Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 10/6/2008

Question
Hi Bruce,
You have helped me a lot in the past! I really appreciate.
Again I'd like to know some basics details I can't find:

-1)On a bearing wall, how many and which type of nails do i need to toenail a 2x4 vertical stud (jack or king stud) on a 2x4 bottom plate already attached to concrete , knowing that I'm limited by the following :  On the vertical stud the back side 1.5" is not accessible(covered by sheathing), and also one 3.5" side is not accessible (it's touching an other stud) ?

-2)How many and which type of nails, and what nailing method (toenail or endnail) should i use to nail a jack stud to header, and king stud to header. (header is 3.5"x7.25"x78")
THANK YOU

Answer
Hi Regis, the best toenailing for studs is normally two 8 penny nails on each side into the plate however if access is limited to one of the sides then three into the one side and one into the front or back.
Two 12D or 16d can be substituted on occasion if there is only one or two studs involved.  It is always best to nail from the sides to keep the splitting of the wood to a minimum.
Nailing a jack stud to a header can be two 12D or 16D toenailed up from the exposed side and the jack is always nailed to the king or full stud in a staggered pattern of 12D nails at a minimum of 12" spacing.
Nailing from the king stud into the side of the header is usually based on size of the header.  4x6 or 4x8 headers get 5 12D or 16D nails in an X pattern, i.e. the four corners and one in the middle.  4x10-4x12 get 6-8 nails in two vertical rows.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com