You may know them as a stud gun, a Hilti or a Ramset. Powder actuated tools are actually a form of a gun, using gun powder to drive nails into concrete and steel. Many think of these tools for fastening 2 x 4 material to concrete, perhaps in finishing off your basement, but they have a very broad use in all facets of the building trades.

Uses in the trades

Framers use them to shoot lumber and metal studs to concrete and steel. Foundation contractors and waterproofing contractors shoot foam on to foundations. Electricians use the tools to fasten junction boxes, emt straps and to suspend light fixtures. Many mechanical contractors use a special gun that will shoot a 3/8" threaded stud into concrete.

Fastening to concrete

Shooting a fastener in to concrete is the fastest way to mount anything to concrete or steel, just load the pin, pull the trigger and your done. There are many different types and sizes of fasteners to choose from depending on what you are mounting.

When fastening into concrete, you can expect the pin to penetrate the concrete any where from 3/4" to 1". Keeping that in mind, to fasten a 2 x 4 to concrete take the actual thickness of the 2 x 4 (1 1/2") and add 3/4" to 1". This would bring you to a 2 1/2" pin. Please note, some codes require a 3" pin.

Fastening to steel

To fasten into steel, keep in mind the pin will go in about 1/2" and stop. Therefore the same 2 x 4 (1 1/2" actual) would use a 2" pin. If you try to use a longer pin, the pin will go in about 1/2" then stop and the pin will either bend or break. Many people are hesitant about shooting into steel, but most times it is easier to shoot than concrete, just a lot louder!

Power Load Selection

As for the loads or "bullets" , the loads are color coded and numbered to identify power level. Starting from lowest to highest you have gray, brown, green, yellow, red and purple. The rule of thumb when choosing a load is start low and work your way up. The trick is to use just enough power to set the fastener properly without over driving the tool. Some tools have power adjustments allowing you to use just one color and adjust down.

Tool Selection

What is the right tool for your job? If you just want to do your own basement, you can probably get away with using a single shot tool that you actuate with a hammer, available at any big box store. If you are a contractor, remember, you get what you pay for. Don't buy the cheapest tool you can find. Some of the less expensive tools are actually considered disposable, with no replacement parts available.

Consider what the majority of your work is. If you are a general contractor, you may want a good brand name middle of the road semi-automatic tool that can be serviced. If you are a commercial drywall contractor you may opt of a good quality single shot too or even consider stepping up to a fully automatic gas tool or a tool with a magazine.

An electrician may consider a power adjustable tool that can offer him more flexibility. If you do a lot of over head work, consider a tool that works well on an extension pole. If you hang a lot of 3/8" rod, check out a 3/8" stud gun.