0onnectot Oonfusion Sorting out the coruect tasteners fot treated uuood

less steel fasteners are unaffected, once-accepted hot-dipped galv anized connectors are more vulnerable.

So, the need to find a solution has fallen into the lap of the fastener manufacturers. FasPac began extensive independent testing l8 months ago, resulting in an entirely new coating process unveiled late last year. The new CA- and ACQ-compatible fasteners are marketed as Fastap Plus with Duracoat XT.

Through testing, Simpson StrongTie also recognized the need to, according to Mark Crawford, "increase the thickness of the galvanizing. So we significantly increased the number of connectors we offer with our thicker Zmax coating. We now have six or seven times as many connectors with that coating."

rFHE changeover from CCA to I ACQ and copper azole has brought its share of bewilderment to the treated wood marketplace. And the peak of perplexity seems to center around the issue of which fasteners to use with the next generation of treated Iumber.

"The reason everyone seems lost is that the treating companies have pretty much left the onus to the fastener companies," argued Mike Tipps, Titan Metal Werks. "On their Web sites. the treating companies all say the same thing: 'these are companies that say they make fasteners that are compatible with ACQ and copper azole.' Yet there is no standard test out there, no governmental standard, no fastener industry standard."

FasPac's Mike Barber agreed: "There's no existing ASTM test procedure that addresses this. They're all old, obsolete. That's frustrating. Everybody's confused."

Several manufacturers have peti- tioned ISANTA to devise a new standard, but producers and associations may be wary of adopting any standard that their fasteners or their members' products may be unable to pass, suggested Plating Technology's W.C. Litzinger, chairman of the Deck Industry Association's newly formed fastener corrosion committee. "They have to quit playing politics," he said.

In the meantime, various fastener manufacturers have funded at least a half-dozen independent tests to determine what works best with the replacement preservatives. Preliminary results indicate that ACQ and copper azole appear to be two to four times as corrosive as CCA. That means while more expensive stain-

To help combat the confusion, said Crawford, "we're doing a lot of marketing work and presentations. We've changed our labeling and made them teal. Tear sheets are now teal. and we have a lot ofnew signage."

Simpson will keep testing over the next three to six months.

After a series of tests, Plating

Technology has introduced a new line of fasteners specifically designed for ACQ, CA and borates.

Maze Nails continues recommending its Stormguard double hotdipped galvanized nails. "The wood treaters have always recommended hordipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners for use with treated wood," said Kim Pohl. "Now, with the new CA and ACQ being more corrosive to fasteners than CCA, the wood treaters are adamantly recommending and specifying the use of quality hot-dipped galvanized and stainless steel fasteners. They have become much more aggressive in their recommendations. They all say hot-dipped fasteners must meet the ASTM A-153 specification for hofdip galvanizing."

Last year Titan Metal Werks added an "ACQ-Rated Finish," a triple zinc coating with a copolymer overlay.

Stanley Bostitch has developed Thickcoat, a galvanized fastener with more zinc, plus chromate and polymer coatings for extra strength.

Screw Products Inc. suggests using stainless steel, but is also changing the specs on its ceramic-coated deck screws to accommodate the new treated lumber.

Senco recently commissioned the University of Dayton to conduct an independent study of the corrosive effects of non-arsenate treated lumber. "It's very early in that process to report anything conclusively, but the preliminary results are alarming, to say the least," said Bryan Wright. "Even galvanized fasteners are showing signs of corrosion in a very short period of time. Still to be seen is what's going on beneath the surface of the wood. Those results should be available in about six months."

In the meantime. Senco has introduced stainless steel and Weatherex 3 (high-grade galvanized with a polymer coating) fasteners "in more sizes to cover the whole gamut of exterior applications," Wright said. "Senco used to recommend its basic Weather-ex nails for applications like roofing. Not anymore. 'Bright basic' and aluminum fasteners, likewise, should be avoided. Stainless steel is the best first choice if a non-arsenate treated lumber is being used for an exterior application. Weatherex 3 is still an option in some applications, but Senco will actively encourage users to step up to stainless for best results."

Likewise, FastenTite parent company Banner Elk Trading Co. is also offering only stainless steel fasteners for wood-to-wood applications involving the new pressure treated lumber. "This is the only proven solution for the uncertainty," said William Wade. "We have increased production to meet demand and have broadened our offering to the various l8/8 grades of stainless steel to include 304, 305 and 316 types."

"No one is quite certain what effect [the chemical changeover] will have on coated steel fasteners," he added. "To address this issue, some compa-

Recommendations provided by the $outhern pine Council

Guidance On Tleated ttlood Gonnectors

Southern Pine Council reports metal less steel fasteners are required below grade products in contact with pressure treated forpermanentwoodfoundations. wood must be conosion resistanl. Examples Hot dip galvanized fasteners and @nnecinclude flashing, termite shields, fasteners tors are ganbrally acceptable for above grade (e.9., nails, screws and bolts), and all con- applicatlons, Hot-dip'galvanized lasteners necting hardware (e.9., joist hangers, straps, should meet ASTM AisO. Hot-dip galvahinges, post anchors, andtruss plates). nized connectors should meet AsTM-A6sg, Traditionally, the treated wood industry class GlB5 sheet with 1.95 ounces of zinc has recommended hot-dip galvanized or coating per square foot minimum. Fasteners stainless steel fasteners and connectors for and connoctors used together should be of wood products-treated with chromated cop- the same type (e.g., hotdip nails with hot-dip per arsenale (CCA). Hot-dip galvanized or joist hangers).

