![]() ![]() 8x½-inch modified truss head self-drilling screw with Phillips drive. The fastener that fulfills all of the above is a No. Look for a head design that has a large diameter (to spread the force that holds everything in place), a very low profile (so it doesn't create a hump under the drywall), and a drive slot that's easy to use. Know Your Screws: To join steel studs to the runner, you need a self-drilling screw that creates a pilot hole through both pieces before the threads engage. As you work your way down the wall, make sure the open side of every stud faces in the same direction, and align the punch-outs to make it easier to pull wires through or install pipes. Drive a screw into the metal to secure the stud to the runner. Align the edge of the stud with the mark on the floor runner, and hold it in place with C-clamp self-locking pliers designed for welders. ![]() Insert a stud into the upper and lower track with a twisting motion. Another option: Rent a compound leverage channel shear to slice through studs and runner without deforming the steel's profile. Watch where sparks land to ensure they don't smolder on the dust within the saw. ![]() Always wear eye and hearing protection, and take this step outside to avoid starting a fire. With this power tool, cutting will be quick and easy, but extremely noisy-and often accompanied by an impressive shower of sparks. To speed up the process, outfit your circular saw or miter saw with a steel-cutting abrasive blade. Slice through both flanges of the stud first, then cut the web.Įxpert Tip: Cutting steel with hand tools isn't difficult, but extended cutting sessions can be taxing for a weekend remodeler. If you don't want to spring for all three, buy a yellow-handled pair, plus the color that matches your working-hand preference. To help you choose the right pair for every cut, these snips usually have color-coded handles: Red is for left cuts (most useful for right-handed people), green is for right cuts (usually preferred by left-handers), and yellow is for straight cuts. Compound-leverage aviation snips-a cutting tool designed to easily trim steel-are the most practical way to cut metal tracks and studs. Measure the distance between the ceiling and floor runners, then cut the studs to length (as needed). Check with your steel-framing supplier for more information. If you're planning to attach ceiling drywall to the underside of a roof truss system, professionals recommend a resilient channel design that accommodates potential movement of the truss. Make sure the splice doesn't land where a stud will be anchored, and stagger joints in the upper and lower tracks by at least 12 inches for maximum wall strength.ĭoes your wall run parallel to the joists? If so, you'll need to add blocking: Cut wood pieces to fit the gaps between the runner and the closest joists, or use scrap pieces of steel runner, which you can easily fasten to the undersides of the joists. (You can use a stud finder here if the ceiling is intact.) If you need to splice the runner, join two pieces using the simple method shown in the drawing above. If your new wall runs perpendicular to the joists, attach the runner to the ceiling by driving screws into the joists. ![]()
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