Nail withstands hurricane and earthquake conditions.

Press Release Summary:



Available in .113 and .131 in. dia, HurriQuake(TM) 2½ in., 21° plastic collated nail withstands uplift forces over 271 lb/ft² depending on nail pattern and shank diameter. Head size lends to amount of resistance to vacuum effect of uplift forces, and 50/50 shank configuration features aggressive ring shank to minimize withdrawal failure. With ultimate shear load rating to 9,348 lb, carbon steel alloy construction meets code requirements and exceeds bend yield of 100,000 psi.



Original Press Release:



HurriQuake(TM) Nail Technology Delivers Rock-Solid Results Against Hurricane and Earthquake Conditions



NOVEMBER 1, 2005 - NEW YORK, NY - As news reports continue to predict a cluster of destructive hurricane seasons in the coming years, BOSTITCH responds with HurriQuake(TM); its most innovative nail design yet. Engineering Manager of Fastener Technology Dr. Ed Sutt said, "The HurriQuake(TM) nail can be described as a 'smart nail' ... it knows how to withstand two very different types of destructive forces - uplift and shear - like no other nail. These forces account for the vast majority of structural damage during hurricanes and earthquakes."

According to Insurance Information Institute research, insured losses from the 2004 hurricane season are estimated at $18.8 billion ($22.9 billion including liability claims). In terms of property damage, this ranks above the 9/11 terrorist attacks as the most costly catastrophe in U.S. history. "The two million hurricane-related insurance claims from 2004, caused primarily by wind damage, might have been significantly lower if HurriQuake(TM) technology had been used in the original construction," explained Dr. Sutt.

Most wood frame construction tends to fail at the fastening point, which is why a superior nail design is so critical to structural integrity. Two independent laboratory tests concluded that HurriQuake(TM) withstands uplift forces of over 271 pounds/square foot (depending on nail pattern and shank diameter). In essence, this doubles a home's wind-resistance, also referred to as uplift capacity, when compared to standard sheathing nails.

The New HurriQuake nail is the next generation design of a previous hurricane/earthquake BOSTITCH nail called Sheather Plus(TM). By borrowing the best features of Sheather Plus(TM) and refining key characteristics, this new design offers significant advantages over an already superior design, according to Dr. Sutt.
One enhancement includes a stiffer plastic collation formula that breaks away more effectively as the nail is driven. This reduces "flagging" (the collection of collation material under the nail head) for a cleaner, flush application of the next layer. Additionally, HurriQuake(TM) brandishes an "HQ1" on its head for easy identification during inspections. BOSTITCH also removed the purple coating from the new design because internal lab tests surprisingly found the nail responds better to hurricane conditions without it.

The high-tech nail design features a 30% larger head to produce a dramatic increase in holding power. This plays a key role in resisting the vacuum effect of uplift forces, which often causes standard nail heads to pull or tear through sheathing. Its 50/50 shank configuration also features an aggressive ring shank to minimize withdrawal failure. As a result, HurriQuake(TM) provides added security when storms threaten a structure.

HurriQuake(TM) is versatile enough to battle another one of Mother Nature's most destructive forces - an earthquake. Earthquakes, an altogether different type of structural force, create stress at an angle perpendicular to the nail (referred to as shear load). This explains why damaged structures sometimes droop or lean after earthquakes. Dr. Sutt's team improved upon the previous design - Sheather Plus(TM) - by making slight modifications to the upper shank geometry. He explains, however, "No one should ever underestimate the significance of a small change, which can yield vastly different results under extreme weather conditions."

HurriQuake(TM) touts high-quality carbon steel alloy construction to meet code requirements and exceed a bend yield of 100,000 psi. "The value proposition of this next generation nail is quite compelling." said Dr. Sutt, "The additional cost to use HurriQuake(TM) nails on an average 2,000 square foot home is less than fifteen dollars. This isn't a huge investment when you consider the fact that it may save thousands in the long run."

Ultimate load, defined as the point of maximum resistance, is another key measure of nail strength. HurriQuake(TM) features an ultimate shear load rating of up to 9,348 pounds (20% higher than standard sheathing nails). Once again, the 50/50 shank configuration contributes to drastic increases in the nail's structural integrity. BOSTITCH located the ring shank just under the shear plane for maximum diameter at the point where most of the earthquake force is transferred. Moreover, this nail absorbs 50% more energy than standard sheathing nails for added strength in extreme conditions.

HurriQuake(TM) is a 21° plastic collated nail featuring two diameters: .113 (model number RH-S8DR113HP) and .131 (model number RH-S8DR131HP). Compatible with nailers including BOSTITCH (models N88RH and F21PL), Hitachi (model NR90AC3), Senco (Frame Pro 652 and 752XP), and Porter-Cable (model FR350MAG), the 2-1/2" nail comes in a quantity of 5,000 per box.

BOSTITCH (www.bostitch.com), a subsidiary of The Stanley Works (NYSE: SWK), is a leading manufacturer of pneumatic nailers & staplers, fasteners, compressors, office products, and related accessories for market segments including commercial/residential construction, manufactured housing, manufactured furniture/bedding, professional woodworking, sophisticated hobbyists, and office workers everywhere. With its headquarters in East Greenwich, RI, BOSTITCH operates multiple manufacturing facilities throughout the globe.

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