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We are roughing in a basement room. Is there an easy way for DIY’s to fasten a wood 2×4 to the concrete flooring without renting the explosive nailer? We are planning to use construction adhesive, but would like to put one screw or nail every 16″.
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Ann... Stay away from those explosive nailers. they aren't safe and don't really fasten very well in the best of conditions, regardless of what others may try to tell you. just rent a "hammer drill" the guy at the rental place will know what you are talking about.It looks just like a regular drill but has hammer action for drilling in concrete. Then use "tapcons" This is a hardened screw that you first pilot drill a hole and then use the drill to put the screw in. The people at a contractors supply place will know just what you need and will be able to set you up with the right stuff. If you go to a home depot type place they may or may not sell tapcons and related drillbits etc. but the chances of finding someone there who can explain to you what you need and set you up with the right stuff are practically nonexistant, and trust me they won't be any cheaper than the contractors supply place.
Let me know if you don't understand any of this or if you have any other questions.
*Ann BergFirst Powder-Actuated Fastening Tools are safe when used right.Second there are a number of way to fasten a 2x member to a concrete floor or wall. There are a concrete screw, looks something like a lag but is of a thin gage, you would need a rotor-hammer/drill to install these. Another is using expanding bolts, you would also need a rotor-hammer/drill to install these. another is using concrete nails, these are made of a special steel and are very hard, all you need for these is the use of a framing hammer, but you will be bending a number of them.Charlie Morrison
*Mark....my Hilti doesn't work very well? Huh.....better not tell any of my customers that. I've been using it for over 30 years and have never had any problems. Especially when nailing down plates to concrete. Seems like the perfect tool for the job to me, unless you've got a Hitachi(pneumatic) that uses the concrete nails, tracmaster or something.
*To say that powder actuated nailers are not safe is stretching it quite a bit, don't you think, Mark? If someone is an idiot, they would find a way to use almost any tool in an unsafe manner!Ann, especially in a confined space like a basement, do yourself a big favor and use ear protection devices such as muffs or even cheap, disposable foam plugs; you will save yourself headaches and quite possibly some hearing loss by doing so.
*we use remington powder actuated... probably a 2.5" stud for plates.. ear & eye protection... done in a zip...
*ditto with the bear and charles if the initial cost of hilti is to ex pensive, try the blue screw you need to pilot with a concrete twist drill. what the hell is name of that brand there not to cheap either but compared to the hilti and takes the ooopppss factor and brings down to minimum
*Ann,Use the tapcons, that's what I say. You will have to rent a hammer drill, but only for about half a day. When you buy a box of tapcons, be sure to look inside and make sure the drill bit in in there. The tapcons I buy at the lumber yard have the bit in the box. You'll need this. Also a #3 philips head bit to chuck up in the drill to screw in the tapcon. Most of the larger tapocons need a #3. Look on the side of the box. It should tell you what size you need.You don't need a lot...maybe one every two feet or so. But you do need the tapcon drill bit. Regular masonry bits won't hold up as long.Have fun, and do protect your ears. It's gonna be loud down there.Ed.
*thats them tapcon , alittle brain freeze happy new year ann
*Ann, if the concrete nails sound good (I mean cheap) buy a full face shield AND a pair of safety goggles. Those things tend to break & the little flying pieces will cut you if they hit. Joe H
*Powder actuated nails work great. You can even rent the things at home depot. Frame all your walls, get them set, go rent the gun, shoot the walls down in about 1 minute, and take it back. Nothing easier.Brent Jackson.
*I've found that the hex head 2 3/4"x 1/4" (the ones were you drill a 3/16" pilot hole) tapcons work perfect for a 2x plate. The philips have a tendancy to cam out before you can get them snug.
*What happens if the floor is full of tubing for in floor heating and your not 100% sure that they stayed at the bottom of the pour. If using Steel C channels & studs, will constrution adhesive work?
*Since you're using full 2x4 framing don't attach the studs to the wall. Frame the walls on the deck, lift it into place, shim it up off the floor with 2"x2" masonite or plywood squares and tap con through the shims into the floor . Nail top plate into 1st floor joists. Where walls run perpendicular to joists add cripple blocking every couple of feet and nail into cripples. Of course level and plumb the walls and shim behind any studs that need it for a nice straight wall. Use a treated 2x for the bottom plate. I frame the wall and shim it because it makes it easier to lift into place and the space underneath prevents any errant water from wicking up the wall. I also shim my drywall about 1/2 off the floor and seal the gap with caulk rod and caulk. EnjoyOoze
*Ann, I have done quite a bit of concrete work and cant stand those hilti guns they just dont hold. Tapcons are not cheap and there holding power is questionable. Try using a 3/16 concrete bit drill through the plate and into the concrete. Then Take 2 16d framing nails at the same time drive them into the pilot hole. This will wedge the nails and secure the wall very well. This can also be used for formwork but use 16d duplex nails this will allow you to pull the nails for any temp work. Good Luck, WORK SAFE, ALWAYS WEAR SAFTEY GLASSES. J. Stein
*Bick Pratt... I have never had much luck getting construction adhesive to work very well in those conditions. This doesn't mean it won't work, just that I haven't figured out a good trick to make it hold when and where you absolutly need it to. (doors etc.) I feel for you on this one buddy. This is just one of many reasons why I personally don't much care for that radiant floor heating. I once successfully gambled and used 1" tapcons with steel "c" channel, but I sweated an awful lot and was profoundly relieved when it was all over.
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We are roughing in a basement room. Is there an easy way for DIY's to fasten a wood 2x4 to the concrete flooring without renting the explosive nailer? We are planning to use construction adhesive, but would like to put one screw or nail every 16".