6.1 The resistance of plastic lumber and shapes to direct withdrawal of nails, staples, or screws is a measure of its ability to hold or be held to an adjoining object by means of such fasteners. Factors that affect this withdrawal resistance include the physical and mechanical properties of the plastic lumber and shapes; the size, shape, and surface condition of the fasteners; the speed of withdrawal; physical changes to plastic lumber and shapes or fasteners between time of driving and time of withdrawal; orientation of fiber axis; the occurrence and nature of prebored lead holes; and the temperatures during insertion and withdrawal. These factors will be as circumstances dictate, and representative of the normal manufacturing process.

6.2 By using a standard size and type of nail, staple, or screw, withdrawal resistance of plastic lumber and shapes can be determined. Throughout the method this is referred to as the basic withdrawal test. Similarly, comparative performances of different sizes or types of nail, staple, or screw can be determined by using a standard procedure with a particular plastic lumber and shape, which eliminates the plastic lumber and shapes product as a variable. Since differences in test methods can have considerable influence on results, it is important that a standard procedure be specified and adhered to, if test values are to be related to other test results.

1.1 These test methods cover the evaluation of fastener use with “as manufactured” plastic lumber and shapes through the use of two different testing procedures.

1.2 The test methods appear in the following order:

Sections

Test Method A—Nail, Staple, or Screw Withdrawal Test

4 to 13

Test Method B—Lateral Nail, Staple, or Screw Resistance Test

14 to 22

1.3 Plastic lumber and plastic shapes are currently made predominately from recycled plastics. However, these test methods would also be applicable to similar manufactured plastic products made from virgin resins where the product is non-homogeneous in the cross-section.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.