Loose Gutter Nails.... Just Screw That!

[lakeroadster]

We had some loose nails on our gutters, and of course the holes were all wallowed out so the nails wouldn't tighten up.

I found some 5/16" x 6" structural screws at Home Depot which just happen to be the perfect size to replace the nails. The original metal gutter nail sleeves worked fine with the screws.

All the original nails came out "armstrong style" just with some vice grips.

None of the wood was rotted, all of the screws tightened up nicely.

Easy fix, just wanted to share.....

GRK Fasteners ESR-2442 / #113235

 

[NIS240SHU]

Nice job! I need to do the same thing at my parents' house.

 

[rlitman]

I like those screws, and use them in many projects, but they're not the right choice for a gutter.

Special gutter screws are made for this purpose. They have a special corrosion resistant coating that galvanically separates them from the aluminum in the gutter. Or you can use aluminum gutter nails. The trick with gutter nails is, if they're loose, add more.

 

[D45]

Good idea and good effort, but these would be better:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_122295-205-33047PK_0__

http://www.lowes.com/Fasteners/Screws/Gutter-Screws/_/N-1z0yk38/pl


Color matched as well

 

[lakeroadster]

I like those screws, and use them in many projects, but they're not the right choice for a gutter.

Special gutter screws are made for this purpose. They have a special corrosion resistant coating that galvanically separates them from the aluminum in the gutter. Or you can use aluminum gutter nails. The trick with gutter nails is, if they're loose, add more.

I've got steel gutters... see the rust inside? In any event the screws are coated for use with treated lumber.

Nails **** for a gutter application, using more makes it **** even more.

Good idea and good effort, but these would be better:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_122295-205-33047PK_0__

http://www.lowes.com/Fasteners/Screws/Gutter-Screws/_/N-1z0yk38/pl


Color matched as well

Better for a new application, but neither are better for replacing existing nails. The screws are all too small in diameter.

_____
John

 

[rlitman]

I've got steel gutters... see the rust inside? In any event the screws are coated for use with treated lumber.

I do now. I missed that when looking on my cell phone.

 

[CNGsaves]

Good save and better than whacking in another "nail" that wouldn't hold anyway. Lowe's had very little selection when I was faced with same problem so was forced with more big nails.

May need to invest time to prep and paint the inside channel of those steel gutters or they'll be rusted through pretty quick.

Good to know you located those screws at Home Depot as Lowe's sure didn't have much.

 

[lakeroadster]

Good to know you located those screws at Home Depot as Lowe's sure didn't have much.

The structural screws were not in the hardware isle... they were back in the construction / lumber area. If I hadn't asked... I never would have found them.

_____
John

 

[CamarosRus]

Looking for EIGHT inch Gutter Screws to replace the EIGHT inch Spikes/Nails that are currently loose....

Ive looked at AMAZON and EBAY and dont care for High Cost plus Shipping for only 10 to a package????

 

[LB-1911]

Looking for EIGHT inch Gutter Screws to replace the EIGHT inch Spikes/Nails that are currently loose....

Ive looked at AMAZON and EBAY and dont care for High Cost plus Shipping for only 10 to a package????

Don't think you'll find 8's

I've used these in the past, Your local Home Depot might stock FastenMaster - 7" 25 per box

GutterScrew enables you to replace old popping gutter spikes once and for all. Here's how – super-sized threads! Wider than gutter spikes, they fill old worn spike holes tightly. This heavy-duty fastener gives unmatched holding power even in old spike holes.

https://www.fastenmaster.com/products/gutterscrew.html

 

[Marctrees]

camarosRus - The GRK RSS screws used in OP come in many lengths, even up to about 18"

https://www.grkfasteners.com/tech-data/specs/rss

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

They will cost like $1.50 each or so.

Check Ebay for these.

Marc

 

[four.cycle]

https://www.fastenmaster.com/products/gutterscrew.html

^ yeah. that one. big-*** threads on the business end.

that's what I had to get to fix the loose gutter over at my sister's house.
had to buy a package of about half a dozen to fix just one attachment point but it was well worth it to finally have that stupid thing fixed!

 

[matt_i]

I think Timberlok and Simpson make structural screws in the same vein as the GRK-RSS, little different flavor but I think the length won't be an issue. Just some more options.

 

[larry4406]

I don't yet have this problem, but when I do I now know the solution.

Thanks Lake Roadster and others!

 

[Matt M PA]

I used some of the Amerimax gutter screws that have a sleeve to prevent the gutter from crushing. Worked great...went in quickly with an impact driver. A great improvement over the nails that wee getting loose and not holding well.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Amerimax-Galvanized-Steel-Gutter-Screw-and-Ferrule/3284360

 

[OccupantRJ]

I use the GRK screws when I move a Bridgeport mill to fasten 4x4 skids under the machine for using a pallet jack or forklift. The timbers have to be set far enough apart to allow the pallet jack to pass which places the holes in the base nearer to the edge of the wood. The screws zip right in in seconds with no splitting or predrilling by using an impact driver. This saved a bit of time when preparing a machine for moving for me. The expense is offset by the convenience of use.

 

[58Yeoman]

Hmmm...good to know, but too late. I helped my brother remove all the steel gutters from his hip roof stand alone garage. Said he didn't care about the water running off the roof. We covered the facia with aluminum from Menard's.

 

[Bretny]

Why would you remove a huge loost nail and try to put a small diameter screw in its place?

They make special screw in hangers for thus purpose and it all goes in the gutter. I bet its cheaper to buy the hangers with screws than those huge screws.

 

[mike93lx]

May need to invest time to prep and paint the inside channel of those steel gutters or they'll be rusted through pretty quick.

Gutters are not that expensive. The amount of time it would take to sand, prep, and paint, from either a ladder or lift would far outweigh the cost to replace, IMO

Edit, just saw how old this is. Oh well