It’s a gas

Gas-actuated tools turn heads with greater portability, faster fastening and nearly maintenance-free use.

Powder-actuated tools (PAT) have had a loyal following for years in the construction trades. Their genesis is in World War II shipyards where workers used the tools to fasten metal to metal. Once the war was over, workers transitioning from ship building to residential and commercial building quickly adapted the tool for these uses.

Today, PAT have a well-established niche in the building trades, but gas-actuated fastening systems are steadily gaining attention as contractors are looking to squeeze more productivity out of every labor hour.

 “Gas-actuated tools for concrete and steel fastening have been around for about 10 years in various forms. They were even around before that for wood-to-wood applications,” says Alan Price, staff engineer at Powers Fasteners Inc., which developed and sells the Trak-It gas fastening system.

Gas expands uses
“Gas-actuated tools have several advantages over powder-actuated tools,” says Price. They are faster, easy to use and operate cleaner. Unlike PAT, users don’t need a license or special training to use them. They can fire up to 40 fasteners without reloading and can speed up the job significantly. It not uncommon for some jobs to take half the time that it would take fastening with PAT,” he says.

Gas fastening systems require less maintenance because no powder particles exist which can clog PAT and work best with daily maintenance.

The most common use for the tool today is fastening drywall track to concrete, says Price, but contractors are encouraging tool manufacturers to expand into other areas.

Clip systems speed installation
“Electricians and mechanical trades are finding great uses with these tools with clip systems that allow faster fastening to install electrical boxes, conduit clips and other light-duty applications,” he says.

To meet contractor demand, Powers Fasteners developed the Stick-E line that features a lathing washer, rod hanger, pipe clip, strap washer and rebar fasteners designed to work with the Trak-It fastening system.

“Anyone who uses PAT or drilled-in anchors such as Tapcons should look at gas fastening as an option,” he says, “It works well with clips or other fastening accessories.”

While gas fastening systems have very attractive upsides, there are some applications where PAT or drilled-in anchors have their place. Gas fasteners are not designed for heavy loads, such as structural connections like fastening columns to foundations. Plus, the tool may not be able to be used in tight spaces because of the tool’s size.

User requirements
From a contractor standpoint, the tool offers a few key advantages over PAT. “The tool is almost foolproof. It needs gas, a charged battery and a fastener in the track before it can fire. Then, the nose must be engaged against the work surface. Only then will the trigger activate the tool,” Price says.

Its simpler firing system means workers using the tool don’t have to be trained and licensed to use it. Plus, when it fires, it is quieter than a PAT. However, hearing protection may still be a very good idea.

Cost vs. benefit
The cost of the tool is initially higher than PAT systems, but tremendous time savings quickly offset additional cost.

“The faster working speed, plus simpler, cleaner and quieter operation can quickly offset the tool’s additional cost,” he says.

Published in the July/August 2005 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

back to top