Ramset not sinking far enough?
#1
12-23-05, 02:51 PM
Ramset not sinking far enough?
I used the Ramset HD22 (the cheap one at HD) to attach my first short wall span today. I'm using 2 1/2" nails with the green load, which is what the chart at HD suggested. The nail head isn't ending up flush with the face of the 2x4 (look at pic below)....should I move up to the next stronger load, I'm afraid it may be too strong? The basement slab is about 5 years old.
http://kenpics.shutterfly.com/action...=1135378446377
http://kenpics.shutterfly.com/action...=1135378446377
#2
12-23-05, 03:29 PM
Ok, so I just realized my first dumb mistake of this project. I was so nervous to use the Ramset I shot the non-pressure treated top plate on the bottom....oops. I tore the bottom plate pretty easely. It looked like the nails hadn't really sunken into the concrete that well.....
http://kenpics.shutterfly.com/action...=1135380911484
http://kenpics.shutterfly.com/action...=1135380911484
#3
12-23-05, 04:26 PM
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kwhite,
I would think once you use W/T, this should make a difference. The Green shot - Level 3 should work fine. If you find that it still is not anchoring well, you should go to next level, #4 Yellow shot but I suggest using washers to avoid splitting the wood. The washer will stop it from going through the wood.
You need that pin to sink about 1 inch into the concrete.
Hope this helps!
I would think once you use W/T, this should make a difference. The Green shot - Level 3 should work fine. If you find that it still is not anchoring well, you should go to next level, #4 Yellow shot but I suggest using washers to avoid splitting the wood. The washer will stop it from going through the wood.
You need that pin to sink about 1 inch into the concrete.
Hope this helps!
#5
12-23-05, 08:34 PM
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kwhite,
Honestly, I would use the hilti - tapcon screws will take more time.
3/16 would be the largest to use.
Hope this helps!
Honestly, I would use the hilti - tapcon screws will take more time.
3/16 would be the largest to use.
Hope this helps!
#6
12-24-05, 12:36 PM
Yeah I think I'll stick with the ramset. Quick question, I noticed the P/T 2x4's I got from HDstore feel fairly damp (I'm guessing from the treatment). Do I need to let them dry out before I shoot them to the concrete or does it really matter?
#7
12-24-05, 01:26 PM
The hilti will provide more lateral stability than vertical stability. I agree that you should probably use the yellow loads with washers. Once your wall is constructed, the major issue would be the lateral movement possibility - so don't concern yourself overly with what appears to be poor setting of the nails. I find that 3/4 inch of penetration to 1 inch of penetration is about all you can expect - especially with cured concrete.
#8
12-27-05, 05:43 AM
I used the yellow shots in the first place.
I tried to use tapcons and COULD NOT get a screw started so I tried to drill pilot holes and couldn't get those started (after ruining two bits and not having a hammer drill). I figured if the concrete was THAT hard, I was just going with the yellow shots. Glad I did! Makes quick work of it.
So far, I've only had one mis-fire where the nail didn't end up flush, using the same HD22, and that was because I was holding it at a weird angle. ANd, I tihnk my hammer is too light. Sometimes it takes two or three hits to fire it. So I got a heavier hammer (16oz) for Christmas. Can't wait to use it!
Good luck,
Tom
I tried to use tapcons and COULD NOT get a screw started so I tried to drill pilot holes and couldn't get those started (after ruining two bits and not having a hammer drill). I figured if the concrete was THAT hard, I was just going with the yellow shots. Glad I did! Makes quick work of it.
So far, I've only had one mis-fire where the nail didn't end up flush, using the same HD22, and that was because I was holding it at a weird angle. ANd, I tihnk my hammer is too light. Sometimes it takes two or three hits to fire it. So I got a heavier hammer (16oz) for Christmas. Can't wait to use it!
Good luck,
Tom
#9
12-27-05, 02:39 PM
Just and update. I got some yellow loads and the washered 2 1/2" nails which worked great, the nails set perfectly. Thanks for all the advice!
I haven't re-shot the first plate I ended up tearing out. Should I put some type of crack sealer or mortar in the holes that were left when I had to tear the nails out....is it worth worrying about?
I haven't re-shot the first plate I ended up tearing out. Should I put some type of crack sealer or mortar in the holes that were left when I had to tear the nails out....is it worth worrying about?
#10
12-27-05, 02:49 PM
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kwhite,
You're welcome!
I would not worry about them!
Good luck with the rest of your project!
You're welcome!
I would not worry about them!
Good luck with the rest of your project!
