What is the correct combination used to toenail a stud to a plate?

The practice of toenailing a stud to a plate is a widely used technique in framing and carpentry that provides stability and strength to wooden structures. The correct combination involves driving two #8 nails at an angle through the stud into the plate on each side. This method ensures that the stud is adequately secured in place, preventing it from shifting or loosening, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the overall structure.

Using two nails helps distribute the load and provides a more robust connection compared to using fewer nails. Additionally, #8 nails are sufficiently sized to provide the necessary holding power without causing excessive splitting of the wood, making them an ideal choice for this application.

The other combinations, while they may involve appropriate quantities or sizes of nails, do not provide the same balance of secure fastening and ease of use in typical framing practices. Thus, two #8 nails on each side is the most effective and standard approach for toenailing a stud to a plate.