Alternative winch use #106

nizmut said:

Looks like you could use some diagonal bracing in the substructure.

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Absolutely! In the OP, I said I held it in place w/ the winch while I ran around and replaced the bracing. There was bracing on there initially, but after that wind storm, it was just hanging off in all directions. I replaced nailed brace joints w/ 3" coarse deck screws this time around, as well as, adding additional bracing:











Here's a link to the vid where I pulled it straight w/ the winch:

MOV04512.flv video by d1sc0ver - Photobucket

Clint said:

I think he's saying it would be stronger if your cross brace went from corner to corner. You went from the halfway point.

Clint

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M'kay, the bracing IS from corner to corner on the north and south sides. That is, the sides to counter forces of a westerly wind. The positioning of my property in relationship to the Huachuca Mountains results in 99% westerly winds.

The 'cross' bracing on the east and west sides is from top corner to mid-point, as we 'never' get a north wind and very slight south winds. There was a method to my madness w/ the design. We'll see if that design is flawed during the next big wind storm...which is eventual...and unavoidable.

I appreciate the feedback and am good at taking constuctive criticism.

ffips said:

Make It Right? | Holmes Media

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Yeah, he's cool. But I'm not building a house, just shoring up the bracing on a kid's fort. I already went too far w/ this thing anyhow.

sexy6chick said:

Nice Scott! How bad was it up there by you guys??

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Hey Nat, about a month ago we had gusts up to 70 mph which did the initial damage. I didn't get off my butt in time to repair the bracing before 2-3 days of 50-55 mph gusts last week, which just racked the fort wicked bad.

I'm just glad it's up and more solid than ever.