I am currently finishing my basement and my plans call for running a stud wall for a length under one of the Steel I Beams that support my first floor. The wall will run the same direction that the beam runs.
What is the easiest and/or best method for attaching the Top plate of the new wall to the bottom of the Steel I Beam so that it is solid and will remain plumb (walls are already built and shimmed under the beams/ramset on the bottom plate)?
Is there a braket of any kind or will I have to drill the beam and use bolts? What about powder actuated nailer?
The flanges of the beams are aprox 1/4inch thick and the beam is about 65ft long, but the wall will only run about 15ft of that.
I do not really care how it looks as I will have a drop ceiling that will hang below the bottom of the beam, in the room that the wall is in so athestics is not a concern.
Thanks in advance,
J-
Replies
Ramset makes a pin for this POWERPOINT is the name, you will need at least a red load .
Or you could go w/ a self drilling /taping screw.
NAIL IT !!!
I would also run a strip of 15 wt. felt between the wood and the steel if the top plate is spruce, as steel like to "sweat" in the humid months.
Yeah the powder actuated nails would be great, but unfortunately it looks like I would have to upgrade my ramset. I have one of the older ones that you hit with a hammer and it does not look like you can use a powerful enough load to shoot the fastner. Looks like I would have to come out of pocket a couple of hundred for a new gun, unless I can find one at the rental place.
Anyone know if the hammer fired models will work with the higher pressure .22 rounds and the powerpoint fasteners? I think the highest pressure .22 is a Yellow, which makes me think I will have to step up to a .27round in a newer tool.
Any other info would be appreciated. I dont really want to drill and bolt this stuff.
Thanks
J-
You definitly need 27cal. reds for those powerpoints.
Those self drilling/taping screws go in pretty easy, I've used them on 1/4" steel many times. You won't find them @ the homedumpster,but any good supply house should be able to set you up.NAIL IT !!!
I prefer a ramset but you could just run a caulk bead of construction adhesive along the beam and make sure it is shimmed tight.
The risk is when stuff moves and shrinks, you might have some stuff loosen up.
I've PL'd lots of steel beams in the past, it will hold as well as the paint will, If you don't want to do that a Hilti is the fastest way, but If you don't have access to one, some big self tapping screws will work very well for you too, maybe a little safer too. You can cheat a little by pre drilling with a slightly smaller bit. You'll have it done before you even figure out which charges to buy for the gun.
Edited 2/11/2008 10:33 pm ET by Nick25
Had to do that recently, in a pinch I drilled pilot holes and used the hardened concrete screws. Boy did it work good. Could run the screw heads deep into the wood it bit so well. Wouldn't hesitate to do that again.
Rich
Clamp your top plate in place with C-clamps until the glue dries, cut each stud to fit snugly.
Woods favorite carpenter
Or: tack weld it. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07