Hammers are one of the oldest human tools known to man. Stones attached to sticks with strips of leather or animal sinew were being used as hammers by about 30,000 B.C. during the middle of the Paleolithic Stone Age. Many millennia later, in today's metal construction world-framing hammers are still being used, along with many other metal framing tools-for successful metalframe construction.
These tools will help you successfully complete your metal framing job
Appropriate framing tools used correctly prevent construction delays and may decrease errors in construction. “Each tool has its place in metal framing,” says Mike Desmond, product manager of DuraSpin at Senco, Cincinnati. “It is knowing which tool is needed for that specific application and, when used appropriately, how that particular tool will increase safety and productivity.”
Here are some essential metal framing tools necessary for you to successfully complete your metal framing job.
Impact drivers and screw guns
Cordless impact drivers, screw guns and auto-feed screw guns drive screws to fasten metal members and form vital steel-to-steel connections. 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. Built-in lights are especially convenient in low-light conditions. “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. 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. 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. “Anything faster, such as a drywall screw gun running at 4000 rpm, will burn the screws before they penetrate the steel,” says Maribeth S. 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. “The motor runs continuously while you feed, or feather, the screw onto the bit tip. By applying pressure through your arm to the screw mounted on the bit tip, the screw will begin to spin. How you hold the screw gun, the pressure that you apply to the screw and speed of the screw gun are key elements in driving screws successfully.”
An auto-feed screw gun has the same benefits as a standalone screw gun, but when combined with the auto-feed system, productivity and safety are increased. 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. “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. “With the auto-feed system, users can easily drive the fastener with one hand while safely securing the work piece.”
Circular saws
Circular saws are used for downsizing, trimming or other cut-off needs. Most offer clean cutting that is burr free, and without sparks generated because the carbide tips cut through, rather than grind away metal. This is especially important for close working conditions where sparks could be a safety hazard.
“Circular saws operate by cutting different types of material like mild steel,” says Kristin Hartman, inside sales at Tenryu America Inc., Hebron, Ky. “Make sure to pick the right saw blade for your application. There are several different types of circular saw blades. For steel framing, a blade designed for up to 1/8-inch wall thick steel is highly recommendable. Do not use a heavy-gauge cutting, aluminum-cutting, wood-cutting or other inadequate material-cutting saw blade. Also, operators should follow safety instructions, especially ANSI Z87.1 for eye protection.”
Norwalk, Conn.-based CS Unitec Inc. has a drycutting circular saw ideal for 4-inch sandwich panels. “The depth of cut is 4 3/4 inches and it can cut the 4-inch panels in one pass, saving time and providing a more accurate, cleaner cut,” says CS Unitec regional sales manager Scott Saunders. “With the optional guiderail, straight cutting is simple. The tool has a built-in chip collection port or can be attached
to a vacuum system. With the thinner blades, the cut is quieter and has considerably less vibration than the smaller models on the market.”
Nibblers and snips
Nibblers can cut up to 18-gauge corrugated sheet metal. “Cutting speed is a snappy 7 1/2 feet/minute,” says Ken Webb, Dynamic Fastener, Kansas City, Mo. “Rotating punch system increases punch life by 30 percent. Eight die locations allow cutting direction to be adjusted in 45-degree increments without tools.”
Straight-cutting, hand-tool snips can also cut flanges and trim studs. “Different snips are available to cut straight, left and right,” Webb adds. “A special series is also available to cut 18-gauge stainless steel. Snips are also available with offset blades which keep hands clear of metal.”
Plasma cutting systems
In addition to performing many other construction duties, plasma cutting systems can frame walls and ceilings, and fabricate roof or floor trusses. The systems quickly cut galvanized steel channels and corrugated steel panels to length. They can create holes and openings for running conduit, installing vents and adding skylights.
“The systems are pretty simple to use,” says Michelle Avila, public relations manager at Hypertherm, Hanover, N.H. “The only thing you need is a power source (from the grid or a generator) and an air compressor. Connect one plug to your power source, the other to your compressor, pull the trigger and go!”
Eighteen-gauge shears can cut mild steel up to 18-gauge in straight or contour lines at over 180 inches per minute. “Variable-speed, double-cut electric shears feed quickly and quietly, without warping or bending your finished piece,” says Webb. “The swiping action of blades seals the edge of coated metals. 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. “Be sure to position the tool properly on the material and use the variable speed trigger to control the acceleration for a smooth and accurate cut.”
Electric shears are designed for cutting sheet metal and can shear steel studs up to 68-mil thickness. “It leaves a smooth edge,” says Rizzuto. “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 and band saws
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. Chop saws have a rotating blade that framers can raise or lower over the metal. “It is important to mark the material and securely fasten it before making a cut,” Plowman says. “It is also important to maintain a steady pace as you make a cut to avoid creating a rough edge on the metal.”
For bulk cutting, abrasive giant grinding saws can cut a broad range of metals either one at a time or bundled together to increase efficiency. 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. “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. Given that it is an abrasive wheel, the tool is similar to a grinder. It shoots off white-hot pieces of metal out the back.” Because of this fact, correct use of guards, shields and personal safety equipment is important.
Band saws can be used when alterations need to be made to existing metal framing and also minor repairs. This tool has less vibration than other cutting alternatives and allows for a more controlled, smoother cut. “Make sure to adjust the speed for the application at hand,” Plowman says. “Metal framers should use the tool in a higher speed since they are cutting softer metals. It is also important to adjust the shoe to make flush cuts.”
Measuring and layout
From leveling lasers to distance finders, there are new solutions available for metal framers to ensure correct layout. They are an alternative to chalk lines. “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. “No need to fiddle with a tape measure and 3-4-5’s anymore! Some of the newest line lasers even project the entire layout at 360 degrees for even faster positioning of the tracks, all with the best possible accuracy.”
Another area where laser technology can help save a lot of time is with measuring: laser measures have become very affordable and offer accuracy (typically 1/16 inch) and ease-of-use-instantly measuring up to 300 feet all on your own-that no tape measure can match.
One tool to aid metal framers avoid razor-sharp, cut channel edges when using the tools is a pair of gloves with a rubberized coating on the palms.
This article mentions only some of today’s metal framing tools and new, faster and more efficient tools are coming onto the market all the time. The Steel Framing Alliance stresses that framers should always follow the tool manufacturer’s specifications for products and applications.
