I’ve got a trim question. I have a condo that is primarily concrete construction. The interior buildout has been constructed with metal studs. I’m wanting to hang picture mould, that I will actually hang pictures from. I’m not sure how to fasten the picture mould (or any trim for that matter) to the metal studs. Is there a nail gun with special nails? Do I have to use screws? Do I use some sort of glue? Somebody help a simple guy get a clue.
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Glue with counterangled fin nails into the Drywall or a few trim screws here and there to help, esp for picture rail.
shoot the fin nails like a dovetail ^ < > V...see?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
You'll have to remember I said I was a simple man!! What type of glue? Any application techniques you can give me? I'm assuming that I need to pre drill for the trim screws? Do I just counter sink them and putty the holes? What about spacing on the angel shot nails in the drywall?
I like a caulk type glue Lexel is clear and paintable, PL poly glue is over kill. Liquid nails is OK.2'' finishe nails usually suffice 2 nails in a vee patteren about evry 16". Trin screws are MADE for this type of work, 2" with a small head, no need (mostly ) to predrill, try to find the TORX heads, they are the newest and IMO the best thing going.A lot depends on the moulding itself, you will have to experiment a bit to get the feel for the job at hand.For base board, a few lengths of the stock itself sprung between walls, will often, hold it till the glue sets up. Minimizing the no. of nails/screws.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
We use trim screws and liquid nails when necessary. We pre-drill the holes for the screws because of splitting. You can get small #1 bit square drive headed screws that work well for picture frame. Then you putty the holes and either paint or stain. Make sure you get the self-tapping trim screws for metal studs. They do make a trim screw for wood.
WE tried the brad nails with glue but were not satisfied with the holding power.
James Hart
Most manufacturers now supply special nails for using their standard guns on steel studs. The even have pneumatic nailers for attaching drywall to steel. You'll be wanting to back up nails with adhesive; but, remember, that's only as stong as the paint on the wall.
There are trim-screws for steel; work well, but time consuming; if you pre-drill the trim, then your timing has to be perfect to run the screw-gun at high speed to penetrate the stud then stop it quickly enough not to drive that narrow-head trim screw right through the trim.
Here's some info on the Senco 15g steel stud nails http://www.senco.com/media/med_pr_04.asp
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario