How to Fasten Joist Hangers

Joist hangers are galvanized metal holders that help secure joists in place. Hangers are typically needed when there is not a load bearing wall or permanent structure beneath a joist. They are common on wooden decks and can be found on floor joists and trusses in many homes. Although joists are secured with nails through a rim board or a skirt, they can dry and crack over time. Adding a joist hanger increases the strength and stability of the joist. Installing a joist hanger is not a difficult job, however, it does require precise measurements and carpentry skills.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Framing square
• Hammer
• Joist hanger nails

Instructions

Fastening a Joist Hanger for Ceiling Application

1. Lay out the joist centers on the rim board. The building plans, approved by the local building inspector will provide the spacing requirements.

2. Hook your tape measure on the right edge of the rim board and mark the required distance with a pencil. Repeat this for each joist.

3. Place the bottom edge of a framing square along the bottom of the rim board and draw a square line perpendicular from the bottom to the top on the face of the rim board.

4. Hold the bottom edge of the joist hanger flush with the bottom of the rim board. Line the the hanger up to one side of the perpendicular pencil line.

5. Nail the hanger into place with a hammer and joist nails. The nails should be placed in the manufacturer's pre-made holes on the joist hanger.

6. Hold a piece of scrap joist material inside the hanger. Pull the side of the hanger which is not nailed so it is flush with the scrap material and nail the free side of the hanger to the rim board. Fill all the holes in the joist hanger with nails.

Fastening a Joist Hanger for a Flooring or Deck Application

1. Lay out the joist centers on the rim board according to the building plan spacing.

2. Hook a tape measure on the right edge of the rim board and mark the appropriate distance with a pencil. Repeat this distance for each joist.

3. Place the bottom of a framing square along the top edge of the rim board and draw a square line perpendicular from the top to the bottom on the face of the rim board.

4. Hold the top of the joist flush with the top of the rim board and the perpendicular pencil line.

5. Nail each end of the joist into the rim board, securing nails at a 45 degree angle with the joist. You may need another person to hold the joist in place while it is nailed.

6. Slide the joist hanger onto the joist from the bottom.

7. Press both sides of the hanger together and pound the hanger tabs in with your hammer.

8. Nail the hanger into place, securing it to the rim board. Be sure to fill all of the nail holes.

Tips & Warnings

• Joist hanger nails are sold at most home improvement stores, if your store does not have them, use a 16d galvanized nail that is 1 1/2 inches long.

• It is imperative that you use the proper joist hanger for the job. Hangers are made for specific board sizes

• Wear safety glasses when hammering nails.