NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorMetalsEasy
A contractor is fabricating light gauge steel framing for a non-load-bearing interior partition wall. Which of the following fasteners is typically used to connect the steel studs to the tracks (runners) in such an application, prioritizing ease of installation and adequate shear strength?
- AHigh-strength bolts (ASTM A325)
- BSelf-drilling, self-tapping screws (SDS)
- CPowder-actuated fasteners (PAFs)
- DBlind rivets
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Self-drilling, self-tapping screws (SDS)
Self-drilling, self-tapping (SDS) screws are ideal for light gauge steel framing due to their efficiency. They drill their own pilot hole and tap their own threads, allowing for quick, single-step installation. High-strength bolts are overkill, rivets are slower, and PAFs are generally for attaching to concrete/steel substrates, not stud-to-track.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. High-strength bolts (ASTM A325) are designed for heavy structural steel and are an over-engineered and inefficient choice for light gauge framing.
- C. Powder-actuated fasteners are primarily used for attaching light gauge steel to concrete or structural steel substrates, not for connecting studs to tracks.
- D. Blind rivets can be used, but generally take more time and specialized tools compared to SDS screws for this application.
Light Gauge Steel Fasteners
Fasteners specifically designed for thin steel members, often prioritizing speed of installation and appropriate shear/tensile strength for non-structural or light structural applications.
- Self-drilling, self-tapping (SDS) screws are most common.
- Also includes crimping, blind rivets, and some specialized bolts.
- Selection depends on load, material thickness, and installation efficiency.
Memory trick: Light Gauge Needs Self-Drilling Screws, Quickly.