This post has been sponsored by Simpson Strong-Tie, but the thoughts within our my own.
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Each year at the Remodeling Show, Simpson Strong-Tie presents their case for the importance of proper connections in deck construction. It has become, well, a thing at the Show, Simpson Strong-Ties now famous Deck Collapse. A few weeks back and the first time for me, I caught it. With it, my intro for this post changed.
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A little further back I discussed some of the Kleenexes of, well, the building industry. And of course, you could probably throw out a few.Kleenex you know, a name brand often supplants the more generic term tissue. That is the brand name becomes simply synonymous with the item it describes.
Actually I posted that article on July 28th, 2011. It was titled Well, Evyn, If You Cant Duct It, . . . :: Foil Tape the Better Duct Tape and it contained a pic of my then 8-year-old daughter, lending a hand as I hooked up a new dryer.
To quote it, I wrote: Few building products totally dominate a (product) niche like Nashua Foil Tape. Simpson Strong-Tie, Magna Latch, ZipWall. To name just a few.
Strangely, I learned a little later that Simpson Strong-Tiewas a fan. :~)
I mean its just one of those things. Ive never really, and havent had to, put too much thought into it. When I look down at a buy list, and it reads, say, Joist Hangers = Simpson Strong-Tie. Similarly, Post Bases = Simpson Strong-Tie Ties, Plates, Angles, you guessed it= Simpson Strong-Tie. Hardware, Hot-Dipped Corrosion-Resistant Galvanized, Z-Max for added insurance and I can find a huge array of options right there on the end cap (actually on two) at my local Home Depot.
For this assignment, though, I wont be talking about, well any of that. Ha!
I will set instead to look solely at the Simpson Strong-Tiefastener options. And I dont know about you, but it was kinda news to me. I mean beyond joist hanger (teco) nails and galvanized lags, I actually was surprised that the line was, well, way more robust and especially in the area of structural screws.
This is instantly apparent on using the companys new Fastener Finder web app. As a related overview video depicts, this app is super for exploring options. Search by the length or gauge of fastener. Search by Fastener Type (from Collated to Hand-Drive Screw) and/or by Application Type. Fasteners may also be searched (and very appropriately for screws) either by Head, Thread, Shank or Point Type. While 20 or so Materials/Coatings are available, the Stainless Steel options in this drop down quickly caught my eye. I spy SS gradings for 302, 304, 305, 316, & 410. But wait! What does that mean?
Stainless?
Maybe youve heard the old saying, Stainless, yeah, stains less.
Now I know that when it comes to stainless, NOT all stainless is created equal. If curious streaking on past exteriors project wasnt enough proof, we could talk at the faint rust spots that lie there un-removable just below my frigs water dispenser. I mean those who have lived with stainless steel appliances and/or stainless steel fixtures know that stainless steel isnt always so stainless. But wait. What?!
So how exactly can stainless differ from, well, stainless? I cant quite tell you what type of stainless was used to wrap my frig, but Wikipedia makes light of noteworthy differences in Steel Grades. Take these differences in just the few types that Simpson Strong-Tie offers and quote that linked page:
300 Seriesaustenitic chromium-nickel alloys
Type 302same corrosion resistance as 304, with slightly higher strength due to additional carbon.Type 304the most common grade; the classic 18/8 (18% chromium, 8% nickel) stainless steel. Outside of the US it is commonly known as A2 stainless steel, in accordance with ISO 3506 (not to be confused with A2 tool steel).[6](Type 305 not listed but seems to have slightly less chromium and slightly more nickel than 304.)Type 316the second most common grade (after 304); for food andsurgical stainless steeluses; alloy addition of molybdenum prevents specific forms of corrosion. It is also known as marine grade stainless steel due to its increased resistance to chloride corrosion compared to type 304. 316 is often used for buildingnuclear reprocessingplants.
400 Seriesferritic and martensitic chromium alloys
Type 410martensitic (high-strength iron/chromium). Wear-resistant, but less corrosion-resistant.
Both 100 and 200 series seem to align with general purpose applications such as with furniture. The 400 Series seems to be used widely in cutlery and in kitchen applications. 500 and 600 series also exist, but are most widely found in heat-related applications. And while I know these are very over-simplified statements, I can conclude that the bulk of construction related Stainless Steel seems to be found in the 300 Series.
These same pages continue on to reveal:
SAE 304stainless steel is used for a variety of home and industry uses, such as screws, machinery parts, fabrics and other uses.
Marine grade stainless, orSAE316stainless steel while Type 316 is not completely rust-proof, the alloy is more corrosion-resistant than other common stainless steels.Surgical steelis made from subtypes of 316 stainless steel.
One the more popular stainless screws that Simpson Strong-Tie offers is the Deck-DriveTM DWP WOOD SS Screw in Type 316. Dont be misled by the name, this is in fact more of a multi-purpose screw designed for decking but also working well docks, siding, trim, etc. Consistent with above, Type 316 simply outperforms Type 305 (again very similar to Type 304), which is actually known to show signs of rust.
