Framer put a double 2x10 header over a 6-foot patio door in a bearing wall, but instead of jack studs he end-nailed the header through the king studs with four 16d each side and ran cripples up to the top plate.

No, this does not pass code.

IRC Requirements:

• R502.5 requires headers to be supported by jack studs (trimmers) that extend from the header to the sole plate.
• R502.6 requires cripple studs to be full-height from top plate to header, not just nailed to king studs.

Why it fails:

1. No jack studs = header load is transferred only through end-nails (16d) into the king studs. This is not an approved load path.
2. End-nailing doesn't provide adequate shear transfer for a 6-foot span with a double 2x10 header (which likely carries significant roof/load above).
3. Cripples must bear on the header — they can’t just be nailed to king studs.

Fix:

• Install jack studs (2x material) from header down to sole plate.
• Secure header to jack studs with header hangers or toe-nailing per R502.5(1).
• Install cripple studs from top plate down to header, spaced per R502.6 (typically 16" o.c. max).

Bottom line: This is a structural deficiency. The header needs proper jack stud support. A framer doing it this way is cutting corners and violating code. Get it fixed before drywall.

No, this does not pass code. It is a structural deficiency requiring correction.

Code Basis (IRC 2021/2024):

• R602.7.5 (Supports for headers): Headers in bearing walls shall be supported by jack studs, framing anchors, or approved hangers. End-nailing through king studs is not a listed prescriptive method.
• Table R602.7(1) & (2): Header spans for a 6-ft opening in a bearing wall (supporting roof + ceiling + one floor) require a double 2×10 with two jack studs each end (or engineered design).
• R602.7.1 (Nailing): The 4-16d end-nails you describe satisfy king-to-jack nailing (Table R602.3(1), Item 2), not header-to-king bearing.

Why it fails:

1. Bearing vs. Shear: End-nails loaded in withdrawal/shear cannot reliably transfer the concentrated header reaction (often 3,000–5,000+ lbs) into the king stud. Jack studs provide direct bearing (compression perpendicular to grain), which is the code-prescriptive load path.
2. Cripples are irrelevant: Cripples transfer top-plate loads down to the header; they do not support the header ends.
3. Shrinkage/Deflection: As lumber dries, end-nail gaps open, transferring zero load.

Required Fix: Install two jack studs (trimmers) at each end of the header, bearing fully on the sole plate, face-nailed to king studs (10d/16d @ 16" o.c. per Table R602.3(1)) and to the header. If space is tight, use simpson LUS/LSU hangers rated for the calculated reaction (requires engineering stamp for non-prescriptive hanger use on a double 2×10).

Bottom line: Tell the framer to cut and install the jack studs. It’s the only code-compliant fix without an engineer’s letter.