Lesson Plan
8 Video Lessons · 1H 53M
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.)
-
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.
-
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
-
Determining the right nail to use
-
When to use drywall anchors
-
When to use concrete fasteners
-
When to use glue and construction adhesives
-
Different types of epoxy
-
Different types of tape and usage
5 stars
Overall rating of 5 students
-
5 out of 5
Sita K.,
Feb 26, 2023
Very Thorough
-
5 out of 5
Mitchell H.,
Sep 22, 2022
Lots of good information
-
5 out of 5
Patrick G.,
Sep 19, 2022
Very informative
-
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...
Read More... -
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!
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
-
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