The discussion about squash blocks and I-joists got me thinking about this.
With every truss delivery we make, we send out a packet of info. There’s stuff in there about erection bracing, truss uplift, piggyback bracing, strongback installation for floor trusses, etc.
Naturally, we selflessly send this out free of charge solely because we want our customers to be well informed about all the issues they might possibly face when using trusses.
.
O.K., seriously – We primarily send it out to cover our butts for liability reasons. (-:
Every truss place I’ve worked at over the past 20 years has done this. Worrying about liability is part of doing business in this day and age.
So do any of you actually READ the stuff we send out ??? Or do you crumple up the paper and use it to start a fire to burn up your lumber cutoffs?
Granted, a lot of it is just “cover-your-butt” liability BS. But some of it is useful info. Like the bracing stuff. And the stuff about preventing truss uplift.
Just curious to hear what y’all do…
I’ve never been to New Zealand before. But one of my role models, Xena, the warrior princess, comes from there. [Madeleine Albright]
Replies
I still read ALL with a side interest in making sense of the loads,bearing points etc.
Always double checking for orientation/bracing points, etc.
Thanks to you and guys like you,quality wise,etc.
"If 'tis to be,'twil be done by me."
I mostly stick frame, but when I do use trusses, I always use the engineering sheet for bracing specifics, etc., if for no other reason than each project is a bit unique so there is no cookie cutter method of securing the truss layout. (I do find it interesting that the drivers for the truss plant rarely set off the trusses per the instruction sheet!)
Out here, the building inspector, during the framing inspection, always takes a copy of the truss plants layout sheet with him for the state's permit file, after ensuring that the bracing schedule has been followed.
Maybe I wasn't clear enough about what I was asking. We always do send a layout with a job. And drawings of each truss. But that's not what I'm talking about. What I meant is the generic bracing stuff and assorted other BS that goes out on EVERY job.
The only real way to look younger is not to be born so soon.
-- Charles Schulz, Things I've Had to Learn Over and Over and Over
I read it back in the early 80's or maybe the late 70's Boss. I always hand the package to the rookies or newbies and aks them if they've ever read it. If they haven't, I tell them to take it home and read it and learn somethingabout it. Occasionally, some will.
My last guy is bilingual and he told me that he couldn't recognize some of the Spanish words.
Most of the stuff is simply common sense. Some of the stuff doesn't make any sense when compared to our situation. It's a pick and choose package.
blue
blue
here's how we brace our scissor trusses:
lemme know if you think it is inadequate.
Mr. T. MOTOL
"I think natural selection must have greatly rewarded the ability to reassure oneself in a crisis with complete bull$hit."
I'm Swiss!
Roaaaaar!I was just gonna suggest that Boss send a couple of those packets your way<G> "what's in a name?" d'oh!
"here's how we brace our scissor trusses:...lemme know if you think it is inadequate."
I think it would be best if you flew me out there for a couple of days to check things out in person...(-:
Political speeches should be like pizza - Delivered in 30 minutes or less.
I think it would be best if you flew me out there for a couple of days to check things out in person...(-:
You think YOUR boss is tight.
Mr. T. MOTOL
"I think natural selection must have greatly rewarded the ability to reassure oneself in a crisis with complete bull$hit."
I'm Swiss!
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!
I've heard the legend but never dreamed it was that real. You just take your lunch right up there with you and make a day out of it?
Hold my beer, and watch this!
http://www.hay98.com/
Actually, I do throw away about 80% of each packet: The Spanish, French, German, Urdu. and Swahili sections....same with tool manuals and door lockset instructions.
:^)
I take a minute to read any and all paers supplied by a manufacturer, trusses, lvls, windows, doors, roofing, whatever. I often learn something and have altered my methods that were incorrect or reminded myself of something I've forgotten. I have a stack of the things jammed into a binder for reference. I may look like a geek but at least I make sure to follow manu's details: sometimes they change or are amended from year to year.
Besides, my pops always said as for long as I can remember, "If you had read the instructions first that wouldn't have happened, numb-nut!"
What ever happened to the 'free' pencils??
If it were easy....a caveman could do it.
"What ever happened to the 'free' pencils??"
Truss places and lumberyards seem to be getting tighter and tighter all the time. The owners of the company I work for are so tight you couldn't squeeze a BB out of their butt.
Heck, I don't even have a company pencil or hat myself. Haven't seen one for over a year.
Support your local undertaker - drop dead.
I have read all the literature and skim over it again with the delivery. My truss guy includes the engineers specs on each of the trusses (each different truss). I check this and install my bracing to their specifications. Then I keep those sheets to give the inspector at the framing inspection. He checks the work and then inserts the sheets into the file for the building permit.
Have a good day
Cliffy
I religiously throw away all information packets that start out with the words "WARNING: Read and Save these Important Safety Instructions" since I don't need to be told for the enienth time to wear a steel-toed face-shield on my bump-cap to avoid Serious Injury And/Or Death while using my new fly swatter....
Actually, if I'm getting materials with which I don't work all the time, I'll take the time to scan the CYA packet on the theory there might be something in there that common sense wouldn't tell me. Since I don't use manufactured trusses often, if I got a packet such as yours with the trusses, yes, I would read it, or at least scan it pretty thoroughly to make sure I wasn't about to commit expensive stupidity....
But, no, I do not read all the fine print on the shingle wrapper or bag of thinset, nor do I read the installation instructions that come with light fixtures, plumbing roughs, yadda, yadda....
So what do you figure, the guys who work with trusses daily could probably quote those packets back at ya from memory...?
Dinosaur
A day may come when the courage of men fails,when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship...
But it is not this day.