How To Properly Install Joist Hangers || Dr Decks

Today we give you information about joist hangers and how to correctly install them. Some carpenters get this wrong.
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#drdecks #howto #joisthangers pacific northwest how to install joist hangers

[@puite68]

never would have thought i would sit through a 9 minute video on how to install a joist hanger, yet here we are. bravo.

[@LtKregorov]

Tips for the one who to do that wifey! Go with structural screws for all the holes (inches and a half and the 2 and a half). Why? Because you can give her an impact driver that is light and doesn't kick in your hand and she will be able the do all the screws while you measure, cut and place. My wife got so good (from never doing any of this before) that half the project in she was almost waiting on me to bring the next joist. Hangers on both sides so it's 20 screws per joist. She did over 1000 in about 2 days. Screws are more expensive than nails indeed, but it is all worth it!

[@DjHicks-qe9tg]

1:19

[@MrHappy629]

I learn something new with each of your videos. Thank you from an older DYIer.

[@robertesteva2299]

Thanks! Keep up the amazing vids. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@sgleiman]

How do you pre-hang the joists before adding the joist hangers?

[@dinotudisca3821]

We toe screw the joists to the ledger and then add the hangers. You can also add a cleat to the top of the joist and gravity hang the joist to the ledger

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

RIP Eddie. You are missed. So glad I saw a show in the 80’s

[@gralbr]

Very detailed, and correct information on how to install a joist hanger. But lumber shrinks, particularly pressure treated lumber, will shrink as it dries out. Even in an outdoor application. So after a year or two there will be a space (gap) between the bottom of the joist hanger and the bottom for the floor joist.

[@chemicle]

Thank you. I stepped out on my deck (about 4 feet off ground) and it started to pull away at the house. I stepped back in quickly, and only one corner of the deck was like that. Looking underneath - NO JOIST HANGERS. This is the first video I came across in my search for confirmation that they are required. YEP. Mine have none. I find it odd even I knew they were required when the person who built mine had no idea what they were doing. NOW to see if I can buy these hangers and fix it. Thank you so much.

[@albertramos3808]

Hey Dr. Deck, I want to thank you for the GREAT! video very well explained I needed to hear the size of the nail and screws for the size of the hanger. Thank you again and please have a fantastic day!

[@sambo5103]

I remember awhile back seeing this video using proper hanger screws. I'm reframing my old deck and did simple search to find this video. Thx for keeping us straight out here!

[@febsat]

Excellent and thorough and very informative. Disappointed when you used the nail gun without safety glasses.

[@lynsarver7899]

how did you hold the joists to the ledger before you put the hangers?

[@drdecks]

15ga finish nails

[@pxckbl6883]

Great explanation and straight to the point! Helped me out a lot. Loved every bit of it!

[@mathewsdita]

I am first time my own floating deck builder and I learned lots from your video. I live in the place where we don't get earthquakes though I bought #9 and #10 screws that you are referring to. Now I can install my joistes like pro. Thank you.

[@Dr-wheel-barrow-opperator]

You have taught me so much. I want you to know, I appreciate you and what you do for us!

[@papajoe5331]

great video... covering up a 85' length x 12' wide 7' deep old dye pit in an old cotton mill...your video helped with screws sizing for joist and ledger board

[@teluvv66]

Excellent detail and craftsmanship. Thank you 😊

[@chadbenedict3898]

Hanging the boards first is such a good idea! because, no two boards are the exact same diameter. Thanks for the info, it also helps to know the lingo when I walk into to lumber store. ;)

[@___asd159gh43]

Love this explanation. Do you have any new videos on reinforcement for spas?

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Great video, short, sweet and to the point! Thank!

[@neptune4167]

This dude helped me emenssly building my own 16X30 deck last summer. My biggest regret and honestly stupidity on my part was not checking for square. Thought I could eye it and when all was said and done we ended up having to angle some deck board.

[@LtKregorov]

Ahaha! Lesson learned! Especially on large distances, it is just impossible to eye ball it. You think you got it, but when you measure you are off by several inches. And then when you lay your boards with 3/16 gaps in between them, you quickly realize how wrong you were.

