My deck joist hanger choice came down to nails versus screws

I was replacing a section of my back deck in Tacoma and had to pick between using joist hanger nails or structural screws for the new Simpson LUS28 hangers. I went with the screws thinking they'd be easier, but one snapped during installation and I had to drill it out. Has anyone else had a structural screw fail like that on pressure-treated wood?

3 comments

3 Comments

harper_gibson22mo ago

Ever try pre-drilling after @beth_baker69's tip saved me from more snapped screws?

beth_baker692mo ago

Ugh, that's the worst. I had a Simpson screw snap on me last year too, right in the middle of a joist. I think the pressure-treated wood was just too wet and the screw bound up. Had to drill it out like you, total pain.

butler.brian1mo ago

Oh man, the "screw snapped during installation" club is one I joined way too early. Beth_Baker69's comment about the wood being too wet really hit home for me - I had the exact same issue last summer, felt like I was fighting a losing battle against a soggy 2x6. My pride took a bigger hit than the screw though, spent a good 20 minutes staring at the broken piece like it was a personal insult. Now I pre-drill everything, even if it makes me feel like a cautious grandpa with a power tool.