Truss splice plates

[Mike in Ohio]

I need to build a sliding door for my pole building. I am going to use 2x4 for the frame covered with steel siding. I was at menards yesterday and saw those plates they press onto trusses where 2 pieces are butted together. I know they use a press at the truss factory to put these on.

How would you use them in the field. I tried quite a few years ago with a hammer but just bent the snot out them because I could not put even pressure on them.

Any ideas?

 

[sophijo]

You might consider gussets: plywood triangles, rectangles etc screwed/glued over the joints. I wonder if the plates would loosen, what with the movement. Don't know.

 

[thouk]

When I built my shed I used a five pound sledge hammer. Beat the plates flush and then stop if not they will start curling back up. During one summer before college I worked at a truss factory. My hands were torn up in the first week and callused the next. Never again. Hope that helps, tony.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I was able to use those metal splices to join 2x4's together. It takes a while and having a heavy hammer helps, I think I used a 3lb sledge and lots of little taps. I used these joined 24' 2x4's for poles in pump-jack staging for siding houses. They joints lasted longer than the 2x4's did.

Richard

 

[1949 caddyman]

How about using some 1/4" steel plates & large C clamps to push the plates in.

 

[LX-Markham]

They make nail-on plates too, just a plate with holes in it, and you use joist hanger nails in it.

 

[Mike in Ohio]

The nail on type is probably what I will do. I thought the press on type would have lower profile, not a huge difference though.

Thanks for the answers.

 

[PetesPonies]

Let me suggest one other thing. Use engineered 2x4s. They cost a bit more but WELL worth it. They will hold their shape. I built these doors from them and they are great to work with.

 

[Thumper68]

To press the plates in the field I use a piece of 1/2 inch plate a little larger than the gusset plate, and a big hammer 3lb I think.