Fasteners to Use with Metal Studs

[machine_punk]

My new garage / workshop has metal studs. This is GREAT for straight walls, but I've never had to fasten heavy items to metal studs.

Planning to attach strut vertically to every other stud, to give me a place to attach brackets and tool racks and fans and pretty much everything else.

What should I use to attach the strut (12-gauge) to the metal studs?

Thinking about toggle bolts.

KDub

 

[ItsNemo]

If you can, take the walls down and put wood in...metal studs will never hold significant weight.

Otherwise, toggle bolts are the right solution, it spreads the load across the thin metal.

 

[gungatim]

I have seen metal studs with a 2x4 fitted inside where shelves and cabinets need to be installed. never noticed if they hold a regular size stud or there is a stud narrow enough to fit in the channel or if builders just rip them onsite.

maybe a builder that builds steel homes/offices will chime in...

 

[wssix99]

What should I use to attach the strut (12-gauge) to the metal studs?

Thinking about toggle bolts.

Naaa. Just use a sheet metal screw! Wood studs = wood screw. Sheet metal studs = sheet metal screw.

If you are putting something heavy upon the wall, like a TV bracket, etc. then toggle bolts like Togglers work great for metal stud walls, but for shelf stanchions, you can just use regular sheet metal screws. You will have so many screws and the stanchions will be so long that all the loads will be spread out well.

 

[machine_punk]

Thanks for the input so far. I'll be running the strut horizontally, all the way to the floor, so they will support any weight. I think I just need enough to keep it from pulling away from the wall.

Thanks for confirming my thoughts about sheet metal screws for lighter stuff...that is the direction I was heading for that.

I'll post pics when I am done.

KDub

 

[Ign]

Naaa. Just use a sheet metal screw! Wood studs = wood screw. Sheet metal studs = sheet metal screw.

If you are putting something heavy upon the wall, like a TV bracket, etc. then toggle bolts like Togglers work great for metal stud walls, but for shelf stanchions, you can just use regular sheet metal screws. You will have so many screws and the stanchions will be so long that all the loads will be spread out well.

You can get tapered "Stitch" screws from Fastenal. I've used them in the 26ga sheeting in my shop and been amazed at what they can hold. I used Fastenal part #32104. In thin stuff a typical self-drilling sheetmetal screw doesn't work 'cause it drills too big and then strips. But these drill much smaller and then "wedge" themselves into place - - similar theory to NPT, kinda.

 

[wssix99]

I'll be running the strut horizontally, all the way to the floor, so they will support any weight. I think I just need enough to keep it from pulling away from the wall.

Ah. I had a TV bracket for a 150 lb TV that I hung high up on a steel stud wall. (The TV was back when TV's were heavy, square, and not flat...)

The bracket was built specifically for steel studs. It had horizontal struts that spanned three studs and the instruction was to use togglers on every stud. I oriented them so the toggle was vertical, so it rested fully on the inner part of the steel stud and also acted in the direction of the pull-out forces. When you tighten this all down, it makes a solid lattice with the studs. The thing was bomb proof.

 

[LXCam]

1/4" toggles and call it a day.

 

[Falcon67]

Sheet the walls with OSB and hang anything, anywhere.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Ah. I had a TV bracket for a 150 lb TV that I hung high up on a steel stud wall. (The TV was back when TV's were heavy, square, and not flat...)

The bracket was built specifically for steel studs. It had horizontal struts that spanned three studs and the instruction was to use togglers on every stud. I oriented them so the toggle was vertical, so it rested fully on the inner part of the steel stud and also acted in the direction of the pull-out forces. When you tighten this all down, it makes a solid lattice with the studs. The thing was bomb proof.

Agree ^^ ....with a form of toggle bolt. Every metal stud contractor that I worked behind would put in wood blocking for known cabinet hanging... so yes, wood blocking is the best way. For home owner use for hanging stuff though, I would NOT demo a good wall . Use min. 3/16 - 1/4 in. toggles bolts.

 

[why worry]

We use ether wood or 16ga X 6" flat strips as backing for cabinets and wall hung accessories when possible before the wall is covered in sheet rock. If backing is not available then toggles layed out to hit the studs is best .