- Fastening Methods - Fastening the Trade Ready floor system members can be accomplished using different methods and techniques. The most common methods of fastening steel to steel are accomplished by screwing, welding, clinching, and nailing. Self-drilling screws are the most prevalent fasteners. Other fasteners, such as pneumatically driven fasteners, powder-actuated fasteners, and crimping can also be used. Screws are typically applied with a positive-clutch electric screw gun. Clamps (such as locking C-clamps) are very essential to the steel framer to hold the steel members together while fastening.
- Screw Guns and Nail Guns - The screw gun is the primary tool for a steel framer. It is as important as the nail gun for a wood framer. A screw gun is an electric screwdriver and not a drill. Screw guns are also available and operate on battery power. Two types of screw guns are needed to frame steel floors.
- Adjustable Torque/Clutch Screw Gun - This is the most highly recommended screw gun for making steel-to-steel connections. This type of screw gun has adjustable clutch and torque settings with a maximum speed range of 0-2,500 rpm. It typically has a quick change bit chuck for bit tips and a reverse switch to remove screws if incorrectly installed.
- Drywall Screw Gun - Drywall screw guns are designed to attach plywood or gypsum board to steel. They should be industrial strength with 0.5 amps and a maximum speed range of 0-4,000 rpm. They should be reversible and equipped with a removable, depth sensitive nosepiece for sheathing and gypsum board. Drywall screw guns should not be used for steel-to-steel connections because they do not have adjustable clutches, run at high speeds, and often burn up the screws and screw drill tips.
- Pneumatic Pins - Pneumatic pins are specifically designed with spiral grooves or knurls on the nail shaft to penetrate the steel. Similar to wood framing, drive pins and nails are used with airguns. Sub-flooring can be fastened to joists with drive pins. Care should be taken to follow manufacturer recommendations carefully to avoid problems such as squeaky floors. Pin guns have an advantage over screw guns in that they are much faster.
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