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Nails for door frame

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SBH

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May 16, 2009, 5:14:53 PM5/16/09
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I know, generally one would use framing nails either by hand or gun, but
what size nails are appropriate for an interior prehung door and frame? This
is a prefabbed 6 panel hung door you buy from Home Depot. Not solid core or
the 6 panel pine door. It's very light. Do you think 15 gauge finish nails
would do the trick?

Thanks


1D10T

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May 16, 2009, 5:47:37 PM5/16/09
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"SBH" <Meani...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:j1GPl.78845$vj3....@newsfe01.iad...

Never heard of a 15 gauge nail, but 3" screws will serve you better, since
they can be loosened/moved for adjusting as needed. They're no harder to
caulk, putty or cover than nails, either.


SBH

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May 16, 2009, 7:34:26 PM5/16/09
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"1D10T" <J...@digital.net> wrote in message
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It's a 15 gauge finish nail gun. Therefore, I would think the obvious is 15
gauge nails but not sure of their actual number size such as number 8 penny
nails. Perhaps I'm wrong.


Mike rock

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May 16, 2009, 8:14:30 PM5/16/09
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I believe its 4d nails. Look at the installation manual online, it
should tell you what to use. I think the name HD uses for doors is
Reliabilt.

Big_Jake

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May 17, 2009, 8:49:52 AM5/17/09
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15 gauge finish nails are fine from a gun, but if you hand nail, you
could go a little larger. Do NOT use framing nails of any size. The
heads will be unsightly on the finished product.

JK

Cliff Hartle

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May 17, 2009, 9:32:34 AM5/17/09
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Its not the gauge but the length.

You would use finish nails of what ever size you need to go through the
jamb, any shims and then into the 2x4 framing enough to hold the door.

To the PP who suggested 4d nails, the 1 1/2" nails are not long nor heavy
enough.

The general rule of thumb is the nail should be 3 times the thickness of
whatever you are nailing. So if you are nailing a 3/4" jamb your nail would
have to be at least 2 1/4" long. Something more like a 8d or a 16d if you
have a big shimmed gap.


"SBH" <Meani...@gmail.com> wrote in message
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Joe

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May 17, 2009, 11:05:05 AM5/17/09
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On May 16, 4:14 pm, "SBH" <Meanie.B...@gmail.com> wrote:

The door assembly you buy will have detailed instructions on
installation with it. The manufacturer's web site will also have these
instructions for downloading. Simply follow the steps outlined with
the tools/materials required and your job will turn out fine. A 6' and
2' level will be very useful for setting plumb. Useful info in TOH
archives also suggest a diagonal storyboard for getting the rough
opening just right. Good luck.

Joe

RicodJour

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May 17, 2009, 11:20:17 AM5/17/09
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It's a function of the length and number of nails. If the nails
aren't long enough, it doesn't matter how many you throw in there.

If the frame is shimmed correctly the 15 ga nails will be fine if you
use enough of them and they are long enough. The nails should
penetrate about an inch at minimum into the framing.

R

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