Fastener Pullout Strength Calculator
Free Fastener pullout strength Calculator for construction materials projects. Enter dimensions to get material lists and cost estimates.
Reviewed by Abdullah, Technical Content Specialist
Formula
W = 1800 x G² x D x L (NDS Withdrawal Formula)
The NDS withdrawal formula calculates pullout resistance as 1800 times the specific gravity squared times the fastener diameter times the thread penetration length. The result is in pounds. Divide by the safety factor to get the allowable design load.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Deck Ledger Connection
Problem:Calculate pullout strength of 4 lag screws (0.375" diameter, 2.5" thread) in southern pine with safety factor of 3.
Solution:W per inch = 1800 x 0.55² x 0.375 = 204.19 lb/in\nPer fastener = 204.19 x 2.5 = 510.47 lbs\nTotal = 510.47 x 4 = 2041.88 lbs\nAllowable = 2041.88 / 3 = 680.6 lbs
Result:680.6 lbs allowable pullout load
Example 2: Cabinet Mounting Screws
Problem:Calculate pullout for 6 wood screws (0.162" dia, 1.5" thread) in douglas fir with safety factor of 3.
Solution:W per inch = 1800 x 0.50² x 0.162 = 72.90 lb/in\nPer fastener = 72.90 x 1.5 = 109.35 lbs\nTotal = 109.35 x 6 = 656.1 lbs\nAllowable = 656.1 / 3 = 218.7 lbs
Result:218.7 lbs allowable pullout load
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fastener pullout strength?
Fastener pullout strength, also called withdrawal resistance, is the force required to pull a fastener straight out of the material it is embedded in. It is measured in pounds (lbs) or newtons (N) and depends on the fastener diameter, thread penetration depth, and the density of the base material. The National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction provides standard formulas for calculating withdrawal values. Understanding pullout strength is critical for structural connections where fasteners resist loads that would pull them out of the wood.
How does wood species affect pullout strength?
Wood species affects pullout strength primarily through its specific gravity, which is a measure of density. The NDS withdrawal formula uses specific gravity squared, so denser woods provide dramatically higher pullout resistance. For example, red oak with a specific gravity of 0.67 provides about 2.5 times more withdrawal resistance than SPF lumber at 0.42 specific gravity. Southern pine at 0.55 is the most common structural lumber and offers good pullout performance. Always use the NDS-published specific gravity values for engineering calculations rather than measured densities.
What is an appropriate safety factor for fastener connections?
The standard safety factor for wood fastener connections ranges from 2.5 to 5 depending on the application. The NDS applies a built-in factor of about 3 for normal duration loads in its allowable stress design method. For critical structural connections like ledger boards and deck framing, a safety factor of 3 to 4 is typical. For life-safety applications or connections subject to dynamic or impact loads, use a factor of 5 or higher. Temporary construction connections may use a lower factor of 2 to 2.5, but always follow engineering judgment and local codes.
Do screws or nails have better pullout strength?
Screws have significantly better pullout strength than nails of the same diameter, typically 2 to 4 times higher. This is because screw threads mechanically interlock with wood fibers, while smooth-shank nails rely only on friction. The NDS provides separate withdrawal formulas for nails and screws, reflecting this difference. For critical withdrawal connections, always use screws rather than nails. Ring-shank and spiral-shank nails improve over smooth nails but still do not match screw performance. Lag screws provide the highest withdrawal values for wood-to-wood connections.
References
Reviewed by Abdullah, Technical Content Specialist · Editorial policy