[@rodharris7114]

As an older guy, I am now seeing the results of years of doing this with no hearing protection. Folks, please please wear hearing protection and eye protection. The hearing damage is cumulative even as a part time do it yourselfer and I have lost count the number of times something has bounced or flew off and hit my glasses. Great video though ! Good practices

[@jimhardiman7735]

I wish someone told me that about condoms 4 years ago.

[@josephwhelan192]

Rod Harris is right. I am 45 and have a ringing in my ears. When I was in my 20’s and early 30’s I was too tough to wear earplugs. Now I’m paying for it. Wear them or you’ll wish you did.

[@dalesworld1308]

And I can imagine the tendonitis after a day of using that nail driver. He's using padded gloves but that repetitive vibration will destroy your nerves over time.

[@shorty808100]

Ya I’m going deaf as well from framing houses for years on end only protection I ever wore were my safety sunglasses I was Forman/cut man ran a saw 8 hours a day most days, plus I was a Drag racer car was so loud it shook the ground

[@theamericanopry]

@@jimhardiman7735 right tool for the right job, bud.

[@seanthomas1635]

How are the joists hanging before the hanger is installed?

[@jamieh4148]

They always skip over the hard part haha. I guess this was just about the hangers so it makes sense.

[@checkurhead_3472]

Joist tape. Duh

[@chrisgee3197]

Be sure to check the Simpson Strong Tie SD Connector size chart to get the correct screw size for each piece of hardware. I’m using both LUS and LUC (concealed flange hangers) on my deck, and while the LUS hangers use both 1-1/2” and 2-1/2” SD screws, the LUC are spec’d with only 1-1/2” screws.

[@spectrum10]

What is holding the joists up if you installed them before putting the joist hangers in?

[@snarecat3441]

Toenailed

[@checkurhead_3472]

Joist tape. Duh

[@andyprairiedog]

That palm nailer...amazing! i need to get myself one. Using a hammer on the 3 inch nails gets pretty loud when hammering away with joists on each side of your head. Ear muffs also helped. One or 3 joists, no problem. Installing a deck sized project gets pretty tiring though.

[@howtodoitdude1662]

How do you attach the joists to the ledger before installing the hangers?

[@bpdp379]

They look just friction fit?

[@wolf8857]

I’m glad to see that you guys put the Simpson ties after the lumber has already been installed. I’ve seen a lot of KZbin “contractors” install the hangers first before the floor joists and it drives me crazy because that not the correct way to use them.

[@chrisreibold1634]

Adjusting the hangers to the size of the joists makes sense. What happens on the other end of the joist where it sits on the beam? Won't they be different heights?

[@jerseyjim9092]

So how are the joists held to grade prior to installing the hangers? I don't see any toenails.

[@aprilrosenblum]

Thanks so much for explaining how to affix joist hangers! Our condo doesn’t have a deck, but this helped us create a second level in our small indoor space. You are great at explaining how to use this.

[@robertbutler8004]

April and you had to watch this to know how to install joist hangers unreal. news flash it is not rocket science.

[@raycstout1695]

What are you using to temporally attach the joist to the ledger prior to the installation of the joist hangers? Good video! Thanks.

[@thronewalker9079]

tac nails in at grade both sides of joist.

[@bend4852]

Glue

[@phillipgaines4545]

Thanks for these videos. I'm building an 18x16 loft in my vaulted ceiling living room. These videos are hard to find on KZbin so this info is helpful.

[@richardrumplik7023]

Thanks I’m putting up a Simpson HGUS210-4 it’s for 4 , 2x10’s . I researched it special ordered it and now over a month later I can’t find my installers guide online for it 😡 I did find some other info stuff from them. But not what I had seen when I ordered it about the nailing on the Ledger flange. It has like 20 holes per side. I think that was to make sure you had enough area’s to miss other fasteners !

[@marcmanchee]

Awesome video. I’m literally hanging joists on my deck with a concrete foundation behind my ledger board. Wanted to double check I’m doing it right. Learned a bit while doing it. Any tips on how to hang a joist hangar when you have flashing above your ledger? I’ve seen people use scrap pieces ontop of the joist to make sure it’s level with the beam or ledger. But nothing when there’s flashing ontop of the ledger.