The Deck-DriveTM DWP WOOD SS Screw in Type 316 is recommended instead by the company for coastal applications. Sharp-points and a box thread are also said to minimize the effort required in installing them. To learn more about the full line of Deck-DriveTM screws, here.
Beyond Stainless
Okay that was my opportunity to take a good look at stainless, but Simpson Strong-Tie has many more offerings beyond stainless fasteners and a few Ill highlight below.
The Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER Screw is ideal for the ledger attachment the essential, arguably most vital component in overall deck safety. Recommended as alternative to through-bolting and/or traditional lag screws, the Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER Screw relative ease of installation is almost immediately apparent. While available too in a stainless option with a hex head (as SDWH TIMBER-HEX SS), its more common to find this screw with what the company calls a double-barrier coating.
The SDWS TIMBER Screw appears prominently in the Simpson Strong-Tie Deck Connection and Fastening Guide (F-DECKCODE13). Check page 8 for the industrys currently accepted ledger fastening pattern. In general, Ill say that Simpson Strong-Tie has always supported their products with exceptional literature. To explore more, perhaps begin in Simpsons Deck Center. Oh! And more on the Strong-Drive structural line, here.
Before you begin to think that Simpson Strong-Tie expertise is limited decking only, and sure, Simpson Strong-Tie has been at the forefront, even driving best practices as well as code for many years, they have some smart offerings in interior structural screws too.
In the way of subfloors, for example, you can find the Strong-Drive WSNTL SUBFLOOR Screw. It is said to be especially efficient when used with their Quik-Drive PRO250 Subfloor Auto-Feed Screw Driving System. This tool is said to offer visual confirmation that youve hit a joint and I know I could have used that reassurance many times through the years. Ha!
Mike Sloggatt using QuikDrive in his Best in Class Floors presentation @ the 2014 Remodeling Show
Last in this rundown, I have the Strong-DriveSDWC TRUSS Screw. I mean how can you beat an orange screw?! (#GoBirds :~) ). As a fully threaded fastener, it provides both more options on installation, but also excellent load path while being mindful of the trades that the follow rough framing applications.
###
For the full of array of Simpson Strong-Tie fasteners, available for a myriad of additional applications, again check them out here >> Simpson Strong-Tie Fasteners.
Some photos courtesy ofSimpson Strong-Tie.
Share:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BuildingMoxieTheBlog/~3/Jug8ytjwQzQ/
*******
Each year at the Remodeling Show, Simpson Strong-Tie presents their case for the importance of proper connections in deck construction. It has become, well, a thing at the Show, Simpson Strong-Ties now famous Deck Collapse. A few weeks back and the first time for me, I caught it. With it, my intro for this post changed.
[embedded content]
*******
A little further back I discussed some of the Kleenexes of, well, the building industry. And of course, you could probably throw out a few.Kleenex you know, a name brand often supplants the more generic term tissue. That is the brand name becomes simply synonymous with the item it describes.
Actually I posted that article on July 28th, 2011. It was titled Well, Evyn, If You Cant Duct It, . . . :: Foil Tape the Better Duct Tape and it contained a pic of my then 8-year-old daughter, lending a hand as I hooked up a new dryer.
To quote it, I wrote: Few building products totally dominate a (product) niche like Nashua Foil Tape. Simpson Strong-Tie, Magna Latch, ZipWall. To name just a few.
Strangely, I learned a little later that Simpson Strong-Tiewas a fan. :~)
I mean its just one of those things. Ive never really, and havent had to, put too much thought into it. When I look down at a buy list, and it reads, say, Joist Hangers = Simpson Strong-Tie. Similarly, Post Bases = Simpson Strong-Tie Ties, Plates, Angles, you guessed it= Simpson Strong-Tie. Hardware, Hot-Dipped Corrosion-Resistant Galvanized, Z-Max for added insurance and I can find a huge array of options right there on the end cap (actually on two) at my local Home Depot.
For this assignment, though, I wont be talking about, well any of that. Ha!
I will set instead to look solely at the Simpson Strong-Tiefastener options. And I dont know about you, but it was kinda news to me. I mean beyond joist hanger (teco) nails and galvanized lags, I actually was surprised that the line was, well, way more robust and especially in the area of structural screws.
This is instantly apparent on using the companys new Fastener Finder web app. As a related overview video depicts, this app is super for exploring options. Search by the length or gauge of fastener. Search by Fastener Type (from Collated to Hand-Drive Screw) and/or by Application Type. Fasteners may also be searched (and very appropriately for screws) either by Head, Thread, Shank or Point Type. While 20 or so Materials/Coatings are available, the Stainless Steel options in this drop down quickly caught my eye. I spy SS gradings for 302, 304, 305, 316, & 410. But wait! What does that mean?
Stainless?
Maybe youve heard the old saying, Stainless, yeah, stains less.
