Framing nail length

[branimal]

I'm framing a space with 2x4's and wanted to get one box of nails for the job. My nailer is a 0.131 x 21 degrees. Can I use 3" nails to toenail? The advantage of 3" nails over 3 1/2" is I can nail jack and king studs together with no stick out.

Are 3" nails sufficient for the job?

 

[The Cobbler]

here minimum is 3-1/4" for framing I think

 

[Firebrick43]

3.5 " nails can be used for jack and king studs with no stick out. Shoot them at an angle just like toenailing. And most places its immaterial that it does stick out.

 

[Zeke]

here minimum is 3-1/4" for framing I think

For end nailing. 3) 3" 16d gun nails or 4 8d will meet code for toe nailing.

 

[Jeff C]

It might just be this area but every house I’ve seen built has been framed with 3x.120 nails. I’ve never seen a 3-1/4 or 3-1/2 nail used.

 

[kaymccampbell]

3-1/2 here. If they see a box of 3" nails on the worksite, the inspector will make you rip out several toe nailed and end nailed studs to prove you used the longer nails. The only way you'll get away with shorter nails is if you use hurricane clips on every joint.

 

[JRC3]

here minimum is 3-1/4" for framing I think

You think, or you know, one is different than the other. LOL

 

[mark198]

Are you asking code or are you asking if it will fall apart?
What do you mean by “framing a space”?

If you are framing a closet in a basement that does not require inspection, go for it, you will be fine.

if you are adding a two story addition, find out your local code requirements.

 

[JRC3]

Are you asking code or are you asking if it will fall apart?
What do you mean by “framing a space”?

If you are framing a closet in a basement that does not require inspection, go for it, you will be fine.

if you are adding a two story addition, find out your local code requirements.

What about for a shed of doom?

 

[jack stand]

I'm finishing up a shed, probably a little bigger and then it's full dimension Lumber that I'm sawing.


I find that 4" is my minimum nail length.

 

[branimal]

Are you asking code or are you asking if it will fall apart?
What do you mean by “framing a space”?

If you are framing a closet in a basement that does not require inspection, go for it, you will be fine.

if you are adding a two story addition, find out your local code requirements.

I'm framing a 1000 sq ft apartment. Interior walls. Both load and non-load bearing. Will 3" or 3 1/4" @ 0.131 be sufficient holding power (yeah will it fall apart is my question)?

 

[mark198]

my opinion, it won’t fall apart based on that nail size. But, with a project of that scope, what is the financial impact of one additional box of nails?

 

[pl_silverado]

I'm framing a 1000 sq ft apartment. Interior walls. Both load and non-load bearing. Will 3" or 3 1/4" @ 0.131 be sufficient holding power (yeah will it fall apart is my question)?

I just built a house and used paslode 3 1/4" x 0.131 galvanized everywhere. All up to code here. Went thru probably 10 boxes. Use 2 in a 2x4 and 3 in a 2x6, you'll be fine. Like someone else mentioned, for jack and king studs if you don't want them to protrude, nail at a slight angle.

 

[ddurrett896]

3 1/4". Used 3 1/2" for double LVL and couldn't find anything locally - had to buy off Ebay.

 

[branimal]

I went with 3 1/4”. I couldn’t find 3 1/2” at lowes or Hd online. Thanks guys.

 

[3onthetree]

3"x0.131 collated full head nails are acceptable to IRC code. You have a choice for the length of nail based on the number of fasteners, how they are fastened, and what they are fastening along with nail type and shank size. So for example:

Stud to stud, face nail =
- [10d] 3"x0.131 @ 16"o.c.
- OR -
- [16d] 3 1/2"x0.162 @ 24"o.c.

Stud to top/bottom plates =
- [10d] 3"x0.131 @ (4) toenails
- OR -
- [10d] 3"x0.131 @ (3) end nails
- OR -
- [16d] 3 1/2"x0.162 @ (2) end nails

Built-up header with spacer, face nail =
- [16d] 3 1/2"x0.162 @ 16"o.c.
- no 10d allowed

I don't think NYC has amended the IRC fastening schedule to 3 1/4" nails, but you can check. Nor can anyone who lives somewhere other than NYC and deals with their inspector who wants something other than code, can say you have to follow their inspector. You are free to use larger/longer nails as you wish, just be careful on splitting and chunking those end and toenails.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Let's just cut to the chase- no need for guessing or "I think"'s

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