screws or nails for exterior stairs?

sluggo

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Jul 11, 2009, 10:57:27 AM7/11/09

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I'm rebuilding my exterior stairs, and will be joining treated 2x lumber.
Should I use screws or nails to join the stringers to the supports? How
about for attaching the treads?

thanks

Joe

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Jul 11, 2009, 2:20:10 PM7/11/09

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Use treated TORX head deck screws made for treated lumber. Install
with an impact driver. Use for the entire assembly. If you don't have
an impact driver, rent one. After very brief use, you'll have a strong
urge to buy your own.

Joe

willshak

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Jul 11, 2009, 2:25:09 PM7/11/09

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I prefer screws for all outside construction. They hold better than nails.

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

HeyBub

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Jul 11, 2009, 5:08:29 PM7/11/09

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In virtually all applications, screws hold better than nails. It wouldn't
hurt to slather on some aggressive glue either.

Ed Pawlowski

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Jul 11, 2009, 6:51:29 PM7/11/09

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"HeyBub" <hey...@NOSPAMgmail.com> wrote in message
news:eqSdnZqoysHNYsXX...@earthlink.com...

Just use the proper screws. For some reason (cheap and easy) people think
drywall screws are the answer to every dream of holding things together.
They are brittle and prone to break under stress. If you have questions.
www.mcfeelys.com has many answers as to types and uses.

Phisherman

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Jul 11, 2009, 6:52:07 PM7/11/09

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Deck screws.

sluggo

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Jul 11, 2009, 8:24:54 PM7/11/09

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"Phisherman" <nob...@noone.com> wrote in message
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Do I need to pre-drill for screwing into 2x?

Ed Pawlowski

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Jul 11, 2009, 9:45:38 PM7/11/09

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"sluggo" <slu...@telus.net> wrote in message
news:q3a6m.34726$Db2.27031@edtnps83...

I would. Only takes a few seconds and you get better results in thick wood.
I'd use a countersink also.

Joe

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Jul 12, 2009, 12:15:39 AM7/12/09

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On Jul 11, 8:45 pm, "Ed Pawlowski" <e...@snet.net> wrote:

> > Do I need to pre-drill for screwing into 2x?
>
> I would. Only takes a few seconds and you get better results in thick wood.
> I'd use a countersink also.

With the TORX head deck screws and an impact driver, predrilling only
wastes time unless you are putting the fastener perilously close to an
edge, say 1/2" or so. You can bury the screw in the wood as deep as
you wish without a countersink. The screws have serrations on the
taper below the head making countersinks unnecessary. Takes a bit of
easy on the trigger to set them just flush at first. Some of the
longer screws I use are high tensile 4 inchers, slim enough to avoid
splits. There are even TORX head finishing screws at our local lumber
yard. Great for fussy trim work where the usual hammer and nail set
routine winds up looking messy. IMO, some impressive new products.

Joe

Phisherman

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Jul 12, 2009, 5:10:53 PM7/12/09

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For pine or softwoods, no. But properly-sized pilot holes can offer
some advantages.

kerrywil...@gmail.com

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Oct 5, 2016, 11:51:49 AM10/5/16

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What type of screws should be used attaching the hanger to ledger board?

Paint...@unlisted.moo

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Oct 5, 2016, 6:03:30 PM10/5/16

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On Wed, 5 Oct 2016 08:51:45 -0700 (PDT), kerrywil...@gmail.com
wrote:

>What type of screws should be used attaching the hanger to ledger board?

If you're attaching a metal hanger, I'd recommend using nails. Not
screws. Nails dont break under side pressure like many screws do.
(Particularly those black drywall screws).