Replace "A" frame collar ties.

[johnny2007]

Hi everyone,
I am still in the process of finishing my loft conversion and I have to remove all the collar ties as they were installed without a spirit level (after all they were put there 25 years ago by the previous owner, a professional bodger!).
They're not just slightly out, some of them are 2 inches out, so no way to forget about it.
My problem is how to detach them from the 70 year old rafters without damaging the rafters.
They have been fitted with 4 inch nails.
I know I can just pull the nails out with a crow bar, but wouldn't the rafter be weakened by the holes left behind, also considering that I will have to re-screw these collar ties in the vicinity?
Could I plug the holes with dowels or is it pointless?
Or would it be better to cut the nails flush with a grinder and leave them in?
The rafters are 4 inches thick.
Thanks

 

[catlad]

reciprocating saw would be better

 

[johnny2007]

reciprocating saw would be better

To cut the wood, yes.
My question is: Do I cut the 4" nails and leave them in the rafters or take them out?
I want to avoid weakening the rafters

 

[geraldthehamster]

Ue a metal-cutting blade in your reciprocating saw. Much easier than trying to pull them out.

Cheers
Richard

 

[johnny2007]

Ue a metal-cutting blade in your reciprocating saw. Much easier than trying to pull them out.

Cheers
Richard

So you suggest to cut the nails and leave them in the rafters?

 

[geraldthehamster]

I'd do whichever is easiest . You're unlikely to damage the rafters by pulling the nails out.

Cheers
Richard

 

[johnny2007]

Ok, thanks

 

[bernardgreen]

No one has mentioned it but if you remove the ties then there is a risk of the rafters moving apart unless you put the replacement ties in place first.

Without the ties the sideways pressure on the top of the wall as the base of the roof tries to spread out can dislodge bricks. Worst case could end up in a partial collapse of the roof.

 

[johnny2007]

No one has mentioned it but if you remove the ties then there is a risk of the rafters moving apart unless you put the replacement ties in place first.

Without the ties the sideways pressure on the top of the wall as the base of the roof tries to spread out can dislodge bricks. Worst case could end up in a partial collapse of the roof.

I will replace one tie at the time and will use temporary props to avoid any rafters movement/sagging.