How to Apply Joist Hangers
Joists support the roof, floors, and decks in and around your home. To hold these structurally important pieces firmly into place, each one should be supported with a joist hanger. These hangers are small metal frames that slide under and around the joist to support it and give you a place to drive more nails into the joist for more hold and support. Installing a joist hanger can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips and a couple of tools, you can install them yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Joist
- Joist hanger
- 1-1/2 inch galvanized nails
- 16d galvanized framing nails
- Framing hammer
- Carpenter's pencil
- Carpenter's speed square
- Safety glasses
- Leather work gloves
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure 16 inches 1/2 inch from your starting point, and make a mark on the frame with your pencil. Measure 18 inches from your starting point, and make a mark with your pencil. The marks will be 1-1/2 inches apart. Place your speed square onto the frame, and line it up with the first mark. Draw a line across the entire board. Line up your speed square, and enlarge the second mark.
-
2
Hold the joist hanger up to the board so that the marks are even with the arms of the hanger. Tap on the outer rim of the joist hanger to embed the grasp points into the wood. Drive a 1-1/2 inch galvanized nail through every hole in the rim of the joist hanger to attach it to the frame.
-
-
3
Place the end of your joist board into the joist hanger, and press it firmly into place. Drive a 1-1/2 inch galvanized nail through every hole in the side and bottom of the hanger to attach it to the joist board.
-
4
Drive a row of four 16d galvanized framing nails through the outside of the frame and into the end of the joist board. Continue by placing your joist hangers so that they are 18 inches apart. Eighteen inches from the closest side of the installed joist will be the far side of the next joist. Measure 16-1/2 inches from the closest side of the installed joist to find the near side of your new joist.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Hammers pose a pinch point hazard. Please use caution and common sense when using this or any tool.
Working with joist hangers places your hands in close proximity to your hammer. Take your time and pay close attention to hand placement when installing hangers with 1-1/2 inch galvanized nails.
Always wear appropriate safety equipment, such as safety glasses and leather work gloves when installing joist hangers.
