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Fasteners are critical to Light Gauge Steel (LGS) building performance so it is important to use the fasteners specified in the on-site drawings provided by the frame fabricator. If there is no fastener specification, or you wish to use another brand or type, please consult with the frame fabricator and obtain approval.
Any fastener used on LGS frames must be appropriate to the application, the materials involved and the thickness of the members. Using the proper fastener is essential to ensure the performance of the connections used in LGS construction.
Good practice recommends that fasteners should have equivalent to, or greater durability than, the materials being connected and must be compatible with steel.
A range of fasteners specifically engineered for LGS framing applications are available to the building industry. The types of fasteners typically used in light gauge steel building applications include:
- Bolts/washers
- Screws
- Rivets
- Nails
Where fasteners are located in more vulnerable locations such as marine environments, more durable fasteners are recommended. These need to be compatible with the steel frame. Please review BlueScope’s Corrosion Technical Bulletins, listed in the resources section for more information.
Remember to:
- Ensure installers can easily identify fasteners onsite to prevent mistakes
- Keep records of fasteners when ordering new supplies
- Always follow the frame fabricator’s specifications
Specific fasteners are used for specific applications. The most common ones used to install LGS frames on-site are:
- Tie-down bolts for walls to slab, e.g. masonry anchors such as screw anchors.
- For frame installation, hex head fasteners (commonly 10Gx16 or 12Gx20) are generally used.
- Where face fixing onto frames is required such as for fixing bracing straps, low profile headed fasteners are commonly used. This has benefits for follow-on plastering trades.
There are many other fasteners used by second-fix carpenters and follow-on trades to complete other jobs like window and door jams, architraves and skirting, as well as fixing claddings and linings to LGS frames. NASH’s General Guide to Steel Framed Building publication details typical fixing screws used for LGS frames.
Source: NASH - General Guide to Steel Framed Building
LGS fastener information can also be obtained from fastener manufacturers' literature. Some links are provided in the Resources below.
Understanding how to read fastener descriptions on packaging is important to ensuring you order the right fastener for specific frame applications.
Using the above left example:
- Hex Head = head type
- 12-14x20mm = gauge - TPI (threads per inch) x length from underside to point
- Climaseal 4 = coating class
Tie-downs are usually masonry anchors and are specified in the on-site drawings. They may take the form of screw anchors, Dyna-bolts and masonry nails (for internal/temporary walling). When fixing frames to slabs, installers may experience 2 types of connections:
- Standard fixing through the bottom plate with screw-in masonry anchors and load transfer washer plate (image below left), OR
- Masonry anchors attaching to both stud and bottom plate where the stud acts as a tie-down rod for truss connections (bottom right image).
It is important that the type and location of tie-down bolts are correct and as specified/supplied by the frame manufacturer. Further information is provided in the topic Erecting Wall frames. NASH also provides guidance with respect to distance from slab edge etc.
Advancements have also been made with gun nailing technologies with products now available for use with steel.
Resources
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A general guide to assist qualified tradepersons in the fixing of materials to steel framed houses.
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The Bremick range of self-drilling screws includes screws suitable for steel framing.
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Buildex fastening solutions for in factory fixing and on site fixing in steel frame housing.
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ICCONS offer a comprehensive range of construction fastening systems for steel framing applications.
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Ideal Fasteners specialise in the steel frame industry and actively work with steel frame manufacturers, suppliers and home builders.
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See the Ramset™ Anchoring and Fixing ranges and access technical data and documents.
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This Technical Bulletin has been written to assist designers, builders and homeowners to realise the benefits of frames made from TRUECORE® aluminium/zinc/magnesium alloy-coated steel.
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This corrosion technical bulletin outlines: The basis of dissimilar metal corrosion with reference to the galvanic series of metal and alloys in sea water; Table of compatibility of direct contact between metals or alloys when choosing fasteners and accessories.
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The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to provide recommendations of compatible fasteners, most commonly self-drilling screws, for use with roofing, walling and accessory products made from BlueScope coated steel.
