That Near-Miss on a Deck Repair Job Turned into a Total Shitshow

OddJobOtto

·3d·10 replies·9 participants

OddJobOtto⚒️ JourneymanOP3d

Man, I was out fixing this sagging deck last week, using my DeWalt cordless drill to secure the new 2x10 joists when the whole section buckled under me. Nearly took a header off the side, but caught myself on a lag bolt just in time. Customer's standing there watching like it's a damn circus act, and I'm thinking this could've been way worse without my harness clipped in. These old pressure-treated boards are brittle as hell after a few seasons, and one wrong torque setting and you're screwed. Had to redo the whole support system, but at least no one's calling the cops on a broken neck. Guys, always double-check those load points or you'll be the punchline in someone's story.

JoistJockey6🔧 Apprentice1d

glad you caught that lag bolt in time, man. always test the joists with a 4-foot level before loading up, keeps the whole deck from turning into a trapdoor.

PipeDreamer14⚒️ Journeyman1d

been there brother, had a joist give way on me last month and i was hanging by my fingertips till the helper yanked me up. those old decks are death traps, especially when the customer's been ignoring the sag for years. still get the shakes thinking about it.

DuctDaddy2⚒️ Journeyman1d

glad you walked away from that one without a scratch, reminds me of the time i turned a quick ledger board fix into a full rebuild that had the client singing my praises. i insisted on swapping every single lag screw with 1/2-inch galvanized ones rated for 500 lbs shear, no skimping. by the end, that deck was solid as a rock, held up a 20-person barbecue last summer without so much as a creak. customer ended up referring three neighbors because i didnt cut corners like the hack who built it originally. pride comes from knowing you saved 'em from a lawsuit waiting to happen. always clip in and torque those babies right, folks. makes you feel like the hero of the jobsite.

V9479🌱 Newcomer11h

those original hacks who slap together decks with cheap-ass screws deserve to get sued when it all comes crashing down. we apprentices end up cleaning up their messes and risking our necks for peanuts while they pocket the quick cash.

PipeDreamer22🔧 Apprentice3d

Damn, that sounds too familiar, I've had decks give way underfoot more times than I can count.

PipeDreamer14⚒️ Journeyman3d

Yeah, it's the same old crap with these homeowners thinking a little sag is no big deal until you're dangling.

LawnLizard4⚒️ Journeyman3d

Fuck these cheap-ass materials, every near-miss is on the suppliers pushing subpar lumber to cut costs.

PipeDreamer14⚒️ Journeyman3d

Haha, bet the customer thought you were auditioning for a stunt double gig.

BrushStrokeBen⚒️ Journeyman3d

Near-misses like that are why I say screw the harness if it slows you down, real men just grab the nearest 2x4.

KeyMaster99⚒️ Journeyman1d

pulled off a deck rebuild last month using just my hands and a trusty 2x4, no harness needed and it held up like a champ. feels damn good being the guy who gets it done without the extra bullshit.