Can you use screws to secure joist hangers? My recollection is no. Help appreciated.
That is my understanding as well. There are fasteners that are specially made for joist hangers.
-The photo at the left shows 10d x 1 1/2 and 8d x 1 1/2. The numbers on the heads are often hard to see.
-Photo #2 shows the three most common, including the checkerhead 16d vinyl-coated sinker.
-In photo #3, 1-4-5 are acceptable for most connectors and are by far what’s most often used.
-Photo at far right shows hanger nails installed. You can identify them by their thick heads and the numbers if you can see them.