[@coreyk2998]

Great video , appreciate you! You are a great teacher . Do you use an angle bracket or a concealed joist hanger for the rim joist to ledger connection? Thanks

[@tomb1734]

I don't understand how your joist are staying in place on the ledger for you to come back later and install hangers. I install as I go so they don't drop out of place. I've tried to angle nail before installing but the joist moves sometimes or the nail ends up in the way of the hanger.

[@lrparrish227]

I am building a 5'X5' freestanding deck for a tiny house and want to install these correctly. Thanks so much!

[@twoputtray]

I have two thoughts. I believe that Simpson disallows the use of nails and screws in the same joist hanger. Am I wrong? Next, the #10 SD screw is difficult to thread into the hanger and Simpson said to use a #9. I'm trying to figure out how you got a #10 through the hanger hole. Nice job on the video.

[@randygerman2176]

Very helpful video. One question though, did you edit out all of your blinks😂

[@GeorgeHamberhill]

Can the Strong-Drive #9 x 1-1/2-in mechanically galvanized Strong-Drive SD exterior wood screws be used in the joist hangers to ledger?

[@MintStiles]

Nice video. I actually just use a quick clamp to cinch it in, palm nail from bottom to top. But then again, I am not on the clock. Still pretty fast that way though.

[@extraart1]

great idea- those pointed tangs at the top of the joist hanger often don't hold

[@MintStiles]

@@extraart1 yeah, also freehanding using only the tacks don't compress the hanger inward properly such that the hanger is tightly cradling the joist from the bottom and sides. The tighter mechanical connection produces a better product, also a lot less issues trying to compress a drywall to fit the extra 16th or so of metal thickness.

[@jimkendall934]

What holds the floor joists in place while installing the hanger?

[@ronaldnordman2463]

I have the same question

[@junkfilter77]

Great instructional video. I guess I'm returning my 3" and 3-1/2" galvanized nails before my build. You obviously went joists flush to the top of the ledger board. Do you have a video showing that step as well as how you're temporarily securing that joist?

[@idahobuilder7323]

You use a nail gun and toenail it to the ledger.

[@junkfilter77]

@@idahobuilder7323 My nail gun skills are... lacking. I always push boards out of alignment at least 1/8". Now I have to find a tutorial video to not do that.

[@idahobuilder7323]

@@junkfilter77 cut your boards snug and hold it back from the line 1/8. Shoot towards the line and that way if you need to move it more you can tap the nail head.

[@webb-cast1030]

IMO joist hanger should have a hole in the bottom for the first nail/screw to make sure it's tight to the joist. That would also make distributing the hangers much more efficient. You could fill a bucket with hangers and tack them along the full length of the ledger. Then go back with the nail gun/screw gun and finish them off.

[@HiTheNameIsBj]

Wow, that's actually a really good idea.

[@Pseudify]

Interesting idea. However, if the joist does shrink, instead of pulling away from the hanger, now it would be held down by the hanger. Would that potentially make the deck surface uneven?

[@aracelischnaufer5969]

Dr. Decks, really appreciate the content. Trued reviewing comments and don't see an answer as to what technique you prefer to hold joists in place before attaching hangers?

[@jimrowen8413]

Hey Dr! What type of benches are you using on your chop saw ? Looks like a wide platform that can adjust to chop saw height. Thanks Man!

[@BADBRAD1959]

Ok you say use joist hangers nails on the face nailing and SD 2 1/2 screws into the diagonals yet Strong tie on their website say "Nails and Strong-Drive SD Connector screws may not be combined in a connection." I'm confused now is the face nailed considered one "connection" and the diagonals a different connection? Please explain

[@BERETTA9mmUSA]

Thank-you Sir! Doing some touchup on my deck, and I wanna make sure I’m looking at the correct things. 🤠👮🏻‍♂️🇺🇸👍👻😉. B9USA Sr.

[@Free-g8r]

For some reason there was a single joist in my 1955 house that was left without a hanger. So I installed this 2x10 hanger using 12 of those 2 ½ inch Simpson screws. It was pretty easy and thankfully I didn't make any of the mistakes that were mentioned in this video. And since it was such old wood I predrilled each hole first to prevent any splitting.

[@Boobtube.]

if it survived 67 years without one, I'd say it really was not needed.

