Shotfired fixings to 203mm Universal Beam

[Tony K]

Hi,

Has anyone ever used shotfired fixings to attach timber packers and framing anchors to a 203 x 203mm universal I-beam?

The fixings would need to go through the horizontal top and bottom flanges, which are about 11mm thick.

If anyone can suggest a suitable tool for the job I'd be grateful!

Cheers

[Thorfun]

7 minutes ago, Tony K said:

Hi,

Has anyone ever used shotfired fixings to attach timber packers and framing anchors to a 203 x 203mm universal I-beam?

The fixings would need to go through the horizontal top and bottom flanges, which are about 11mm thick.

If anyone can suggest a suitable tool for the job I'd be grateful!

Cheers

A Paslode SPIT will do the trick.

 

https://www.jewson.co.uk/p/nail-gun-JTH03300

 

I hired one through Jewson and it nailed some 4x2 into our steels.

 

they're very loud though so I highly recommend using ear defenders!

[Tony K]

@Thorfun Brilliant, thanks.

Is there a particular fixing you found effective?

[PeterW]

Spit gun will do it but you need to wear the PPE, and preferably be trained. They are a borderline firearm and can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Safer option is self drilling screws which will are easier and simpler as long as it is not load bearing. 

[Tony K]

1 minute ago, PeterW said:

Spit gun will do it but you need to wear the PPE, and preferably be trained. They are a borderline firearm and can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Safer option is self drilling screws which will are easier and simpler as long as it is not load bearing. 

 

Thanks @PeterW I had considered the safety implications of messing with such a powerful tool, but am not certain that I'd be able to screw into the steel effectively. Is that a straightforward undertaking, or does it require a specialist bit of kit?

 

 

[Thorfun]

2 hours ago, PeterW said:

Spit gun will do it but you need to wear the PPE, and preferably be trained. They are a borderline firearm and can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Safer option is self drilling screws which will are easier and simpler as long as it is not load bearing. 

I understand this but I had no issues using it. Fully PPE’d up and was cautious. I still have all my limbs intact. 
 

2 hours ago, Tony K said:

@Thorfun Brilliant, thanks.

Is there a particular fixing you found effective?

I bought specific shot fire fixings from my local fixings store. 

[Hobbiniho]

when you say timber packers, what size of packers are you talking about? as if its just small thin bits of wood then a powder nail gun such as the hilti dx 460 or the spit suggested above will not work as it will just split the wood into a million little shards, i wouldnt use them to nail anything less than a 3x2 or you risk splitting it and the fixing not really holding, the self tapping screws suggested above would be another good option if you only have a few of them to do but go with a decent brand like hilti

[Tosh]

If you go down the route with screws then use heavy duty Tek screws for that thickness of steel. You can use a normal combi drill.