Ramset Powder fasteners are a popular option on many job sites, working well to quickly and effectively secure materials together. But which one is the right one for your project? These fasteners are typically based on substrate and the particular material you're attaching, but it can be difficult to decide which fastener will work best for your situation. For that reason, we've developed this handy guide to help you determine which fasteners should be used in which situations. Here's the basics:
Concrete:
The majority of concrete fastening situations for Ramset uses the #4 YEL .27cal strip, used in exterior perimeter drywall track for 12-18 gauge metal, clips or brackets for steel framing, most 2x4 or 2x6 dimensional lumber, 1/2" or 3/4" plywood, 1x4 or 1x6 dimensional lumber. The first situation where different fasteners are used are in interior non-loadbearing drywall in 20-25 gauge metal tracks, which requires a #3 GRN .25cal strip for R25 and SA270 fastening tools and a #2 BRN .22cal Single for Mastershot fastening tools. The other situation where different fasteners are required are when you use a Cobra fastening tool on 2x4 or 2x6 lumber, which requires a #5 RED .27cal strip, or a Mastershot fastening tool which uses a #4 YEL .22cal single.
Steel Beam 3/16"-1/2" Thick:
In general, steel beams use a #4 YEL .27cal strip, including being used on most exterior perimeter drywall track for 12-18 gauge metal, clips or brackets for steel framing, most 2x4 or 2x6 dimensional lumber, 1/2" or 3/4" plywood, 1x4 or 1x6 dimensional lumber. The first situation where different fasteners are used are in interior non-loadbearing drywall in 20-25 gauge metal tracks, which requires a #4 YEL .22cal single when using a Mastershot fastening tool, and the second situation where different fasteners are required is when you're using a Cobra fastening tool on 2x4 or 2x6 lumber, requiring a #5 RED .27cal strip.
Concrete Block:
Overall, concrete block is fastened to using a #3 GRN .25cal strip, including use on most interior non-loadbearing drywall in 20-25 gauge metal tracks, exterior perimeter drywall track for 12-18 gauge metal, clips or brackets for steel framing, most 2x4 or 2x6 dimensional lumber, 1/2" or 3/4" plywood, 1x4 or 1x6 dimensional lumber. It should be noted that 1/2" plywood being attached with a Mastershot fastening tool will require the same fasteners but in a single rather than a strip. A #2 BRN .22cal single is used with a 721 fastening tool on interior non-loadbearing drywall in 20-25 gauge metal tracks and with a Mastershot fastening tool in clips or brackets for steel framing, with a #4 YEL .27cal strip being used for SA270 and Cobra fastening tools for 2x dimensional lumber.
Horizontal-Only Mortar Joint:
Mortar joints are fastened using a #3 GRN .25cal strip, including use on most interior non-loadbearing drywall in 20-25 gauge metal tracks, exterior perimeter drywall track for 12-18 gauge metal, clips or brackets for steel framing, 1/2" or 3/4" plywood, 1x4 or 1x6 dimensional lumber, with the exception of using a Mastershot fastening tool for plywood or 1x stock, which requires the single version rather than a strip. A #2 BRN .22cal single is used with a Mastershot fastening tool on interior non-loadbearing drywall in 20-25 gauge metal tracks and 2x dimensional lumber requires a #4 YEL .27cal strip.
By making sure you're using the right Ramset Powder fastener for your project, you can ensure that you'll get great results that will last for years to come. Are you working with material in your project not covered in this guide? Star Sales have employees that have nearly 20 years of knowledge and experience in the industry. They're able to help you with any questions you may have or can find the answers you need with unique project situation, just contact us today for more details.
