Screw size to replace nail?
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Screw size to replace nail?
About to put in an aluminum attic folding ladder this weekend. Buying fasteners today. Directions for ladder say use either nails or lag screws. I will use screws but the directions don't say what size. The nail sizes are either 16d or 8d depending on location. Why not use regular wood screws? I was wondering if galvanized makes any difference, I thought I would buy galvanized screws so I can use the left overs for outside. Finally, the directions say do not use drywall screws (I get that part) or deck screws (I don't get that part).
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The smallest lag screws are 1/4 in. dia. which is larger than 16d and obviously 8d nails so don't think you need to get or even can get lag screws that are equivalent to the nails in size.Personally I'd use lag screws simply because it's a more secure installation.You could use larger than 1/4 in. if you want but 1/4 should work provided you use a reasonable amount and put them in good solid wood.Lengths,locations etc would be determined by the exact details of your situation.As for galvanized,as far as the ladder is concerned it makes no difference really so use them only if,as stated,you have other uses for them that make a difference and,for example,you can buy them by the box cheaper etc.Two points about using lags versus wood screws.....you can put lags in with a socket wrench and not deal with stripped heads and obviously wood screws are not as heavy therefore not as strong.That said phillips screws could be put in with a drill but I'd certainly use more of them.Drywall and deck screws are pretty thin so I'm thinking that's why they aren't recommended.Whatever you use make sure you drill pilot holes to prevent snapping heads off and such....most screws of almost all types including lags are imported and of suspect quality.