Sometimes, during the course of an inspection I see things that defy logic. Often it's homeowner "fixes" that make you scratch your head. On occasion it's a contractor who baffles me by their workmanship (or lack thereof). When looking at and reporting on some things, I will often refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Some manufacturers have realized that people do not always read all of the instructions and will take extra steps to make sure that certain parts of the installation instructions are followed. Usually if you see a large warning label, it is safe to assume that this is something that is more prone to failure which could cause serious injury (and lawsuits). Some still, do not pay attention.
In this instance (pull-down attic stairs) the manufacturer clearly calls for a nail, yet the installer thought a screw would do. Now, I'm no rocket scientist or big city lawyer, but seems to me that the manufacturer has spent many hours and many dollars to verify that their installation instructions meet the safety requirements in order to protect the consumer (and keep them out of court).
Yet the installer knows better?
I don't know exactly why they specify a nail (I wasn't in on that meeting - darn!) - It most likely has something to do with the shear strength of a nail vs. a screw - but that's really immaterial. They went the extra step to try to "idiot-proof" this particular part of the installation, and apparently failed.
In today's society, where spilling hot coffee on yourself can get you big bucks, why wouldn't you just follow instructions?
Too funny! Yes contents may be hot. Its COFFEE!
Katie, I wonder if that instance has anything to do with the recent popularity of Iced Coffee, Iced Lattes and the like?
I'm suprised you didn't also find a couple of nails as reinforcements on a few other random places nearby. LOL ~Rita
Rita, It's like when I find the stove anti-tip brackets in a cabinet next to the stove!
That is an easy one. He ran out of nails. Screws and nails are interchangable.
Gene, I hope you're being sarcastic!
Rick it is funny that you bring up the range anti tip brackets in a cabinet next to the stove I just encountered that at a good friend of mine. I have recently remove all the cabinets at his house because I am putting in a new kitchen for him. The cabinet above the stove still had some what he called garbage in it, and you guessed it there was his anti tip device.
Gary, that's often where they end up. I did a new construction home not too long ago that had them and the manual in the oven.
Rick- Absolutely nothing is idiot proof. True down-to-earth idiots will find a way to screw up even the simplest of tasks. Funny post.
The shear strength of the nail is greater than a screw.
Now what size nail was required?