[@Free-g8r]

@@Boobtube. that particular joist was also cracked and needed to be sistered. Not sure if the lack of a hanger was related to the crack though

[@robs1852]

I didnt think joists hangers were around yet in the 50s but maybe that's around the time they started using them in some areas?

[@wayneosaur]

How are the joists staying in place before you add the hangers? Are they toe nailed above? Magic?

[@gil1390]

Got the same question…

[@wayneosaur]

@@gil1390 Yeah its sort of a chicken and egg problem. I need the joists in place to set the hangers, but I need the hangers to place the joists.

[@jwhiteker1]

Geat tip using a 2.5" structural screw for the angled hole. I wish i would've seen the before I was half done with my 5th deck build. Oh, and hey, what is that lumber? The treated stuff i find is all trash, even going to lumber yards instead of the blue store and the orange store.

[@andressosa898]

On to change all my hangers now that I saw your video before my inspector comes…🤣

[@richbrede4088]

How were those joists held in place prior to the installation of the hanger?

[@johneverett3947]

What kind of fixtures screws did you use on your ledgers? I didn’t see any ledger locks?

[@scind2585]

I discussed using nails and screws on the same joists hangers with Simpson. They do not recommend mixing fasteners. They do not show load tables with mixed fasteners. Use one or the other and derate your deck depending on the length of fastener. This may have changed since your video.

[@carlosmachado6600]

Can i use the 2 1/2 in screws for all so i dont have to keep switching back and forth? Only have about 8 joist.

[@Wickedstickyflowers]

Do you need to pre drill for the screws Sorry I’ll wait till the end

[@Stuart68505]

Thanks for me these are new ideas on which fasteners to use & techniques on using them.

[@kevinallen6197]

Show the flashing and deck coating

[@justintyme2764]

Thanks! Oh! And the Eddie Van Halen tribute was awesome!

[@BigJohnson1566]

Good intel, much appreciated.

[@AraP24]

There is also the HU210 which serves same purpose but costs more. When is this necessary?

[@weedreaper3844]

Thank you bro for sharing , appreciate all the content off your videos

[@wolvesthewarrior]

Im glad I saw this I need a bit of a refresher on the this. Been way to long

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

on older decks the 2x10 has shrunk off the hanger seat. So will new lumber if it is not kiln dried.

[@cbecerra3264]

The ledger the I'm installing is attached to concrete. If I understood you correctly I need to use shorter nails because of the concrete, correct?

[@JH-hc2md]

Where do you buy the joist hanger at both lowes and home depot have the joist hanger WITHOUT the hole for the SD screw (even though the picture shows it with the hole)

[@heycoreytoo]

Who makes that pneumatic nail driver ... haven't seen one of those before (not a professional builder).

[@ronedelenbos272]

What do you suggest when the joists need to hang on a 27° angle off the leger. I have a unusual angle on the long side of a elevated (2nd story) deck

[@Speeglelookingglass]

What about the other end of the rafter on a sloped roof? Toenail screws into the support beam or what? Are there Simpson ties for the lower end of the joist

[@robertmccully2792]

Simpson Catalog tells what nails to use on all their hangers. And if you are using pressure treated wood all fasteners must be galvanized. Also they have a Nail Gun just for hangers that is faster,,, but Palm Nailers are a good alternative, especially for tight spots.

[@phazelvosfreqdetector7580]

I need an adjustable hanger. I was using 100 year old hard pine joists (in other words, actual 2" width), and ended up needing to chisel a little off each side to fit in the hangars. I tried making my own but the inspector wouldn't go for it.

[@jimpotter3670]

Dr Decks, excellent video, question though. For using screws instead of nails straight into the board is the length 1.5" or 2.5"? Thank you

[@brentwest8873]

1.5" is used if there is a hard surface like concrete behind the ledger board, otherwise, a 2.5" can be used .

[@markm8188]

I have no need for this, but really enjoyed watching anyway.

[@JenniferJourneau]

Thank you for a very clear explanation.

[@jeevathar2922]

I have some 3.5 galvanized spiral nails leftover from my framing, can I use that on both sides of the the hanger for the 8 holes?

