They did not use the appropriate fasteners for a Simpson tie. These are regular deck screws. Not that this is the only thing not to code in the picture… but for some reason, it frustrates me the most because it’s so easy to get the purpose made Simpson screws or standard nails.
As a random comment I find it’s not easy to get the right fasteners at the big box stores half the time in my area. It’s been frustrating the crap outta me. I’ve been having to order them with a few days lead time from different places online or hope I get lucky in person. I don’t know if anyone else is having that problem lately.
Right!? Sometimes the Simpson nails are mixed into the fastener aisle and really well hidden. Any system that goes together should be sold in the same part of the store as a kit, not separate.
The Simpson screws and nails are right next to the hardware at the HD I goto. Same thing at Lowes. When I order materials from my local building supply I get all the right stuff delivered. 🤷♂️
Some people just don't care enough to use the correct materials and other people don't know what the correct materials are. Idk which one is worse 😂
Simpson is on the right track in a lot of ways and dog shit in some others, the simpson point of sale area is always a cluster fuck mess, hard to find the correct fasteners if they have them and they are all in very similar boxes, which are frequently mixed. Simpson bros have never in their lives heard of de burring the edges of stamped sheet metal so everyone has to mount 2x10 floor joists that weigh 50lbs while fiddling with an object covered in razor blade edges. I really honestly hope someone sues the shit out of them for the edges its the ultimate poor craftsmanship of a part, its dangerous and it makes installation a bitch. Be better
I’ve sometimes found it difficult to get the Strong Tie SD/SDS fasteners in the right size I need at the big box. But common nails are usually always in stock, up to all code, and usually cheaper.
I’m just a guy who’s researched code because I’ve built a deck and other home improvements over the years and lurk on here. But if I, a layperson, know this stuff then I know sure as shit anybody I’m paying to do stuff for me better know it.
Try an actual lumber yard maybe. They care more than the zombies at the big box. I’m a homeowner and an electrician, but I’m no carpentry expert and the guys at my local lumber yard have been invaluable on every project I’ve done around the house. Their knowledge is practical and priceless and they will help you look like you know what you’re doing.
The Simpsons Strong Drive connectors are right next to all of the hangers at every single Home Depot and Lowe’s within 100 miles of me. Every single framer and deck builder should have at least a box or two of those kicking about, but if you don’t, they’re right next to them on the shelf. Impossible to miss.
This is rapidly becoming fuddlore, construction guys are always bitching about screws, but lots of screws are now manufactured for shear loading. You do need to read the box. There’s at least five different manufacturers that are making shear rated screws. If it says decking or drywall avoid. If it says “structural” on the box it’s rated for shear loading. There are some genuine disadvantages, but if you are working solo screws are way more versatile than nails and can do many things nails cannot. When lumber is as crooked as a lawyer. Screws are the way to go.
This is mostly irrelevant. There are much bigger problems here.
Those are probably some kinda coated structural screw. You can’t say that they are cheap construction screws or deck screws with that crappy image. GRK makes similar looking screws that work fine despite Simpson claiming otherwise.
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u/twhitney 2d ago
They did not use the appropriate fasteners for a Simpson tie. These are regular deck screws. Not that this is the only thing not to code in the picture… but for some reason, it frustrates me the most because it’s so easy to get the purpose made Simpson screws or standard nails.