Fastening to Concrete With Gas Tools By Jeffrey Richard At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Automatic gas nailers for concrete are the fastest ways to fasten to concrete. Fully automatic tools are available from Hilti, Powers and Ramset. Ramset also offers a single shot tool called the Ramset T3 SS. Ramset was the first with this type of tool, the Ramset Trakfast tool. These tools were originally designed for fastening drywall track to concrete, hence the names "Trakfast" and "Trak It" but they have evolved into useful tools for many different trades How are these nail guns different from standard powder actuated tools for fastening to concrete and what can they be used for?

Basic Principles of Gas Tools

Gas tools are basically an internal combustion engine with a cylinder, piston, spark plug, fuel source and an ignition source. Both Ramset Trakfast and Powers utilize a battery while Hilti's tools function without one. As you depress the tool against the work surface, a measure of fuel is injected into the cylinder and as you pull the trigger, a spark ignites the fuel, driving the piston and in turn the fastener.

Most of the tools have a magazine holding 40 pins (the Ramset T3 SS is a single shot tool) allowing you to fasten almost as fast as you can pull the trigger. Some tools such as the Ramset T3 SS are single shot tools that are used with a variety of single pins and assemblies such as EMT straps and ceiling clips .

Uses For Gas Tools

As mentioned earlier, drywall track is the most common use for these tools. The Ramset Trakfast TF1100 is one of the most popular, but the others are being seen more often on the job site. Consider the other uses for these tools. For waterproofing membrane on to foundations. For electrical work,the Ramset T3 SS can fasten EMT straps, ceiling clips and hangers and can even be used on a extension pole and install pre tied ceiling clips to suspend lights. With the variety of pins now available, general contractors can shoot on furring strips, Powers now has the C-4 tool that will shoot down a 2 x 4, Ramset has a pin that will shoot plywood down to heavy studs. Stucco and lathing contractors can use the tool to install metal lathe by using a metal disc that mounts to the probe on the tool.

Distinct Advantages

Beyond the speed of these tools, you will find some definite advantages over powder tools for fastening to concrete. Unlike powder tools, these tools require no certification. Make no mistake, you can still put a pin through your hand, but no operators card is required. You can't overdrive these tools, they have an internal bumper to prevent it. You don't have to select different power levels like the powder tools. For the most part, they are trouble free. In theory you can put through 20,000 pins without service. This amount drops with hard applications, such as outdoor use of from lack of regular use.

Finally......

Due to their cost, these tools might not be for everyone, but I have always felt that any tool that will save you money is a free tool after a job or two, and who doesn't like free tools?

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