Faster, Safer AND Inexpensive?
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As a framer I am always looking to save some time, or lower the repetitive stress on my body. The Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Stik is one of those tools that does both. I reviewed the Quik Stik for The Journal of Light Construction 1 year ago. This is one of those products that I mentioned in the review is a “no brainer”. The kit sells for $170, so it won’t break the bank. At the time I reviewed this tool, I felt it was about twice as fast as installing an H 2.5 (with a gun), but I use a stronger impact driver (it’ll fit any corded/cordless drill or impact driver that accepts ¼” hex shank) and the more I use the tool, the faster I get. I feel it is 4x faster using this than installing hardware off a ladder. I’m getting older (42) so I find much less user fatigue.
One of the major benefits here is that I am now substituting the hazard e.g. I’m not on a ladder. Ladders are less safe than standing on the ground (see no brainer). Now on the attachment side check with your AHJ, designer or engineer to find out if this structural screw will replace the hardware spec’d. It is approved for 5 convenient top plate rafter/truss installations.
I’ve asked our engineer to replace hardware with structural screws wherever possible. It always saves us time and money. “The Strong-Drive SDWC Truss screw provides a stud-to-bottom plate or stud-to-top plate connection as well as fastening trusses and rafters to top plates. The full-threaded shank engages the entire length of the fastener, providing a secure connection. The SDWC is tested in accordance with ICC-ES AC233 (screw) and AC13 (wall assembly and roof-to-wall assembly) for uplift and lateral loads between wall plates and vertical wall framing and between the top plate and the roof rafters or trusses. It is code listed under IAPMO-UES ER-262 and meets 2015 and 2018 IRC® and IBC code requirements for several common wood framing applications“
Full disclosure, Strong-Tie sponsored the recent video post for Instagram.
