Fastener Installation
METAL to Metal & MEtal to Wood
What is the proper screw gun and drill speeds for installing self drilling fasteners?
Recommended Screw Gunn
Screw gun with 0-2500 RPM and a depth nose piece
Tools Not Recommended
Impact Drivers
Impact Drivers can chip painted heads, strip threads, and damage fastener points when they are used for installing on to metal or composite panels on roof and wall systems. And they can overdrive fasteners, which results in damaged EPDM sealing washers, which could lead to potential leaks.
High speed screw-guns
Immense heat is generated by friction on the fastener point when it is driven through metal panels to framing systems. A RPM of greater than 2500 can cause damage to the fastener’s hard surface which can lead to point “burn-up.” A high RPM tool can also cause damage to the fastener head through being overdriven, which can create premature corrosion. To prevent damage to the fasteners and metal panels slower speed screw guns are recommended.
Recommended Screw Gun Speeds
| Metal to Metal Applications | Carbon | 410 SS | 304 SS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel less than 1/4” | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM | |
| Panel from 1/4” to 1/2” | 2000 RPM | ||
| All thickness (self drilling) | 2000 RPM | ||
| All thickness (self tapping) | 1000 RPM |
How do I set the magnet in the driving socket to the proper depth?
How do I allow for the proper seating of the fastener?
| MAXX STEELBINDER | HWH STEELBINDER & KWIKSEAL II WOODBINDER | |
|---|---|---|
| CORRECT Sealing material slightly visible at edge of metal washer. Assembly is weather tight. |  |  |
| UNDERDRIVEN Sealing material not compressed, Assembly losse. |  |  |
| OVERDRIVEN Sealing material extruded beyond edge of washer. Washer deformed. |  |  |
How do I drive the fastener?
| MAXX STEELBINDER | |
|---|---|
| CORRECT | INCORRECT |
 |  |
| HWH STEELBINDER & KWIKSEAL II WOODBINDER | |
|---|---|
| CORRECT | INCORRECT |
 |  |
What extension cords should I use?
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE* FOR EXTENSION CORDS
| RATED AMPERERS (TOOL) | EXTENSION CORD LENGTH | |
|---|---|---|
| 25' | 50' | |
| Through 5 | 16 | 16 |
| 5.1 - 8.0 | 16 | 16 |
| 8.1 - 12.0 | 14 | 14 |
| 12.1 - 15.0 | 12 | 12 |
| RATED AMPERERS (TOOL) | EXTENSION CORD LENGTH | |
|---|---|---|
| 75' | 100' | |
| Through 5 | 16 | 14 |
| 5.1 - 8.0 | 14 | 12 |
| 8.1 - 12.0 | 12 | 10 |
| 12.1 - 15.0 | 10 | 10 |
| RATED AMPERERS (TOOL) | EXTENSION CORD LENGTH | |
|---|---|---|
| 150' | 200' | |
| Through 5 | 12 | 12 |
| 5.1 - 8.0 | 10 | - |
| 8.1 - 12.0 | - | - |
| 12.1 - 15.0 | - | - |
How much force should use to drive the fastener?
METAL to Metal
What are the different parts that form a Steelbinder fastener?
Proper head style choice will ensure stability during driving, proper clamping and desire finished appearance.
THREAD FROM AND DIAMETER
The correct choice of thread form and diameter optimizes low installation torque with high pullout strength.
FINISH
Plating & coatings provide lubricity during drilling and tapping as well as corrosion resistance.
PILOT SELECTION
The unthreaded portion of the point assures that drilling of the steel is completed before the threads begin tapping into the drilled hole.
POINT
The point is designed to efficiently remove material and precisely size the hole to the thread & precisely size the hole to the proper diameter of the thread.
* Drill capabilities may vary with special flute length.
What drill technique do I use with a Steelbinder fastener?
A separate drilling operation is not necessary. However, specific installation procedures are necessary to insure correct fastening results and to achieve published performance values for each fastener.
Important: A 1900 to 2500 RPM screwgun rated at 6 amps or higher, equipped with a properly adjusted depth-locating nosepiece should be used to ensure proper fastening performance. During initial drilling, enough pressure must be applied while keeping the screwgun and fastener perpendicular to the work surface to prevent angle driving or walking. Drilling must be completed before the threads engage the material. It is essential to choose the correct fastener based upon the total thickness and type of material to be drilled and fastened for an application. Never overdrive the fasteners or install fasteners at an angle to the work surface as this may significantly reduce product performance or lead to failure.
Contact ST Fastening Systems Technical Services at 1-800-352-4864 for any specific information necessary.
What size drill bit do I use with s Steelbinder fastener?
Metal to Wood
What is the proper tool for installing self-piercing or self-drilling metal-to-wood fasteners?
• The proper tool for installing self-piercing or self-drilling metal-to-wood fasteners is a corded electric screw gun or cordless battery drill, each 0-2000 RPM. They should be fitted with a depth sensing nose cone or a torque release clutch. A hex magnetic socket driver should be used that is clean of all metal shavings. A spring retainer socket may be used for nonmagnetic fasteners.
• The use of an impact drill driver is strongly discouraged. The use of these drivers will damage the protective barrier coat paint system. They will invalidate published structural values due to the excessive torque applied. They can adversely affect the sealing performance of the washer & damage the metal panel.
What is the proper technique to maximize the micro-bit performance?
• Proper installation technique is important to maximize the micro-bit performance. Place the point of the fastener on the work surface & pull the trigger on the drill or screw gun. By slowly increasing the RPM, the drill point will begin the cutting process. This will eliminate any potential for screws “walking” on a panel & provide 100% installation success.
How much pressure should I use to drive the fastener?
APPLY EVEN PRESSURE
• At no time, should an installer try to use the fastener as a “punch” to start the drilling process. This will cause the fastener to “walk” on the metal, possibly scratching the metal panel, or flipping out of the drill driver completely.
• The trigger should not be taped in the “on” position, as this may cause the fastener to rotate before it has been placed on the work surface.
• Let the drill point do the work. It will consistently cut the metal, ejecting small shavings, not long metal “pigtails” as with sharp point screws.
How should the washer sit when it is properly driven?
VISUAL INSPECTION
• To prevent damage to the wood substrate, causing potential strip out of the fastener, the washer should be compressed, but not overdriven. It should be rounded evenly under the flange of the HWH. Driving the fastener perpendicular to the work service will allow this to happen. If the washer is overly flat, misshapen, or cut indicates the fastener has been over driven. If there is a gap between the washer & the flange of the HWH, this indicates an under driving condition.