Now I know that when it comes to stainless, NOT all stainless is created equal. If curious streaking on past exteriors project wasnt enough proof, we could talk at the faint rust spots that lie there un-removable just below my frigs water dispenser. I mean those who have lived with stainless steel appliances and/or stainless steel fixtures know that stainless steel isnt always so stainless. But wait. What?!
So how exactly can stainless differ from, well, stainless? I cant quite tell you what type of stainless was used to wrap my frig, but Wikipedia makes light of noteworthy differences in Steel Grades. Take these differences in just the few types that Simpson Strong-Tie offers and quote that linked page:
300 Seriesaustenitic chromium-nickel alloys
Type 302same corrosion resistance as 304, with slightly higher strength due to additional carbon.Type 304the most common grade; the classic 18/8 (18% chromium, 8% nickel) stainless steel. Outside of the US it is commonly known as A2 stainless steel, in accordance with ISO 3506 (not to be confused with A2 tool steel).[6](Type 305 not listed but seems to have slightly less chromium and slightly more nickel than 304.)Type 316the second most common grade (after 304); for food andsurgical stainless steeluses; alloy addition of molybdenum prevents specific forms of corrosion. It is also known as marine grade stainless steel due to its increased resistance to chloride corrosion compared to type 304. 316 is often used for buildingnuclear reprocessingplants.
400 Seriesferritic and martensitic chromium alloys
Type 410martensitic (high-strength iron/chromium). Wear-resistant, but less corrosion-resistant.
Both 100 and 200 series seem to align with general purpose applications such as with furniture. The 400 Series seems to be used widely in cutlery and in kitchen applications. 500 and 600 series also exist, but are most widely found in heat-related applications. And while I know these are very over-simplified statements, I can conclude that the bulk of construction related Stainless Steel seems to be found in the 300 Series.
These same pages continue on to reveal:
SAE 304stainless steel is used for a variety of home and industry uses, such as screws, machinery parts, fabrics and other uses.
Marine grade stainless, orSAE316stainless steel while Type 316 is not completely rust-proof, the alloy is more corrosion-resistant than other common stainless steels.Surgical steelis made from subtypes of 316 stainless steel.
One the more popular stainless screws that Simpson Strong-Tie offers is the Deck-DriveTM DWP WOOD SS Screw in Type 316. Dont be misled by the name, this is in fact more of a multi-purpose screw designed for decking but also working well docks, siding, trim, etc. Consistent with above, Type 316 simply outperforms Type 305 (again very similar to Type 304), which is actually known to show signs of rust.
The Deck-DriveTM DWP WOOD SS Screw in Type 316 is recommended instead by the company for coastal applications. Sharp-points and a box thread are also said to minimize the effort required in installing them. To learn more about the full line of Deck-DriveTM screws, here.
Beyond Stainless
Okay that was my opportunity to take a good look at stainless, but Simpson Strong-Tie has many more offerings beyond stainless fasteners and a few Ill highlight below.
The Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER Screw is ideal for the ledger attachment the essential, arguably most vital component in overall deck safety. Recommended as alternative to through-bolting and/or traditional lag screws, the Strong-Drive SDWS TIMBER Screw relative ease of installation is almost immediately apparent. While available too in a stainless option with a hex head (as SDWH TIMBER-HEX SS), its more common to find this screw with what the company calls a double-barrier coating.
The SDWS TIMBER Screw appears prominently in the Simpson Strong-Tie Deck Connection and Fastening Guide (F-DECKCODE13). Check page 8 for the industrys currently accepted ledger fastening pattern. In general, Ill say that Simpson Strong-Tie has always supported their products with exceptional literature. To explore more, perhaps begin in Simpsons Deck Center. Oh! And more on the Strong-Drive structural line, here.
Before you begin to think that Simpson Strong-Tie expertise is limited decking only, and sure, Simpson Strong-Tie has been at the forefront, even driving best practices as well as code for many years, they have some smart offerings in interior structural screws too.
In the way of subfloors, for example, you can find the Strong-Drive WSNTL SUBFLOOR Screw. It is said to be especially efficient when used with their Quik-Drive PRO250 Subfloor Auto-Feed Screw Driving System. This tool is said to offer visual confirmation that youve hit a joint and I know I could have used that reassurance many times through the years. Ha!
Mike Sloggatt using QuikDrive in his Best in Class Floors presentation @ the 2014 Remodeling Show
Last in this rundown, I have the Strong-DriveSDWC TRUSS Screw. I mean how can you beat an orange screw?! (#GoBirds :~) ). As a fully threaded fastener, it provides both more options on installation, but also excellent load path while being mindful of the trades that the follow rough framing applications.
###
For the full of array of Simpson Strong-Tie fasteners, available for a myriad of additional applications, again check them out here >> Simpson Strong-Tie Fasteners.
Some photos courtesy ofSimpson Strong-Tie.
Share:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BuildingMoxieTheBlog/~3/Jug8ytjwQzQ/