatsub]

UPS man was just here, and gave me this:

I thought it would be bigger. I've never had an impact driver.

 

[KenS]

When you drive your first 6-inch lag screw through double 4x4s you'll discover that it's plenty big.

 

[Phatsub]

I can already tell I'm going to need to invest in quality bits for it. While just playing with it I've already spun out the one phillips bit that came with it. This driver has plenty of power. Can anybody recommend some bits that will take it's abuse?

 

[Phatsub]

Where can I find some good, long-lasting bits that will work with this impact driver?

 

[nissan_crawler]

apex brand

 

[Phatsub]

Thanks NC,

I just ordered a handfull from Tylertool.com