4 Facts for Beginners When Working with Metal Studs

26 April 2018
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Metal studs are ideal for framing interior walls regardless of whether you are adding a wall to your home or you are putting up a new structure. Metal studs are durable because they don't suffer from rot, rust, or burn. For instance, unlike wood, insects such as termites won't damage the studs Furthermore, because metal studs are light in weight, you can quickly cut and fasten them; therefore, metal studs are suitable for many DIY projects. Here are some facts for beginners when working with metal studs.

Ease of Installation

During the manufacturing process, holes are punched into metal studs at the factory level. The holes are spaced at various intervals in cognisance of the diameter of wiring and plumbing fittings. Therefore, when buying metal studs, homeowners don't have to waste a lot of time drilling holes. Furthermore, drilling might require expensive power tools regardless whether you are buying or hiring.

Fastening and Cutting Metal Studs 

When it comes to installing metal studs, you need tools that offer mechanical advantage while making you work faster, especially for a big project. You don't want to waste time setting up a metal stud framing when you need to move to a subsequent phase of a project. Therefore, a metal stud punch crimper is your to-go tool for such a project. The device applies compound leverage to form a rectangular crimp, which locks the track and stud together mechanically. The result is a strong bond between the frame and the wall. When cutting metal, hand tools might not be the best, especially for an extended cutting session where several studs are required. Power is always a requirement in this cutting. Notably, metal cutting abrasive blade fitted to a mitre or circular saw can be a game-changer in this regard. 

Personal Protective Equipment 

When working with metal studs, you need to wear personal protective equipment such as hand gloves, hearing protection, and eyeglasses. Cutting using power tools can be quite noisy and produce a whole load of sparks. Therefore, ensure that you wear protective gear. Further,  sparks can lead to potential fire incidences; it is recommended to do the cutting outdoors.

Screws 

Self-drilling screws are used to attach metal studs to tracks. When choosing screws, make sure the head diameter is large enough to distribute the holding force so that the stud doesn't break under pressure. Moreover, buy a screw with a flat head so that no humps are formed under a wall. Consult your metal studs and tracks vendor for screw specifications.