Handling Trusses

Figure B: Lifting Floor Trusses by Crane
When lifting floor trusses with a crane, always lift from two points and never lift the truss sideways, which can loosen connector plates.
When lifting floor trusses with a crane, always lift from two points and never lift the truss sideways, which can loosen connector plates.

When receiving a truckload of trusses, reject those with excessive splits in chords or braces, those with knots close to metal plates, or those with loose or deformed plates. Also reject any that show evidence of having been damaged and repaired. Beware of warped or wet lumber, which can set up dangerous stresses as it shrinks and dries.

Lifting With a Crane

If you use a crane, always lift from two points (Figure B) and never lift the truss sideways; the excess flexing can loosen the connector plates, causing eventual failure.

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