Holding force

I'm probably not using the right words here, but how would I determine the amount of weight that can be supported by fastener attached into the narrow side of a 2x4 framing member with nails or lag screws of certain lengths?

 

Are you talking about something like hooks in a porch ceiling to support a heavy load such as a porch swing?

 

Exactly, that's one application. I was also wondering about hoisting things from exposed ceiling rafters.

 

I would not advise any type of fastener inserted into the 2x4. The needed hole would weaken the wood. Go for something which encircles the 2x4 without penetrating it.

 

I see your point about nailing into the narrow edge of a framing member, but how to explain that Framing connectors (like plate ties and hurricane straps) are designed to be nailed into both sides of the narrow edge of a stud to hold the studs to bottom and top plates. And they hold roofs on . . .

 

OK, Wirepuller was talking about ceiling rafters and the last one was about nailing to a vertical stud. For the rafter, it makes sense that you'd want to go around the member and not just nail to the bottom edge.

For a stud, a lot of supporting-type hardware (hangers, cabinets, even fall anchors and scaffold systems) is nailed or screwed to the edge of vertical studs. Just wondering how I could determine load limits for that kind of arrangement. Are there tables somewhere?

 

Tell us what you are trying to fasten and some one will tell you what fastener to use.

 

Well I've been trying to avoid THE SAFETY LECTURE but the vertical stud question is about fall protection. I need to work on my second floor gable ends, don't have $4,000 at the moment for a contractor to do it, and am considering 2 ladders with ladder jacks and an aluminum plank and I'd like a backup point to attach to using a harness. I'm looking for commercial options, am not finding anything except things designed for open framing, and was wondering about taking a roof ridge anchor (the kind that bends over the ridge under the ridge vent) and nailing it to a vertcial stud, and attaching to the bottom D-ring. It would have to fasten through one layer of 5/8" plywood. Another idea is a SS U-bolt through the plywood, and fastened around the back of a stud.

The rafter question was about hoisting stuff in general from ceilng rafters. The most pressing need is to lift a 600-lb table saw off its base.