Nail lube

[bluedog225]

Good afternoon,

I’m trying to sink 16d hdg nails through a couple of LVL rafters to hang a big Simpson hanger. Using both a hammer and a palm nailer, I’m bending about 50%. Where I can, I predrill per the Simpson guidance (I forget the bit size right now) and it works fine. Though the pic doesn’t show it, some holes are too close to the perpendicular LVL to drill. And the angle makes the palm nailer useless.

The OCD part of me really wants to fill up all the holes.

The only idea I can think of is to lube up the nails with wax. Or switch to shiny sinkers (ugh). Or I could try the stubby nails if that’s all that will work.

Really just venting. I’ve spent way too much time up there working on this and I’ve got two more to go.,

 

[C-S-H]

Dry fit to mark the lead hole locations. Then move aside and start lead holes with small sharp nail, then drill.

 

[Zeke]

You're supposed to use Simpson nails.

 

[Mick56]

You could also use a bar of soap for lube. I've used soap on wood screws going into oak, it made a huge difference.

 

[Rusty Wrench]

Simpson allows the use of 'Strong Drive' screws in lieu of nails. There's some adjustment to the load tables. There's is another fastener substitution schedule buried somewhere in their literature. I just went through this.

HGUS™

The HGUS is an extra-heavy-capacity hanger for applications requiring girder support. This value-engineered hanger features double-shear nailing and can be installed after the beam is in place.

www.strongtie.com

Scroll down to bottom of linked page

Edit: 2nd Fastener Schedule

Connector Holes and Specified Fastener Types

Guide on fastener types and sizes specified for use with our connectors to achieve published loads for optimal connector performance.

www.strongtie.com

 

[bluedog225]

Simpson allows the use of 'Strong Drive' screws in lieu of nails. There's some adjustment to the load tables. There's is another fastener substitution schedule buried somewhere in their literature. I just went through this.

HGUS™

The HGUS is an extra-heavy-capacity hanger for applications requiring girder support. This value-engineered hanger features double-shear nailing and can be installed after the beam is in place.

www.strongtie.com

Scroll down to bottom of linked page

Edit: 2nd Fastener Schedule

Connector Holes and Specified Fastener Types

Guide on fastener types and sizes specified for use with our connectors to achieve published loads for optimal connector performance.

www.strongtie.com

I’ll try some genuine Simpson nails.

believe soap promotes corrosion. But toilet ring wax is ok.

Thanks for the research Rusty. For some reason. I thought I read that only nails can be used. Can’t find out now. But found this. Seems odd but there it is.

 

[dchawk81]

Nail lube

@PelicanPines

 

[PelicanPines]

@PelicanPines

I use 10D Simpson Ring Shank... fired with a nail gun... and hammered the proud ones.

It was my understanding... PLEASE CORRECT ME... you don't fill EVERY hole with a fastener.

 

[wssix99]

Just get a metal rod that fits into the socket of your palm nailer. Place the rod between the nail and your palm nailer. Problem solved.

I built a triangular deck and this worked great in the tight corners.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I don’t think those hangers require 16d nails, they’re a bit long. Use screws as others have said.

 

[bluedog225]

I use 10D Simpson Ring Shank... fired with a nail gun... and hammered the proud ones.

It was my understanding... PLEASE CORRECT ME... you don't fill EVERY hole with a fastener.

I may be wrong. Some of the Simpson stuff of pretty dense.

They are all round holes.

 

[bluedog225]

There is a technical bulletin that allows 10d. But lots.

 

[bluedog225]

Just get a metal rod that fits into the socket of your palm nailer. Place the rod between the nail and your palm nailer. Problem solved.

I built a triangular deck and this worked great in the tight corners.

That’s a good idea. Thanks

 

[Fixr]

The really old school technique before Simpson was to run the nail through your greasy hair. Assuming you had hair.

 

[rlitman]

You could also use a bar of soap for lube. I've used soap on wood screws going into oak, it made a huge difference.

I was taught this, but I've learned since how it corrodes the fasteners. Best not to use soap.

I think this might be a place to get a positive placement nailer. Barring that, I've found that vinyl coated sinkers tend to shoot in well with my pneumatic palm nailer, but don't hammer well. Driving a nail with a palm nailer is tricky though. You need the right feel to keep the nailer aimed straight, or else you'll bend the nails every time. I find I work better with an extra soft pad on the nailer, a padded glove, and the strap tightly over my hand.

 

[Innovate1]

You're supposed to use Simpson nails.

Nothing special about Simpson nails although it's convenient to use them if they are more available, especially for some sizes.

As for filling all the holes you need to refer to the specific hanger data. Simpson shows allowable loading for several nail options for most. Sinkers are smaller and reduce load capacity. For this hanger it states to fill every hole. It's for a good sized beam so I wouldn't want to be cutting corners.

I would figure out how to drill them. Can you mark and move things out of the way to drill? Or get a long drill bit. 90 degree drill or drill attachment may help in close quarters.

 

[Zeke]

"As for filling all the holes you need to refer to the specific hanger data."

That was more or less what I was saying.

 

[AdamMopar]

The SD connector screws are awesome. All I use now.

 

[Monza Harry]

For lube on screws I have a hot glue melting pot so as you drive the screws in they warm making it easier(ish) and cools for a "ain't falling out connection when you stop turning. IDK for nails if/how well that would work. Just a thought Harry

 

[Meursault74]

I use 10D Simpson Ring Shank... fired with a nail gun... and hammered the proud ones.

It was my understanding... PLEASE CORRECT ME... you don't fill EVERY hole with a fastener.

Aren't you glad that a uh, certain entertainment segment, doesn't take that advice?