Trying to build a door frame. can not drive 8d or 10 d or 12 d nails.?

Question

I am tring to build a door frame on an existing wall. one side does not have a dry wall. Three issues:

1. can not drive nails with a hammer. Can I use deck screws or any suggesting?

2. can not find straight studs at homedepot or lowes. what can I do?

3. I have seen different suggestions about rough opening. I have room for 32" total width. Can 24" door work?

It is a non load bearing wall.

Answer 1

go to a lumber yard to get good lumber   screws work good

Answer 2

1. Yes you can s***w it. Why cant you nail it though? 10d is just fine. 6d and/or predrilled decking screws on your frame if prehung. Recommend screws. Remove 2 screws from each hinge bracket and install your screws threw the existing hols once the door is plumb. And if prehung, leave the bolt in the door handle till after installation. Trick is to pop the prehung door in place and tack the molding on the outside of the door with a couple nails to hold it in place. Then fasten it to the stud on the hinge side. Exterior doors are fastend on the bolt (opposite) side first, to secure the lock.

2. If it's a small project buy a treated stud. They are wet and stay straighter for longer periods of time. Lowes treated lumber is the worst in the industry. Try HD.

3. Frame the perimeter (32" R.O.) with 2 by's. The difference should give you enough room for a 28" prehung. Shims and all. But if it's already a 32" R.O. then you have no choice but to drop it because 30" is custom made size. So 28" is your only option.