How many of you use them? In what situations?
I see no need for them in traditional stick-framed roof with collar ties or ceiling joists, as the pairs in opposition mean they pretty much stay put without much help at all. Would you do without them on a shed roof? On a structural ridge? Are they required by code? For every situation?
I’ve been using them on most things for the past few years, but they are getting so expensive it bugs me.
Steve
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not to go off topic, but a recent trip for miscellany at the big box showed gouging big time in pricing on "small" items - Simpson hdwe, lag screws, boxes of screws, etc.
I had to pick this batch of hangers up at HD. They were more than 6 bucks each. None of the local independent yards stocks them, leading me to believe that no one around here but me is using them.Steve
hey, at least you have independent yards. Here, they've all closed and left town, only the big boxes are left. I'm at their mercy on pricing, which isn't good on small stuff. I could do better on internet, but who knows what they need that far in advance?View Image bakersfieldremodel.com
I'm kind of in the same situation out here in the sticks of upstate NY. We have a few independents, but they tend to stock stuff that only sees extremely common use. One of them hasn't even heard of flex wrap. Neither HD nor Lowes stocks timberlock or trusslock screws, nor has the help heard of them.It's pathetic. I have to mail order my orbital sandpaper, for cryin' out loud! (Ok, it's Festool, but still...)
Do you have any construction supply companies down there? The kind that bring hardware etc. to the job. In the Bay Area we used Don Hoban Company. I think they have other locations. They were way lower than lumber yards on hardware, caulking, etc. Plus they brought it to the job next day delivery. Tools are pretty competitive.I think lumber yards take advantage of you on that stuff. I know here in Colorado you really get bent over for some Simpson hardware. Probably because not as common as in Calif. due to earthquake requirements.John
Do you have any construction supply companies down there? The kind that bring hardware etc. to the job.
none that I know of. Terry Lumber is gone, Stock Building Materials is gone, Hayward Lumber is gone. I shed a tear for each when they left.View Image bakersfieldremodel.com
Have you tried WhiteCap? They should be in your area.
Hey - you're right! Moved into town a couple years back. Forgot about them! I don't get by there much because its the worst traffic in town there. But early A.M. isn't bad, and heck, if they deliver, that'd be the ticket!View Image bakersfieldremodel.com
Go online. I have had a hard time getting what I need when I need it. Usually just takes them a day to get it in.
Now, I have one 2 miles from the house. Life is good. Good guys to deal with. Price is so-so, but service makes up for it.
your yard wouldn't get them for you?
My local was here looong before the BBs and has yet objected to ordering anything for me that they don't have in stock. Even the BBs send customers their way with spec orders they can't figure out.
You know how it is...ya need 'em when ya need 'em. I'm sure they would order them in for me, if I could wait a week or two.
6 bucks? Shoot, I paid $11 bucks each for screws last week! How about $26 bucks for a 2" X 6" joist hanger? But I only use stainless. McFeely has hangers at a good price.
We don't have a severe risk of a hurricane even reaching us.
The only thing we worry about is that white stuff that falls by the feet every winter!
Best to design around using a bunch of hangers if possible. I'm sure Simpson feels otherwise and probably are constantly lobbying building code groups to further the use of metal plate items.
OTOH, I think people in seismic areas need the stuff.
So when DO you need them? Structural ridge? Shed roof? Never?
Since all my structural stuff has to be signed off by a P.E. I have to go with what they spec. However, the two ways I tie the rafter to a ridge, in addition to the collar ties, is a strap over each set or an H2.5 or similar on each side of the ridge.Although it takes a little more time, I prefer the H because I don't have to deal with the sheathing nails bouncing off the strap overs. The inspectors want something there but my P.E. gives me the choice.I also use three toenails each side of each rafter and although I don't have the math to back this up those six nails most likely have all the holding power necessary even for hurricane country.
Steve, never use hangers on rafters. Gravity is you friend!
Edited 9/14/2009 3:48 pm ET by frammer52
Not even on a structural ridge with a low pitch?
nope