A laser … Then bend one flange up-clear of the snips’ jaws-and cut across the stud’s web. You can typically get the best equipment for this at local construction rental stores. Drive in the screws by using an electric screwdriver, to secure the frame properly. For easier electrical and plumbing installations, later on, keep all the keyhole knockouts aligned by cutting all steel studs to length from the same end. Working with steel studs requires a few special tools. You will need: Metal cut-off saw Fasteners A hammer drill Screw gun Chalk box Level Laser level or plumb bob[1] X Research source Clamps There are also fixed clips that can be used to give contractors more options for bypass framing. Usually, metal studs are fastened with screws. Although each method has its plus points, metal stud framing has several aesthetic and functional advantages that make it a popular choice over wood stud. Whereas for residential projects, Home Check Plus, usually uses wood stud framing.Metal studs can be used in residential, however most homes likely have a wood structure, so it is best and easiest to stay consistent and continue with wood. Steel framing is easier to handle because steel studs weigh 1/ less than wood studs, and can be installed at 4” on center. Metal studs come in the same dimensions as lumber. Thank you for reading our article on how to frame with metal studs and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. The Steel Framing Alliance advises builders to keep their fastener selection simple. For these reasons, and many others, the use of steel framing continues to grow every year with more than 40% of commercial structures now using steel framing and with nearly 500,000 homes built with steel framing over the past decade. In places where seismic activity might be a problem, contractors often use deflection … Metal stud wall framing, also known as light-gauge steel framing, is an alternative to wood framing and has been standard in commercial construction in the US since the 1950s. Fasteners for Installing Metal Studs. In commercial construction, we typically build our interior walls with metal studs. Mark a level line around the room at the desired height to install the ceiling. The framing techniques that are used to fit metal studs are similar to wood construction, and the metal framing studs are available in similar dimensions to wood studs. showed that the zinc coating on steel framing materials can protect against corrosion for hundreds of years. Photo 1: Cut the metal studs and tracks. Rent or purchase the right tools. On page 10 of their Steel Framing Guide, they point out that hex-, pan- and bugle-head screws should be adequate for most applications. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets and … The tracks are installed first, fastened to the floor and the ceiling– in the case of a basement, to the slab … The system consists of two main components, the track and the stud. The primary fastener is a sheet metal screw; the primary tools are a drill/driver and metal snips. You'll need to plan the wall location and measure the height of the wall in several spots before you begin. Installing Metal Studs. To frame a wall with metal studs, expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours for a 12-foot wall. • Discounts on builders risk insurance for steel framed structures can result in significant cost savings for builders. Working time 3 hrs. Protect your hands with heavy-duty gloves. Install the pipes and cables and then add the drywall boards to the metal stud frame. Step 1 A 4-foot or 6-foot level is used to mark the ceiling height. Cut both side flanges of a steel stud, using straight-cut aviation snips. After you learn how to frame with steel studs, incorporating them into your other construction projects becomes easier.