Strongback Nails

SNC

Long time ago when I was an apperentise in N. California the house builders used too use this funny looking nail for the strongbacks in the roof system. I dont know what they are called and have not been able to find anyone since that even knows what I am talking about.

It was more or less a piece of wire pointed on each end with 2, 90 degree bends in it. The to end legs were perpendicular to each other one end was nailed into the rafter and the other into the strongback.

Do they still use these? and what are they called?

billy d

Hi SNC I think what your talking about would best be described as a jumbo sized staple,the one's Ive used where 1/4" to 1/2" thick and about 10" long.Ive used them for temporary fastenings on heavy timbers IE concrete form work,or fastening down timbers in dry docks.We only ever called them dogs but I believe the correct name is timber dog,I hope this helps you. Billy.

genecarp

Strong backs = 10d commons

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neolitic

Billy's got it, timber dogs.
Rafter strong backs?
Not common terminology around here.
We have strong backs/stiff backs/hog backs
for ceiling joist.
Where are they going on a rafter?

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slowsol

What's the benefit over a regular nail?

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-John

We'll have to grab a longer board. I forgot to put the wood stretcher in the truck today.

billy d

The thing is, its not a nail. Both ends of it are sharp and bent at 90 deg Ive only used it on heavy timbers.A strap or a stay might be better terminology.I don't know if you've ever heard the term 'to dog it down' it means to fasten it down so tight that nothing will move it.In fact if doged down properly the timbers will snap and break be for the dogs give way.

SNC

It is much stronger than toe nailing. One point is driven straight into the side of the rafter, then because of the way it is bent the other point can be driven straight into the side of the strong back. And if you have a bowed board you can use another on the other side.

These things if you had one on a table one point would be pointing up in the air like a tack and the other laying flat on the table.

SNC

I dont know if they still frame this way but in the 70s in California we used to frame houses with 2x4 or 2x6 rafters. We could do this using strongbacks to stiffen the roofs. Sounds like the same ting you do with the c joists.

neolitic

I see.
Very rare here in my experience.
I have seen that on extremely
long spans, and then usually
kicked off to a bearing wall.

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thegreek

can someone find a pic?