I am trying to hang some HD shelving from Lee Valley for lumber storage, shelving space etc. but the walls are framed with steel studs. What can I use for anchoring the hanger brackets. The studs are the exterior framing type heavy wall studs. It took me forever to drill through just one stud! Then the lag screw I was going to use stripped in the stud. Any suggestions?
“enjoy what you do, do what you enjoy”
Renovations by Roger
Vancouver, Canada.
Replies
I doubt that you can hang a lumber rack from steel studs. The weight can be 1000 pounds or more. I doubt the studs can support that much hanging off them.
McFeeley's sells self tapping screws for steel studs, but if they're really heavy guage it might be better to pre drill the hole before putting in the screws. Have fun
Now we have self-drilling self-tapping sheet metal screws. For thick metal, use an impact driver {Excuse for new tool]. I don't know how thick your Lee Valley Home Depot brackets are, but it is safest to use the shortest screws possible. Use the hex head screws -- probably #12. Home Depot sizes seem to only start at 3/4" and they have a tendancy to "fall over" [Grrr!]. But Dottie has them [available at an electrical supply place].
However there is a problem with the physics or mechanics of the thing. The stress will be concentrated on the uppermost fastener and the corresponding area of steel stud. In other words, the steel may dimple out or the screw pull loose. So you must spread the load. Perhaps inserting a piece of hardwood within the stud in the area [above and below] would be easiest.
~Peter
Garage? Shed? Basement?
Are your studs exposed? If they are exposed, you can insert some dimensional lumber into each channel and then hang your brackets. You can also use panhead screws to attach at least 3/4" plywood between the studs. The screw head will hold the metal against the wood, not the other way around. A screw at 3" oc would be good.
If not exposed, you could drill oversized holes and use toggle bolts. Metal toggle bolts. Or you could expose the studs and add the blocking as in the first paragraph.
Bet your drills are old and dull from use. Get a new set.
Thanks for all your replies. I was hoping for a solution that required parts I already had as all my stuff from the garage was out in the driveway!! lol
I didn't have any self tapping screws so ended up putting everything back in the garage so it wouldn't all be stolen while I went out for the screws! I used 1/4"x3" screws (the walls also had a double layer of drywall) directly through the standards into each stud. Unfortunately, direct attachment to the studs will not allow me to adjust the spacing of each standard. The bracket system from Lee Valley is designed to have a hanging rail at the top attached to the top plate (which there is none within screwing vicinity, they are hidden behind a lowered ceiling!) then the standards are hung from this rail, allowing any placement along the rail. There is also a chimney halfway along the wall which, though covered by drywall, has no studs! I was cursing the design and builder the whole time! lol
I always have hated steel studs and my reasoning was entrenched even more yesterday! Each standard has seven screws so weight is no issue as the studs are very heavy wall. Thanks again for all the input guys, I appreciate it. I have attached a picture, I hope it is available to see. Sorry for the mess, but we're in the middle of a renovation! You can see the gap in the standard where the chimney is. I'm getting one more standard with some hilti bolts for more support later."enjoy what you do, do what you enjoy"
Renovations by Roger
sorry still figuring out how to get all pics on one message! lol"enjoy what you do, do what you enjoy"
Renovations by Roger
With an exterior ( structural ) stud, you can fasten directly to them without fear of pullout. I'm a commercial carpenter and work with them all the time. We often use self drilling hex head and flat head screws for shelving, most often #14 x 2 1/4 " FH SRT. I've never seen anything they couldn't hold. Any decent supply yard should have them... good luck BUIC
last pic!"enjoy what you do, do what you enjoy"
Renovations by Roger
. . . and this one was added so we'd all know that you need lots and lots more racks ? ! ?
;>) Greg