tinue to be recommended for use with the minum pr0ducts in direct contact with treated nerfl generation of wood preservatives (e.9., wood. Elsctroplated galvanized products are alkaline copper quat-ACQ-and copper not recommended since they usirally have a azole), bul additional clarification is needed thinner layer 0f protection cbmpareil to hotlo ensure adequate corosion protection. dip gafuariized. Refer to preservhive or hardType 304 and 316 stainless steel should ware manufacturers foi specific corrosionbe used when possible; furthermore, stain- resistant recommendations'fortreatedwmd.

nies are modifying their existing coatings or simply marketing existing coatings as compatible with the new pressure treatments. The question that lumber dealers and builders should ask is whether they're willing to take that chance to save a few cents."

Swan Secure Products has always advocated the use of stainless steel. Swan's Albert Mickadeit speculated, "The treaters don't want to alienate the fastener companies or make stainless mandatory. If stainless were mandatory, builders might seek alternative lumber because they would have an increase in fastener cost. Cost per job, stainless is minimal; cost per pound vs. galvanized, it is huge. So the treaters put the responsibility on the builders-where it should be-and give them the alternatives to choose from. Most builders just look for a label on the box stating ACQ approval, not caring about any standard. So get your label machine ready, and you're in business. I'm betting most fastener distributors haven't changed a thing except the label."

FasPac's Barber concurred that new packaging doesn't guarantee better products.

"In reality,"

he explained, "there are a lot of fastener importers who suddenly in the last 60 days are all compatible. The product on the shelf hasn't changed, but the packaging may be slightly different. Dealers are picking up on this. There's a lot of confusion."

Until there are applicable standards, dealers and their customers will have to pay closer attention to what they're buying and selling.

QO you want to gain insights into \)interactive learning? Quick, pick up your pen and, on a scale of zero to four, four being the best, write down your score on how good an interactive trainer you are. Then read on.

I work to build interaction in every educational session because it's critical to learning-especially adult learning. I have learned much of what I know from the masters. Watch Bob Pike, Joel Weldon, or Sivasailam Thiagarajan (Thiagi) do a program, and know the results come from their audiences living their programs. These masters capitalize on the natural human behavior to express oneself. They give attendees permission to live the learning experience.

Trying something

new means a willingness to fail.

One way people learn is by passively observing, listening and watching. A training film (or tv) is a great deliverer of such programs. People want more. They want involvement. Now they have CBT and Web TV where they get to interact, cause change, and see the results. Yet people want even more.

To see how important human interaction is, watch "the wave" at a sporting event, visit a sports bar, or drop in on an Internet chat room, where people demonstrate their need to turn a passive experience into an interactive experience. If your programs offer human interaction opportunities. you will never be replaced by technology (not that you were worried about that anyway!).

Basic interaction, like filling in blanks or testing, falls short of people's expectations. But combine these activities with attendees talking to each other, and you create a successful working environment. By giving them permission to discuss a workbook page, you create a foundation of enhanced learning because you create an opportunity for social interaction.

Building exercises into your program is the first critical element to successful interaction. Bob Pike is a master at creating interactive exercises that give people permission to do what they do naturally-socially interact. Observing an audience react to Bob's programs is to see the importance of interactive exercises.

Thiagi demonstrates the importance of discussion, sometimes to the point of letting it guide the program. Quick exercises, followed by attendee-led discussion, and a debriefing that incorporates the live discussion are the marks of this master. Observing Thiagi orchestrate a room of attendees is to see an educational symPhonY being conducted.

Joel Weldon is a master of pacing-he exemplifies the importance of energy and the natural humor in interactions. He says, "I talk twice as fast as most educators, but if you only get half the information, you're still ahead of the game." His pacing is magical because he reacts to the audience. He gives them time, through discussions, stretch breaks, and activities, to catch

By Jeffrey Hansler Oxford Co.

their breath and keep the involvement high. Observing him guide a training session of 800 people giving onearmed backrubs as they laugh themselves into learning, you'll know how he pushes the interactive envelope.

Reacting to the moods of the audience is the second critical element of interactive learning. Make eye contact with an individual. Change the pace to meet the needs of the group, on that day, at that time, at that moment. If structuring interactive sessions was the only critical element, you would need to worry about CBT replacing you. Structuring interaction is only the beginning. Your programs become truly interactive, when You connect with your attendees. It is when you react to energy changes, change your pace, move to an unscheduled exercise, cut an exercise. shift a segment to role PlaY, turn a question over to group discussion and feed the fire of emotion, that you are truly interactive.

The third critical element of interactive learning is your willingness to experiment with a new interactive idea. Trying something new means developing a willingness to fail-the most human element of all. CBT will never create a new experience, never deliver something new. It simply delivers a tested program again and again. Be human, be interactive, be responsive, and be willing to fail, and you'll always be needed.

So how did you do? Give yourself one point each if you: Build exercises into your programs. Give permission to discuss. React to audience energy. Are willing to experiment.

I'll bet you scored a four. If You did, but initially gave yourself a three, it just means you're a four with a Type-A personality.

- Jeffrey Hansler is a professional speaker, sales educator, and president of Oxford Co., 213 Second St., Huntington Beach. Ca. 92648-5 103; (7 I4) 960'7461.

Kiln Dried Timber for Posts and Beams