hardibacker fasteners?

[craig99]

I just hung my first 1/2 inch hardibacker in my shower stall. Either I read in John's book or the hardibacker brochure that I should use hot dipped galvanized 1 3/4 inch roofing nails. I can't find 1 3/4 or 2 inch hot dipped galvanized roofing nails! I can find eltro-galvanized roofing nails, but again I think I read in John's book that they (electro-galvanized roofing nails) specifically should not be used. So, I bought some Phillips (brand) cement board screws, which look like heavy duty sheetrock screws.

The problem (I think) is that on this first install, its very difficult to get the heads flush, so (finally) here is my question.

Can I use 6d 2 inch hot galvanized nails for hanging 1/2 inch hardibacker in a shower?

thanks.

[Mike2]

I would advise against using small head nails. Hardi is tough counter-sinking wise Craig so my suggestions would be: 1) go to a store that sells roofing materials (not Lowes or Home Depot) but a real roofing material store or possibly a "real" hardware store and get the HDG roofing nails. Or purchase a countersink bit for the screws. That you can probably find at a big box store.

[jadnashua]

The phillips head screws are hard to seat properly. They also make square drive (McFelly?) screws that are easier to seat without messing up the head. It is easier if you have the screws that have little ridges under the head...they act like a drill bit to shave out a little to let the head become flush. Having a high torque drill is important to for a successful job. Be careful of tenting...where the screw pushes the board away from the wall. I find that if you go in reverse while pushing the screw down when this happens, you ream the hole in the Hardie out so that the threads don't catch, and you can get it to mate up properly.

[craig99]

thanks Mike and Jim

c.

[Andrew21]

Craig..

Just like everyone said..use the Hardibacker screws. I didn't like the Durock screws as the heads were stripping. The square drive with Hardibacker screws make a HELL of a difference.

Andy

[MudMaker]

Craig, You do want them heads flush...
Just did a shower with 1/2" Hardibacker board and used the Hardi screws. They chew into the board nicely. Yes, you need a drill with good torque and don't be afraid to get into the board.. After a couple you'll have the feel. HD has the Hardi screws in the drywall section and not in the Hardiboard/Tile section. They are around $8.00 for a box ( 200 - 250 ct.)
At the roofing place you may have to buy more nails than just enough for your one job..
Oh, make sure you drive them in straight and not on an angle (Nails or screws), as they will cause the tiles to be uneven.