Can You Use Screws For Joist Hangers: Complete Guide

While working with the joist hangers, you must have bumped into a variety of construction connectors. These connectors required nails or screws to fasten the joist hangers.

Joist hangers keep your decks and floors secure and strong. If you are curious about the screws used in joist hangers, there are a few things you need to know.

Don’t worry, as here you’ll get the answer of can you use screws for joist hangers, Before going into the details, let’s show you some basics  about what joint hangers do and how screws can help you attach joist hangers.

What are Joist Hangers, and how do you Use them?

When you are making ceilings, floors, decks, and others, it needs structural support for the wood joints. That’s when joist hangers come to the rescue.

It supports the whole thing with its U-shaped forms. According to your requirements, you will find joist hangers in various shapes and sizes.

Joist hangers hold around the three sides of the joints. With the help of multiple holes, it gets locked with the screws or any other fasteners to support the beam. Galvanized metal is the common tool to use for joist hangers.

Because of galvanizing, joist hangers are more suitable to attach with screws than other fasteners. It will prevent galvanized metal from any erosion.

Can You Use Screws For Joist Hangers – Reliable Guide

Here comes the special screw for you that only suits joist hangers. There is no doubt that everything has its own needs and requirements. Similarly, Joist hangers also need a precise type of nail that can go well with the project.

Depending on the requirements and design of the joist hangers, sizes and shapes will vary. The manufacturer is advised to use 16d and 10d double-dipped galvanized nails to secure the joist hangers. It will hold hangers up against the wall, headers, and beam.

Also, for corrosion protection, you can coat the nails with corrosion-resistant. You can use this for interior applications as well. It works for both purposes.

You can find specially designed screws for joist hangers. These special design screws are well-fitted for the joist hangers.

They have a larger, shrank, uncommon design, and they won’t snap under pressure or anything. It won’t break off, unlike other nails.

What Screws Should You Avoid for Joist Hangers:

Before starting with what kind of screws you should not use for your joist hangers, it is always a good option to consult with a manufacturer because only a manufacturer can tell you which ideal fastener will go better with the joist hangers.

Joist hangers will keep the stability of the applicants. So it’s important to install joist hangers with the right fasteners to maintain the product standards.

Here are some examples of screws that are doubtful to use.

• Deck Screws on Joist Hangers

The deck screw has great holding power. But if you are using it for joist hangers, you should give it a second thought. Most of the deck screws tend to break under shear pressure.

This stress creates pressure that is acted back and forth across the base of a fastener. During earthquakes or high wind, it can’t hold joint hangers together.

Generally, deck screws come from hardened steel that can collapse under pressure. That’s why experts suggest not to use deck screws for joist hangers.

• Roofing Nails

Using roofing nails on joist hangers. You will find many people who use nails. But it is suggested that you should avoid using it.

The reason is roofing nails are not designed to resist the architectural pressure that joist hanger connectors need.

These nails are not fit for a long time. Over time, these nails will get worn off and fail to hold up. You should avoid them.

Avoid these Mistakes when Installing Joist Hangers:

People frequently make these mistakes while working with joist hangers. We listed out a few mistakes which you can avoid. It will help you to build joist hangers without any blunders.

• Incorrect size

Most people make these mistakes. We don’t want you to repeat that. Mainly, they purchase faulty joist hangers. Either it is oversized or undersized. So, first, you need to know the right measurement.

If you are unsure about the measurements, please seek help from experts, or you can measure the joist before buying it.

• Enough hangers

You should not go to the store without knowing how many hangers you will need. You can count and buy the exact amount of hangers. No less, no more.

• Wrong Nailing

This problem is a very common one. If your nails are not covering the holes, it won’t make any sense. The holes need to be in perfect shape to hold the joist hanger completely.

Without filing the nails, it can’t take the load. You need to be very careful before making the holes.

• Wrong Sized Nails

Yes, the right type of nails is the major requirement. You can not use any nails on joist hangers. After all, nails will take care of the sheer pressure.

It will hold the whole stability. You have to decide carefully before buying it. Or you can simply consult a manufacturer.

• Re-use Joist Hangers

Never reuse joist hangers. Some structural materials can be recycled or reused, but joist hangers are not. It’s prohibited, even if it looks good. It can bring disaster for you.

• Reshaping

Don’t modify the joist hangers by cutting them shorter. If you see any joist sitting perfectly, those joist hangers are not for that connection. You should buy a new one which is designed especially for the connection. Don’t try to reshape it.

Conclusion

However, the question we started with at the beginning that can you use screws for joist hangers? Hope you got the answer now.

Joist hangers will give you support to your decks or ceiling. It will keep your ceiling hard rock from any type of disaster.

That’s why you need to make sure that joist hangers hold everything tightly. For that, you need specific screws which will give premium support.