Stapler vs Framing Nailer

[andrew whicker]

Hi,

I'm doing some researching for a framing job.. looks like the IBC allows 3" 14g staples in lieu of 3" 10g nails (in some cases).

Has anyone used staples instead of nails? I'm already getting a few staplers for the sheathing (16g.. not 14g).

Thoughts? Cost effectiveness? Seems kind of an odd allowance considering it's a different size than the sheathing staples.

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cheers,

[Bill Dufour]

I very much doubt that sesimic codes in your area would allow staples. For the same reason clipped head nails are not allowed. Also the same reason that shingle staples do not meet warranty requirements for wind resistance. they all rely on the proper orientation to meet force requirements.
That said I have seen articles that promote adding sill blocking for shear nailing but attaching the blocks with staples to reduce splitting.
Bill D

[andrew whicker]

yeah, I'm not really that interested.. just really curious.

Who owns these monster staple guns?

(we're D2)

[johnny means]

We used to use one for pallet and crate building. I worked in trade shows and exhibits. Everything had to have a purpose built shipping fixture built. The ability to frame up and sheath with the same gun was really convenient.

[Tom M King]

My largest staple gun shoots 2-1/2" 15 ga. staples. I have only ever used it for putting on wooden shingles. I modified the driver so the crown of the staple stays on top, and does not penetrate the surface of the wood. I wouldn't use slightly bigger staples for any kind of framing. My next size gun down shoots max 2" long 16 ga. staples, which also gets used for wooden shingles.

I remembered I have used them for building stage props.

[andrew whicker]

I'm excited to use staplers for the sheathing vs nails (blow out and lighter weight).

[Tom M King]

I think they would be fine if the sheathing is also glued with construction adhesive. Staples other than Senco ones, that have their glue on the legs, don't hold anything like a nail does in wood. For wooden shingles, each one is not holding much, and we shoot long enough ones to clinch underneath anyway.

I like Senco medium crown staples the best, but I can't often find them in stainless steel like we want on roofs.

I always think it's funny when I see someone referring to any kind of staple as a "crown" staple. They leave out the width in the name. Every staple has a crown.

[Warren Lake]

used the 2" senco to staple down all the 1 x 7" solid pine on my first roof rebuild. All the nails from original were loose, i hammered them deep to be out of the way. The sencos have glue on them as Tom said, it heats when its fired and holds really well. The boards were firest ripped in half as per the Certainteed Shinglers Manual, the difference in the deck was dramatic. Original safety not on that stapler, its a weapon.

[Dave Roock]

Depending on the extent of the framing project - framing nailer for big job, finish nailer can also shoot pretty large nails if smaller job. Have used narrow crown 1/4" stapler & Liquid Nails, to build crates for many years. Of course if job is smaller, a hammer will work just fine = good exercise 8 > )

[Jim Dwight]

After pulling up oak flooring installed with cleat nails and with staples, I think staples hold better than nails. Not directly applicable to framing but I wouldn't worry about them pulling out. They might shear easier, however.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

We can't even use staples for sheeting here by code. Use coil guns with ringshanks for sheeting and siding, but we can use clipped head framers. Go figure.

Never used one of the really big staplers, but I'm sure it'd work fine if the framer knows what he's doing.

[andrew whicker]

Why can't you use staples for sheathing?

Is it wind shear? Just some oddball local code exception?

[Tom M King]

Here is a picture of my two big staplers. Both are from about 1975. I bought the MII then, and bought the MIII just a few years ago. Both are from before there was any adjustment on the depth of set for a fastener, and both would slam the crown just below the surface before I shortened the drivers. They work great, and never jamb. Maximum size staples also in the picture, and loaded in the guns.

You can buy these cheap that don't work, and all it is most likely is the firing seal split from age. They're easy to replace.
480535

[Mitch schiffer]

Some inspectors in my area won't allow staples for sheating. I have never seen them used for framing. I only use nails for sheating.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Why can't you use staples for sheathing?

Is it wind shear? Just some oddball local code exception?

If I had to guess, it's from a meshing of a couple code versions, some guessing and good old fashioned bureaucracy. Wind loads and ratings are high here, could be that too. A while back everyone switched to staples for shingles, which didn't hold up well
to wind here, possibly related.

[andrew whicker]

it is odd how building code works. I went to a re-up class for my GC last year I think and the guy went over Utah's exceptions to the code.. it was really odd what got selected as an exception and what was a strong 'must follow this rule' code.

I went in thinking that exceptions & deviations would be obvious from a conspiratorial follow the money perspective, but instead I have no idea why.

[Tom M King]

Nobody else knows either.

[Richard Coers]

Staples are forbidden in most high wind areas. Most require more staples per sheet and that takes longer to fasten down. Loose one piece of sheeting that has been improperly stapled and the whole roof is gone.