I've noticed that the lally columns in my basement are attached to the beam above by nails driven halfway in and then bent flush to the beam. I want to box in the lally with 1x and it would be easier if the bent nail was out of the way. Any reason I can't pull it out and replace with a coarse-thread screw?
Anonymous
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That would be fine. The pressure from the post between the floor and the joist above is usually enough to hold it in place. The nails are a precaution and screws would actually be better anyway.
Anonymous
you can pull them out and replace them with screws, the nails were most likely bent over because the hole in the plate is larger than the head of the nail so you may need to add a washer to the screw if the hole is too large
STEVEN F
Actually, it would be easier NOT to remove the nails. If you place the 1x boards against the beam and give ONE good hit with a hammer, the nails will recess into the board with FAR less effort than removing them.