Metal Connectors Inspire New Tools

The entire West Coast, particulady Los Angeles, has perhaps the most stringent building codes in the U.S. Not only do California codes often serve as a bellwether for the rest of the nation, but its high standards likely will become more universal with the adoption of the International Building Code 2000, and its enforcement in 2002.

As a result, manufacturers, contractors and code officials are working together to develop solutions for enhancing buildings' ability to withstand catastrophes such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

In California there has been a marked increase in the use of metal connectors to strengthen joints where beams and posts intersect. While everyone agrees that the addition of metal connectors results in a sturdier connection, some contractors are struggling to keep pace with the trend.

The biggest problem is that metal connector installation is a time intensive process. As more metal hardware is used, contractors are forced to hire additional labor, increasing costs for framing hours. The problem is exacerbated by nationwide labor shortages in the building industry.

Dick Perkins, vice presidentSouthwest Division for connector manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie Co., says, "Although we have made consistent strides in developing connectors requiring fewer fasteners, the sheer number of connectors required in construction is increasing rapidly, frustrating the contractor. With labor rates running from $12 to $15 per hour for unskilled labor and as high as $50 to $60 per hour for a skilled carpenter or framer, it's clear that timeintensive metal hardware installation can be a major concern from the contractors' perspective, especially with the current labor shortage."

In response, Simpson Strong-Tie recently worked with code officials and tool maker Paslode to develop a power fastening system specifically for installing metal connectors. The Positive Placement System reportedly increases productivity at least threefold, using heat-treated, ICBO-recognized nails, rather than bolts, for a

More Structurally

sound connection

Many still believe that bolts are superior to nails for hardware installation. But nails generally perform better, according to Simpson Strong-Tie.

When using bolts to fasten the connector, the process involves attaching markings or using a template, drilling long holes, and disassembling and reassembling prior to securing the fastener. In many instances, the tendency is to over-drill, or correct a hole that's not exactly straight by enlarging one side of the boring. As a consequence, the bolt tends to move in the hole, degrading the overall performance of the connection.

The primary problem with nails has been that most builders in the field simply use the wrong size or type of fasteners. However, if the proper nails are used, you generally get a cleaner connection, despite having to use more nails than bolts to securely attach the hardware. In addition, installing nails is less labor intensive than installing bolts.

The new power tools can shoot l0 nails per second and eliminate hand nailing thousands of nails per day on framing alone.

While contractors initially may balk at the expense of purchasing power nailers and connectors, they usually recover the costs quickly. Eliseo Escobedo, a framer in Orange County, Ca., was among the first to use Paslode's system. At the time, he worked as an hourly framer. But after receiving the new system, he soon became the company's resident metal connector installation specialist.

Today, he owns his own framing company, The Hardware King, and employs l5 to 20 full-time framers, all who use the system exclusively.

PLIB Fetes Retirlng Chief

The Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau recently honored its retiring manager, George A. Thompson. His 45-year career included stints at the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, American Lumber Standard Committee, Redwood Inspection Service, and 24 years at PLIB.

Among the speakers at his retirement dinner were his brother James Thompson, ALSC's Tom Searles, MacMillan Bloedel's Phil Dobson, Willamette Industries' Bill Latimer, Zip-O Lumber's Bill Hallstrom and Weyerhaeuser's Steven Ingram as master of ceremonies.