
- COLD FORMED STEEL FRAMING EQUIPMENT DRIVERS AND SCREW
- COLD FORMED STEEL FRAMING EQUIPMENT PLUS FOR MAKING
Uses range from garages, barns and utility buildings to offices. These buildings are designed with you as the building owner or do-it-yourself customer in mind. A cold-formed steel building is any building constructed with cold-formed steel and CEE sections that are bolted or screwed together to form clear span frames, columns and rafters.

Cold Formed Steel Framing Equipment Drivers And Screw
Impact drivers and screw gunsSimpson Strong Tie QDPROPHG2 Quik Drive Cold-Formed Steel Framing Attachment for. Also, steel is long lasting and recyclable, making it a green building choice.Here are some essential metal framing tools necessary for you to successfully complete your metal framing job. Since CFS is manufactured in large quantities at high speeds and installation on the jobsite is simplified, CFS is cost competitive. Home Innovation’s certification provides confidence that certified product meets the requirements of the 2012 IBC.What is Cold Formed Steel Cold Formed Steel (CFS) is a lightweight material that lends itself to extremely accurate fabrication. "It is knowing which tool is needed for that specific application and, when used appropriately, how that particular tool will increase safety and productivity."Cold Formed Steel Framing Framing systems (both structural and non-structural) of cold formed steel studs, joists, and tracks are becoming more common. "Each tool has its place in metal framing," says Mike Desmond, product manager of DuraSpin at Senco, Cincinnati.
Unlike an ordinary electric drill, a screw gun runs at variable speeds and the correct rpm to get the job done for steel.For steel framers most frequently this means using an adjustable clutch, industrial-grade screw gun, 5 to 6 amps, with 0 to 2,500 rpm. There's a wide array of choices when it comes to torque and drive speeds that will increase their utility when working with a number of different gauge steels. "Where the impact driver really shines is its small size and high-torque output which reduces strain to the user as the tool does more of the work," says Desmond.As their name suggests, screw guns are good at driving screws. Built-in lights are especially convenient in low-light conditions. Brushless impact drivers can be used on overhead scaffolding for intricate soffit framing or closer to the ground for basic fastening of studs to track.
By applying pressure through your arm to the screw mounted on the bit tip, the screw will begin to spin. "The motor runs continuously while you feed, or feather, the screw onto the bit tip. Rizzuto, director of education and sustainable construction at the Steel Framing Alliance and managing director at the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute, Washington, D.C.
Most offer clean cutting that is burr free, and without sparks generated because the carbide tips cut through, rather than grind away metal. "With the auto-feed system, users can easily drive the fastener with one hand while safely securing the work piece."Circular saws are used for downsizing, trimming or other cut-off needs. "In certain applications it is necessary to use clamps to hold the stud to the track while driving screws to prevent gaps between stud and track as well as unintentional movement," Desmond says. Using collated screws decreases the chance of dropping loose screws, and it also results in fewer cuts and scrapes associated with taking out screws from pouches.A locking C-clamp is a framing tool that assists the above drivers.
Do not use a heavy-gauge cutting, aluminum-cutting, wood-cutting or other inadequate material-cutting saw blade. For steel framing, a blade designed for up to 1/8-inch wall thick steel is highly recommendable. There are several different types of circular saw blades. "Make sure to pick the right saw blade for your application.

"Rotating punch system increases punch life by 30 percent. "Cutting speed is a snappy 7 1/2 feet/minute," says Ken Webb, Dynamic Fastener, Kansas City, Mo. With the thinner blades, the cut is quieter and has considerably less vibration than the smaller models on the market."Nibblers can cut up to 18-gauge corrugated sheet metal.

They are not for use on corrugated metals." Andrew Plowman, group product manager for Milwaukee Tool Corp., Brookfield, Wis., insists that having shears on hand is critical for maximizing productivity."When facing situations where you need to cut out irregular or circular holes, this tool can be a lifesaver," he says. "The swiping action of blades seals the edge of coated metals. "Variable-speed, double-cut electric shears feed quickly and quietly, without warping or bending your finished piece," says Webb.
Cold Formed Steel Framing Equipment Plus For Making
"It is important to mark the material and securely fasten it before making a cut," Plowman says. Chop saws have a rotating blade that framers can raise or lower over the metal. "Steel framers find the portability of the shear a plus for making field cuts on both studs and joists even though clearing the tight radii of the flanges may be a struggle."Chop saws are essential for metal framing because metal studs are typically purchased in longer lengths that must be cut and sized on the job, typically 8- to 24-foot pieces. "It leaves a smooth edge," says Rizzuto.
Given that it is an abrasive wheel, the tool is similar to a grinder. "Given its size, it does not offer the same flexibility of an 18-volt metal circular saw, but it remains a job-site workhorse often pushed to its limits by professionals working to move quickly and efficiently. However, "The 14-inch abrasive wheel eventually wears down and requires replacement, whereas a carbide blade will yield many more cuts per blade," says Jason Deldner, group product manager, Bosch Cordless Power Tools, Farmington Hills, Mich.
"Squaring, for instance, is a lot easier when done with a five-point laser that gives perfect 90-degree references," says Olivier Vareille, group product manager at Bosch Measuring Tools. They are an alternative to chalk lines. It is also important to adjust the shoe to make flush cuts."From leveling lasers to distance finders, there are new solutions available for metal framers to ensure correct layout. "Metal framers should use the tool in a higher speed since they are cutting softer metals. "Make sure to adjust the speed for the application at hand," Plowman says. This tool has less vibration than other cutting alternatives and allows for a more controlled, smoother cut.
