[AT] history of PTO's on tractors .... when LIVE PTO

[Steve W.]

szabelski at wildblue.net wrote:
> Dean,
> 
> When I did our deck, I used clips. On the first and last boards I
> used Trapease3 screws on the outside edges without clips. The screws
> are designed with a small head that has a reverse thread at the top.
> When driven in, the reverse thread pulls the board in tighter and
> eliminates puckering of the board around the screw head. No
> predrilling and they come in colors that match the decking. They were
> suggested and provided by the Trex distributor who is the main
> distributor for all of southeast Michigan. Off hand I’d say the head
> of the screw is about 1/8 - 3/16 in diameter from memory. Not
> currently home so I can’t give you an actual measurement, but you can
> go online and probably get it. You really don’t notice them. You’ll
> also have the same issue with any stairs that you put in. The inner
> tread can be put in with clips, but the outer tread will require
> screws.
> 
> Carl
> 

Regardless of who you use, make sure they are using the proper screws 
for the PT lumber. The newer crud they use eats through steel like it's 
candy. Neighbor built a new deck 3 years ago using some type of coated 
screws that were supposed to handle the stuff, He is in the process of 
tearing much of it apart because the screws are rusting through and 
failing!

Currently waiting for an Amish shop to finish my new 12X20 garden shed. 
They are using all rough cut and building it as a hybrid of post and 
beam with common framing so it will have 2X4 studs every 16" and roof 
joists to match. Then it will set for most of the summer to dry out. 
Then just prior to winter I plan on sealing any cracks, and shooting the 
walls and roof with closed cell foam. The floor is already being built 
with 4" of extruded insulation between the joists and a layer of metal 
to keep the critters out of the foam.

-- 
Steve W.