How Many Cripples do I need?

[bad_idea]

Framing a 30x40x12 garage with 2x6 walls. I have framed most of it. Over the windows and door openings I installed cripples on layout, continuing the 16" centers. I did not install any on top of the header over the jack studs. Do I need to? I've searched the inter webs and it appears about 20% of sources say you should put cripples over the jack studs (on top of the header) to lock the header down.

 

[Bluearmflames]

Yes, that’s what carries the load from the roof line to the header.

 

[v8garage]

Yeah, what bluearmflames said, if it is a load bearing wall. If not it is a load bearing wall, not such a big deal.

 

[bad_idea]

The cripples above the jack studs would be attached to the side of a king stud. Isn't the king stud carrying the load? I thought the header was to carry the load of the rest of the cripples where studs would've been.

 

[Jtrudel90]

The cripples above the jack studs would be attached to the side of a king stud. Isn't the king stud carrying the load? I thought the header was to carry the load of the rest of the cripples where studs would've been.

I don’t see why it would matter. if you had no header the king stud would become a regular stud and the position of the first cripple would just become a stud that continues from top to bottom plate instead of a cripple that goes from top plate to header and so on ... it can’t hurt having a cripple beside the king stud other then the possible lack of thermo break from having multiple framing members together (not sure if this matters to you) just a thought

 

[TractorJeff]

Put them in for the sheetrock / wall finish to nail to.
Local Inspector will pass you quicker if you didn't cheat on any.

 

[tthornto]

Framing is a physically demanding job and while I don't doubt that a determined cripple could do it, you will need less framers if you hire able bodied framers than if you hire cripples.

 

[Jtrudel90]

For what it’s worth it it definitely can’t hurt ... just trying to play the devils advocate

 

[Jtrudel90]

Framing is a physically demanding job and while I don't doubt that a determined cripple could do it, you will need less framers if you hire able bodied framers than if you hire cripples.

LoL ...

 

[lakelandcat]

yes put them in its a good way to nail sheetrock and get rid of scraps

 

[lakelandcat]

Framing is a physically demanding job and while I don't doubt that a determined cripple could do it, you will need less framers if you hire able bodied framers than if you hire cripples.

I guess if you are young and have good knees, ankles,hips etc. that is funny. from those of us that have disabilities BITE ME.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I guess if you are young and have good knees, ankles,hips etc. that is funny. from those of us that have disabilities BITE ME.

Yup. Most people who think they're funny, aren't.

 

[8mpg]

keep them running on the same 16" space. You need them above the header.

 

[firebirdparts]

The cripples above the jack studs would be attached to the side of a king stud.

Yep. Those don't do anything. Just put the ones that you need to be on 16's.

 

[Git]

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2017/09/13/split-jacks-framing-window-opening

 

[RocketScott]

You don't need them next to the king stud unless it falls on a panel edge

It's not really going to hurt anything to add them though

I generally try not to pack the wall with any more lumber than I need to for a couple reasons: Insulation stops heat loss better than wood and I don't like to waste materials. The other trades appreciate not having to drill through extra lumber too.

Weight of the wall doesn't factor into it for me, I lift walls with a boom truck.

 

[Culture]

The purpose of the cripple is to prevent the top plate from failing under load. So yes, you need them, if there are any loads on the top plate. As already pointed out, you also need them to fasten drywall. The cripples should follow the same spacing as the full length studs (i.e. 16", 19.2" or 24" oc). You can drop them if they are close to the king stud from a structural standpoint, but it will still mess up the drywall.

 

[Culture]

Oops, never mind. You ask if you need them over the jack studs. No, you don't.