[@holgersprute3051]

Thanks for these super helpful videos. Did you ever use LUC hangers with concealed flanges? If so, how do make sure that the joists are flush in the end since you can't access the flanges to the ledger board after inserting the joist? However, they are used on my current deck and will have to rebuild it very soon.

[@catsmeow5566]

The bottom of the joist hanger being flush against the bottom of the joist seems like common sense. I'm slightly surprised to hear people are installing them correctly. It's not rocket science. The info on the screws and nails is very helpful. Thank you!

[@dooglaz]

Are those suspenders from a tactical gear manufacturer or is there a tool belt manufacturer making them in that style?

[@michaelmarkle6080]

If I am installing a free standing deck would inch an a half screw be best or nails ? Thanks

[@Narph]

Hey I'm remodeling a big building and it needs joist hangers but they did the og 2x12 joists with a 2x4. originally for support, how do i make this modification properly ?

[@moebayya8126]

What kind of nailer are you using? Thanks

[@rubenmolina7413]

Do you have a video with all the tools you use?

[@jacked-666]

Simpson makes alot of different bracket, I know you're busy man but would like to see how all Simson brackets are used. Thx drdeck

[@tonyp6387]

Great video, would happen to know why simpson tie site says galvanized hangers not to be used with treated lumber? And I've been looking for a reference sheet to find out what size hangers I can use for different size wood 2x6, 2x8, 1x10 ect example could I usea LUS26 on a 2x8, thanks again for all that you do you have helped me out of alot of jams and plenty knowledge.

[@bpdp379]

Corrosion. PT will still eat through galvanizing apparently. I just built a shop and had to use a physical barrier between my PT columns and the brackets. Also the truss connector plates needed the same barrier.

[@HustleupEC]

Where did you put nails on the joist so it will hang without joist hangers

[@Saileahgaz]

To the community: Any thoughts on the downsides to using concealed flange joist hangers for deck building?

[@charliem2564]

My concern is by the time you tack the joist in place then come back with all the nails and angled screws, does the ledger ever split?

[@Bajaadventurer]

Great video and back to the hardware store they sold me the wrong screws. Question how did you get the beams in place? Totally newbie and I’m trying to build this myself. 😊

[@disqusrubbish5467]

Do you mean the joists? Pretty sure he toe-nailed them in place first. If you're not sure how to do that, there are videos showing how. It's not difficult but it's only to keep them in place until you get the hangers on.

[@strategicprepper2648]

So what is holding the joist in place before you install the joist hanger?

[@chrisbarry4467]

Great stuff, thanks for all the information.

[@tymr.t3645]

Thank you so much for the info Good explanation. Excellent video 😋

[@michaelt1349]

What method was used to temporarily hold the joists in place BEFORE you began to add the joist hangers?

[@drdecks]

15ga finish nails. 4 on each side

[@michaelt1349]

@@drdecks OK Thx!

[@rtoguidver3651]

Depends on the county inspector, they sometimes require self adhesive nails..

[@dank6514]

What's holding those joists in place before the hangers are installed?

[@douglasmichel6361]

Hey Doc, which Fastenmaster screws are you toe nailing to hold the joists in place till the hangers are installed. Thanks and have a great day.

[@Erin_R]

Hey, so I recently had a roof built over our deck.. the 6x2 s connected to the ledger do not have hangers around them.. just the 8 nails.. I’m in Texas.. is this safe , or did the builder just try and hurry through ?

[@douglasmichel6361]

@@Erin_R I would seek the advice of an engineer, without seeing it or knowing the size and weight on that beam, it’s hard to say. As a builders in the northeast we have snow loads to contend with so more likely we would be using hangers. You on the other hand may have greater uplift due to greater winds than we get. As I mentioned, if your worried about it which it sounds like you are, I’d consult a local structural PE.

[@Erin_R]

@@douglasmichel6361 thank you for your feed back . i will look into it with local professionals

[@jordanbelknap61]

Could you put the screws in before the nails, so it sucks it in tighter, then put the nails up?

[@luciaconk]

How do you fasten in the joists before you put the hangers?

[@breydenholloway995]

Toenailed

[@waynebinky]

Lots of info about hangers but the deck ledger board against the wall is questionable. Shouldn't these be going into the house rim with a staggered pattern for better strength?