Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Bosch Drill Bit

I picked up a Bosch 1/2" concrete bit at Menards and at almost $8.00 it is well worth it. We set ten posts on footings and with just a standard drill, had no problem making the anchor holes. Also, another tip. In my area, Home Depot caries Simpson brand adjustable post bases and Menards has UPS. If you have the same choice, get the UPS. The Simpson's are almost impossible to tighten once the post is set, where the UPS brand has a fold up side flap that leaves the bolt well exposed.

PJB1,

Thanks for the info. Can you tell us more about these adjustable post bases...

Are they similar to teleposts like in a basement?

Rob.

The adjustable post base can be found over by the joist hangers. It has a square metal base raised about 1" and a place for a threaded rod or anchor bolt to come through the bottom. You can slide them around to better line up the posts before you tighten them down on the concrete footing. I used 1/2 X 2 3/4 concrete anchors called 'wedgits' that leave the 1/2 inch threaded bolt exposed about 3/4". I drill the 1/2 " hole about 3" deep into the footing using my new drill bit, whack in the wedgit, set and adjust the post and then tighten down the nut to secure it. One other tip. The instructions on the post base say to use nails to fasten the post to the base. Not good for me. Every time I hit the nail, the post base moved around. I got a small box of short deck screws and it was much easier.

Thanks again PJB1, you are a wealth of knowledge.

These things sound like they are worth checking out.

Rob.

pjb1,
I too used the simpson post connectors on my deck footings and had the same problem when using nails (connector shifted) additionally I found that when you really tighten the anchor bolt nut hard (trying to keep the connector from moving in the future) the sides of the connector actually bend so the center holes of the flaps no longer line up - very frustrating. I'm now beyond that stage but will be installing the post for my staircase soon and would like more info on the other connector you mentioned (UPS?). Can you help?

Thanks,
Brian

I also had the problem with the ceter hole not lining up, but did not really care, as the other screws or nails are enough. Simspson and UPS are probably the two largest makers of deck type fittings, joist hangers and various connectors.
In Illinois, Home Depot carries Simpson and Menards has UPS. I havn't checked out what Lowes or the other big lumber stores stock, but it is probably one or the other. Most of the products are pretty much the same except for the post bases. The UPS has a fold up side that lets you nail or screw the post on three sides. Once the post is level and secure, you tighten the bolt through the open side, fold up the side and put in the last two screws.