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Train with a Pro
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Spanish Subtitles Available
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Mobile Access
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8 In-depth Lessons
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Certificate of Completion
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Practical Resources
Lesson Plan
8 Video Lessons · 1H 53M
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1. Course Overview
One of the most primary functions of building is making materials stick together—and stay that way. In this course you'll learn all about mechanical binding (nails, screws, and anchors) and chemical binding (adhesives) so you can build better structures that last longer.
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2. Nails
Builders have used nails for more than 5,000 years. However, this most basic type of fastener comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, some best suited for structural frames and others used in finish carpentry work. Learn to use the right nail for the job.
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3. Screws, Bolts, and Anchors
Threaded screws and bolts have more holding power than nails: their threads split in between wood fibers to grip the material more tightly. Jordan explains how they work.
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4. Drywall Anchors, Concrete Fasteners, and More
From hanging mirrors on drywall to fastening wooden sills to concrete, there's a perfect fastener for nearly every situation. Learn which fasteners to use, when.
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5. Glue and Construction Adhesives
Learn about the wide range of adhesives that power modern construction projects and the properties that describe the binding process: cohesion and adhesion. Just don't glue your fingertips together!
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6. Epoxy
Epoxy adhesives can be used with a wide range of materials (wood, metal, plastic, masonry, and more) and in almost any situation where you need to stick two materials together (binding subfloors, gluing a detail to a larger structure, or reinforcing a fastener.)
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7. Tape
Did you know that the windows of many skyscrapers are held to the building using double-sided tape? Learn about the incredible utility of different types of tape in construction.
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8. Adhesives Test: Lifting a Car
In this bonus lesson, Jordan uses a telehandler to lift an old Buick off the ground with nothing but construction adhesive to hold it in the air. Will it hold?
Who it's for: This course is for those beginning in the trades, or those wanting to learn more about common fasteners and adhesives.
Key Topics
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Determining the right nail to use
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When to use drywall anchors
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When to use concrete fasteners
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When to use glue and construction adhesives
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Different types of epoxy
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Different types of tape and usage
5 stars
Overall rating of 9 students
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5 out of 5
Jeremy D.,
May 28, 2024
Very good course
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5 out of 5
Gerald T.,
Mar 11, 2024
Djejej
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5 out of 5
Dylan C.,
Dec 04, 2023
Awesome Course
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5 out of 5
Sita K.,
Feb 26, 2023
Very Thorough
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5 out of 5
Mitchell H.,
Sep 22, 2022
Lots of good information
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5 out of 5
Patrick G.,
Sep 19, 2022
Very informative
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5 out of 5
Ricardo R.,
Aug 09, 2022
Learned more about glues with this course, it's been a while since I've used glues and the thing that I liked is that manufacturers are getting more advanced with their products, good to see that...
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4 out of 5
Jared V.,
Nov 25, 2022
More examples where you actually show the glue/screw/bolt being used. I liked the end video with the car!
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1 out of 5
Richard E.,
Nov 14, 2023
Poor review test on this course, not helpful for understanding incorrect answers and learning what was missed. Other than that, the course itself was fine.
Jordan Smith
CEO of Smith House Company
Your Instructor
Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in the heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction. After spending a couple of years working with industry leading builders in Austin, Jordan and his wife Veronica struck out on their own to form Smith House Co.
Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings.
Become Job Ready
This course will increase your knowledge for jobs like:
Carpenter
Apprentice Carpenter
Construction Laborer
Carpenter's Assistant
Carpenter Helper
Remodeler
For more information on these roles, visit our career page.
Search for these jobs at:
Common Questions
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What is MT Copeland?
MT Copeland helps you further your career in the building industry with expert-led online education that will make you a better, smarter tradesperson.
Our training courses give you a foundation in construction fundamentals and trade skills with real-world applications and best practices to help you grow on the job. -
What do courses include?
Online courses include professionally produced videos taught by leaders in the trades and supplementary learning material such as quizzes, assessments and downloadable materials to help you acquire new skills. Watch anywhere, always at your own pace. We keep lesson videos short so they’re easy to watch after work or on your lunch break. You can finish a course in one sitting, or space it out over a week or two.
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Can you learn with MT Copeland outside of the u.s.?
Yes! You can take MT Copeland courses from anywhere in the world. Our courses are online, so if you have access to the Internet, you can watch our training videos. Courses are taught in English, with English captions and Spanish subtitles available.
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Where did the name MT Copeland come from?
MT Copeland was named after a legendary educator who promoted the idea that training in a specific trade paired with a knowledge of general business principles opens up a whole new world of career possibilities. We believe in the same powerful combination of skills and knowledge.