Powers P3500 - Fastener Functioning

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5. Fastener spacing and edge distance.

When a powder actuated fastener is driven into steel, it

displaces the steel laterally 360˚ around the shank of the

fastener. Since steel is an elastic material, it presses back against

the shank of the fastener to hold it in place. As the diameter of

the fastener shank is increased, the load capacity obtained will

generally increase provided the steel thickness is sufficient to

accept the fastener. To further increase fastener performance in

steel, some fasteners have a knurled shank which allows the

steel to form a key lock into the grooves to provide higher

capacities than those obtained with a smooth shank. For

optimum performance, the fastener point should completely

penetrate the steel. Normally, a minimum of 1/4” is allowed for

the point length. An increase in performance can be expected

until the fastener no longer completely penetrates through the

steel. At this point, the elastic properties of the steel cause a

compression force to be developed at an angle against the

fastener point which reduces load capacity. In thicker steel base

materials, adequate load capacities may be obtained for

applications in which the point of the fastener does not fully

penetrate the steel. Job site performance tests are

recommended.

Fasteners should not be used in areas that have been welded

or cut with a torch as these procedures may have caused local

hardening of the steel. Over driving of the fastener should be

avoided as the rebound created may reduce the load capacity or

cause damage to the fastener. When fastening into unsupported

long steel members, it may be necessary to provide support in

the area of the fastening to prevent spring action which can

cause inconsistent penetration and a reduction in load capacity.

SUITABLE BASE MATERIAL

While powder actuated fasteners can be used successfully in

concrete, certain masonry materials, and A 36 steel, some

materials are completely unsuitable. Fasteners should never be

fired into hard or brittle materials such as cast iron, tile, glass, or

rock. These materials can shatter easily resulting in a potential

safety hazard. In addition, soft base materials such as wallboard,

plaster, or wood are not appropriate as the fastener could pass

completely through these materials. The user should never guess

when fastening into any base material. Failure to follow the

recommended installation and safety guidelines can result in

severe injury or death to the tool operator and/or bystanders.

CENTER PUNCH TEST

A center punch test should always be performed to

determine the suitability of the base material for a powder

actuated fastening. This test is relatively simple and can help to

insure a safe, successful fastening. Be sure to wear the

appropriate eye protection when performing this test. To begin,

select the fastener to be used for the job. Then, place the point

of the fastener against the proposed base material. Strike the

fastener with a single hammer blow, then examine the point. If

the point of the fastener is not blunted and the base material

has a clear point indentation, it is acceptable to proceed with

the first test installation.

Use of a powder actuated system is not

recommended if the following occurs

during the center punch test:

1. The fastener point has been blunted. This

indicates that the base material is too hard.

2. The base material cracks or shatters.

This indicates that the base material is

too brittle.

3. When using an average hammer blow,

the fastener penetrates the base material

easily. This indicates that the base material

is too soft.

FASTENER INSTALLATION

REQUIREMENTS

It is important to understand the

required minimum base material thickness

requirements along with the minimum

spacing and edge distance requirements.

Failure to follow these requirements can

result in an unsuccessful fastening and

create a safety hazard.

BASE MATERIAL THICKNESS

Concrete base material should be at least three (3) times as

thick as the fastener embedment penetration. If the concrete is

too thin, the compressive forces forming at the fasteners point

can cause the free face of the concrete to break away. This can

create a dangerous condition from flying concrete and/or the

fastener and also results in a reduction of

fastener holding power. For applications in

the face shell of concrete masonry block,

select a fastener length which will not

exceed the thickness of the face shell.

FASTENER PENETRATION GUIDE

The following table lists typical

embedment or penetration depths

expected in the base materials listed. The

penetration will vary depending on the

density of the material. This table should be used as a guide

since the consistency of these materials varies. When in

doubt, a job site performance test should be conducted.

DENSITY TYPICAL BASE MATERIAL PENETRATION

Soft Masonry Concrete block 1" -1-1/4"

Average Concrete Poured concrete 3/4" - 1"

Dense Concrete Pre-stressed/ 5/8" - 3/4"

pre-cast concrete

EDGE DISTANCE

Do not fasten closer than 3" from the

edge of concrete. If the concrete cracks, the

fastener may not hold. Closer edge

distances for applications such as sill plates

may be permitted if specific fastener testing

has been conducted.

SPACING

Setting fasteners too close together in

concrete or masonry can cause cracking.

The recommended minimum distance

between fasteners is 3" center to center.

FASTENER LENGTH SELECTION IN CONCRETE

For permanent applications using pins in concrete, first

determine the thickness of the fixture to be fastened. To this, add

the required embedment or penetration into the base material.

This will be the fastener shank length required. For applications

in the face shell of masonry block, select a

fastener length which will not exceed the

thickness of the face shell.

For removable applications with

threaded studs, the shank length required is

equal to the embedment depth required. To

MODEL P3500 CAT. NO.52000/Deluxe Kit 52001/Blister Pack

3 P3500

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Embedment

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Powers P3500 - Fastener Functioning

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