screws or nails?
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I build miles of split cedar ladders. When I'm not trying to show off I use galvanized spiral nails. Deck screws are better but really expensive compared to nails. When I'm showing off I drill and use hand carved wooden pegs.
3" is too wide for your space (a dogs paw will get caught) 2" maximum. you only need 1"
3" is too wide for your space (a dogs paw will get caught) 2" maximum. you only need 1"
I've used both for decking. Screws have more holding power, nails more shear strength. At each end of a boardwalk or bridge if the transition from trail grade isn't dead even I want to use nails for sure, maybe both on the same plank, since the advancing wheels will impact the plank horizontally. Re plank spacing, if it's a multi-use trail, remember to make it friendly for the foot traffic.
Thanks for the replies!
I hadn't thought about the dogs and I have two fur balls that will probably be chasing me!
The trails will be multi use, but on private land and there will be an optional route around whatever I build.
Hand carved pegs!! That's really showing off and you let peeps ride on your "furniture"? Do you also apply a hand rubbed finish and make the riders clean their tires?
I hadn't thought about the dogs and I have two fur balls that will probably be chasing me!
The trails will be multi use, but on private land and there will be an optional route around whatever I build.
Hand carved pegs!! That's really showing off and you let peeps ride on your "furniture"? Do you also apply a hand rubbed finish and make the riders clean their tires?
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Yes.miniman said:
Timber locks
There are screws and then there are timberlocks. If you want bomber they are the way to go. A multitude of lengths and are reusable. A little expensive but they beat all other screws by far if you want things to stay together. An impact driver works best.
There are screws and then there are timberlocks. If you want bomber they are the way to go. A multitude of lengths and are reusable. A little expensive but they beat all other screws by far if you want things to stay together. An impact driver works best.
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I cheated with that picture. I had just finished that section so nobody had ridden it yet and it was pouring rain. There's no finish on it.highdelll said:
I wouldn't suggest that anybody build ladders this way unless you have a lot of time to kill or you are ridiculously environmentally friendly. When this ladder rots there won't be any nails or screws left in the forest but it takes forever to carve the dowel (it's a branch whittled to size and shape) and drill the holes.
What you can't see is that the framing is all hand peeled, hand-carved, compression fit, round, mortise & tenon joinery and the entire thing is free-standing. Half a dozen guys could drag it away and put it somewhere else. I had a LOT of time to kill.
It's holding up well. 5 years later and it's still good and strong. I had no idea how long it would last when I first built it.
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nails all the way... the old wooden bridges around here (+70 years) that survived are all nailed/spiked
Hey TN,
Above and beyond the call of duty!
Here's a link for the timber lock screws. I've used them in cabin construction, strong screws, not cheap, but a little faster than whittling down a branch.
http://www.fastenmaster.com/details/product/timberlok-heavy-duty-wood-screw.html
Above and beyond the call of duty!
Here's a link for the timber lock screws. I've used them in cabin construction, strong screws, not cheap, but a little faster than whittling down a branch.
http://www.fastenmaster.com/details/product/timberlok-heavy-duty-wood-screw.html
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Thanks miniman! I've got a lot of spare time on my hands.miniman said:
The timberlock was what I pictured.
At one of the IMBA Trail Care Crew visits a couple of years ago, one of the guys mentioned he had a lot of success by using both nails and screws together in a crossing pattern. Example: on the decking board to be attached, put a screw on the upper left side and the lower part of the right side, then use a nail for the lower left and upper right. I have not tried it, but the idea seems solid given the different stresses involved.
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