screw strength to hang heater

[royalton10]

Not sure if this is best spot to post this question. Here goes.

I am hanging a 20# Dayton G73 heater from the ceiling. Trusses did not line up with where I wanted to hang..so I put 2x4 blocking between the trusses that are 24" OC. I used 2, 2.5 inch deck screws from each end of the blocking, going from the truss into the blocking. I then used one 3/8" by 2.5" lag screw to hang the heater so it can swivel. Instructions say to use 2" screws if using 2 screws to eliminate swivel potential and that longer might be needed if using just one.

My question is... can those 2.5" screws hold that weight without failure? Do I need 3" screws? Should I put additional lag screw there? I am also going to lay a 2x6 across the truss tops and screw into the blocking. I thought this would provide additional strength. I planned on using 2.5 inch lag screws from the 2x6 (using 2x6 as that is the first thing I saw in the shop that was long enough to go across the top of the trusses) into the 2x4. (my blocking is 24" from the side wall, and I don't have enough clearance in the attic to swing hammer, use screw gun, etc; that is why I was thinking of using lag screws) I know I want to watch that I don't get too much screw action and split the wood, adding to chances of failure.

Will this work and hold?
Do I need to be concerned about failure with using just one lag screw to hold heater?


Thanks for all of your suggestions. Great place to glean info and learn.

Doug

 

[Falcon67]

The deck screws should hold in plenty well. I ususally keep a lot of 3" screws around here for sticking things together. I used a 1/4" lag screw to hold mine up, that is way more than plenty. Your 3/8" lag should hold 500+ lbs easy. If you doubt it, jump up there and swing from the blocking - it should hold your weight easily if the screws have at least 1" of bite into the truss.

 

[tfi racing]

I would like to see longer screws used,at least 3 or 3.5",just a little extra insurance if the wood shrinks or cracks slightly.I don't think you will need the additional 2x on top of the truss.To hang mine,I laid a 22.5" 2x4 flat between the trusses and will use a threaded eye hook thru the 2x with a nylock nut on it.

 

[belvedere]

I don't think you'll have any problems.

 

[jonny o]

If you are worried about anything splitting the wood, predrill it on the small side 3/4 of the way.

If you are worried about the 2x4 and 2 screws, use a 2x6 and 4 screws.

If you are worried about the single lag screw, you could drill through the 2x4 and run a bolt/washer/nylock clean through it.

Of course, I usually over-engineer things so I never have to worry about it. If you are worried enough about it to post the question, then you don't want to keep questioning it when something of value is under it.... Just over-do it to the point that YOU are satisfied.

 

[royalton10]

Thanks for all of your suggestions, big help!!

Doug