I would like to use a framing nail gun for a bathroom addition. Do people usually substitute a shorter nail for 16d 3.5", but keep the same quantity and spacing? Does that pass code?
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2Almost all framing nailers have the capacity for 3.5" nails. The only difference should be full or clipped head. Specific areas of the country may have codes requiring full heads, especially in hurricane or earthquake prone areas.– DoresoomCommented Jul 22, 2015 at 17:38
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Thanks--I was curious because of how relatively few 3.5" collated nails there are for sale relative to some shorter sizes.– Phil EsraCommented Jul 22, 2015 at 18:05
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1 Answer
Fastening schedules are quite straight forward. You look up what you're connecting together, and it tells you what size fastener to use, how many to use, the spacing between fasteners, and where the fastener should go. There are no exceptions based on how the fastener is driven.
For example:
According to International Residential Code 2012, if you're going to end nail a top or sole plate to a stud, you'll use 2 16d (3 1/2″ × 0.135″) nails.
answered Jul 23, 2015 at 11:15
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Thanks for the clarification! So if I understand you right, it's ok to use 0.135" nails where 16d is called for? This thickness is "box" rather than "common" thickness, right? I had gotten the impression that building codes required common. Commented Jul 27, 2015 at 18:18
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From IRC 2012 Table R602.3(1) a. All nails are smooth-common, box or deformed shanks except where otherwise stated.. Commented Jul 27, 2015 at 18:38
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Whoa, there it is in black and white in the table, 0.135 inches. So for that use, you MUST use a "box" diameter nail. I've been cramming code in prep for an ambitious bathroom addition--obviously I got my wires crossed somewhere along the line. I really appreciate being set straight--I raise a virtual beer to your knowledge! Commented Jul 28, 2015 at 0:21
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To follow up for the record, I now see that table 2304.9.1 of the 2013 California building code lists penny sizes AND actual measurements (as done for collated nail sizes). For the stud to sole/top plate, it lists (a) 2 - 16d common (3 1/2" x 0.162"); (b) 3 - 3" x 0.131"; (c) 3 - 3" 14 gauge staples. I believe the LA County code prohibits the staples, but I'll have to dig around to see if I understood that correctly. Thanks again for helping me get a handle on this stuff. Commented Jul 28, 2015 at 15:48
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@PhilEsra That sounds like International Building Code (IBC). If it's a residential application, International Residential Code (IRC) might be what's used instead. Commented Jul 28, 2015 at 17:59