Framing nail length

[cnk]

So I have been researching building codes for a shed project that I hope to do next summer and I've got a question I'm hoping someone here can answer.

I'm in NJ and according to the codes that I've read for my area, I'm supposed to use 3-1/2" galvanized framing nails when framing. The issue I've been running into is that neither HD or Lowes carry 3-1/2" collated framing nails in their stores. They all carry 3-1/4" and a quick Google search of different forums resulted in many framing contractors stating that they usually just use 3-1/4" or even 3" instead of 3-1/2".

So are people just using the 3-1/4" nails or is everyone purchasing 3-1/2" online?

 

[wnstwolf]

It's like saying you are framing with 2"x6" lumber.. Seems prices keep going up and consumers keep getting less...

I had a 2 gallon pail of 3-1/2 sinkers that had been around forever. they were galv so rust was not an issue but over the years the pail was all but empty. Went to get more, and like you, realized that over 8 years nails shrunk!

Check a local lumberyard that is not big blue or Orange. By me it is EBS or whatever.. the places that cater more to the builders have the longer nails..

 

[GTO]

Do yourself a favor and go to real lumber yard,where in NJ are you?
I can IM you where to go.

 

[cnk]

Thanks guys. . I'm in Monroe Township right in central NJ.

 

[Falcon67]

I used 3 1/4 framing and never worried about it. I don't see much additional holding power from another .25". That's all that is in stores here too.

 

[Gerald O]

They had to shrink the nails to keep them from being too big for the shrunken 2x4s. Now they're cheating the 2x lumber sizes even smaller. I'm seeing a lot of 1-7/16 x 3-7/16.
2x10s are getting down to 9". Pretty soon you'll have to buy a 4x8 to get a real 2x4.

 

[VersionOne]

Typically for 2x framing, 1" of penetration or better is standard. So, 3 1/4" nails will be fine.

It's possible that the codes haven't been updated to reflect the newer nail sizings.