nails or screw and what size

[Anny]

I know NOTHING about building. This chicken coop is the very first thing I've ever build in my entire life. But I was wondering which is better to use, nails or screws??

What size nail/screw to do you make a frame out of 2x4's???

I just spent a great deal of time trying to Nail my 6'x4' base frame together and when I went to move it, the nails came right out....all that work for nothing!

I'm using pine 2x4's and it was no easy nailing into it....the nails are 2 1/2 inch

Any helps tips anything would be extremely helpful as I am very frustrated right now. Thank you

 

[funonahonda]

You should use 3" screws or nails, it dosn't really matter in my mind, but if you ever wanna take it apart it would be easier with screws.

 

[Anny]

Thank you.

so you think the issue was that the nails were to short?

 

[dixygirl]

Yes the nails were too short because there was only 1/2 inch of nail left to join the other piece together once it went thru your 2 inch board. Putting some nails on both sides will help to hold too. I often put 2 or 3 nails on each joint if i am having difficulty holding something together. Imagine trying to hold a big stack of papers together with and extra small paper clip or staple. Not big enough for the job. A larger paper clip or staple or a couple of large ones would be better.

The nails or screws should be almost the size of the thickness of the two boards being put together.
Screws can grip better theoretically, but I aways use nails because they are faster for me.

 

[slyfox]

I've found that drilling a 1/8" pilot hole in the outer board helps get the nails or screws in without splitting the wood.

 

[Anny]

Thanks guys you've been very helpful. I did split some of the wood, and now I have to get nails out of the rest of it, ugh, good thing I got this wood super cheap... I think I'm gonna find some bigger screws and drill pilot holes.

 

[max13077]

Absolutely no doubt that screws hold better than nails. That's especially true on corners and places like that where nails just don't have the gripping power to keep from sliding out sometimes. I spent $55 on an 18vt drill/screw gun from home depot when I built my coop. It’s paid for itself over and over.

 

[arlee453]

Yep - I agree - a good cordless drill/driver will pay for itself over and over and over again.

I have a great Black and Decker one that I got FREE with purchase of an 18Vt brad nailer. It's the bomb - it has a switch on the top to go between drilling (high speed) and driving screws (high torque) as well as torque adjustments.

Anyway, screws are a lot easier to work with if you have a good power driver.

Just drill the pilot holes as previously suggested, and use 3" screws. Also I get the slightly more expensive brand of screws made specifically for driving with a power tool. They are WELL worth the extra couple of dollars.

I love power tools....make this little country girl feel so powerful! I always say I can build anything with some decent instructions and the right tools!!

 

[Anny]

I think the reason I avoided screw to start is we have a horrible drill...maybe this will convince DBF that we need a fun new toy!!

What are good drill brands?

 

[Davaroo]

Dry wall screws. The builders friend.