Replies

1. 
   popawheelie | Nov 19, 2008 05:39pm | #1

   We used the Hilti guns a lot in one Co I worked for. The loads and nails were to expensive so we shot other ones. They worked fine.

   Do you have a place near you that has RamSet or other loads and nails? If they know their stuff they should be able to fix you up.

   I don't see a big difference between nails and threaded studs. If you can shoot a nail why not a stud?

    

1. 
   observer | Nov 19, 2008 06:38pm | #2

   Thanks. Makes sense to me that it should shoot pins but it's a fairly powerful load so I thought I'd better ask.

1. 
   popawheelie | Nov 19, 2008 07:51pm | #3

   There are different loads for different applications. It's a good idea to start out with a smaller load and see if it does the job.

   I've seen guys use to hot of a load and blow out concrete. Like fastening a plate next to an edge.

   It depends on the concrete and the pin you are setting.

   One thing I would recommend as far as using it. The ones we used were like a pistol so you could shoot it one handed.

   But it is recommended that you shoot it with two hands. I didn't listen and now have wrist damage form it.

   There is a lot of kick from it and when you shoot it one handed you lock your wrist and it absorbs the impact.

   You should squeeze the trigger with one hand and the other should hold the tool against the concrete, board, etc, on the back of the gun. 

   The hand that is holding the gun in back should have your elbow bent so the gun can kick and you don't have anything locked up behind it.

   It was either the Hilti guns or the screw guns that messed up my wrist. We were framing with 16 gauge steel studs and rocking it with 5/8 gypboard.  

    

1. 
   observer | Nov 20, 2008 12:09am | #4

   Again, thanks. That's the kind of info I'm looking for. I haven't had a lot of need for powder actuated fasteners so don't know a lot about them.Do you know if the short loads can be used in place of long loads?

1. 
   popawheelie | Nov 20, 2008 04:25am | #7

   The loads are all the same diameter so they fit in the chamber. If we fired down metal track the nail only had to go through some sheet metal and into the concrete a certain distance. I'm guessing 3/4-1" penetration into the concrete.

   So a short load might work for that. It also depends on the concrete. Some of the old concrete is extremely hard. In one case we had to drill pilot holes to shoot into because the concrete was so hard. If we used a hotter load the concrete would just explode. You'd have a crater.

   One other thing. We were trained to yell out a warning before we fired. It helped most of the time but after so many warnings some people got used to them and still jumped with some curses for you.

    

   If the Hilti guy can help call him.

2. 
   observer | Nov 20, 2008 05:06am | #8

   Thanks pop. I appreciate your comments.

3. 
   KFC | Nov 20, 2008 08:34am | #9

   Not that anyone cares, but I'm 98% sure in CA you're supposed to undergo certification training before using powder actuated fasteners.  Hilti will send a rep out if you have enough guys together.  I know, I know...

   Some of the rules are reasonable, like calling out before firing (as mentioned) and not firing where there are flammable vapors.  Eye protection.  Ear protection.  Stuff you'd never figure out without  "training", right?

   Others were a little more out there. I think if a charge doesn't fire you're supposed to put it in a bucket of water for 1/2 hour or some silliness.  I've forgotten most of the oddball ones.

   They give you a laminated operators card which absolutely no one will ever, ever ask to see.  Unless someone gets hurt, and insurance gets involved...

   k

4. 
   observer | Nov 20, 2008 09:59am | #10

   I found the manual online, not from Hilti as they wanted to sell it to me. It covers what you mention and talks about operator certification. In fact, it was mostly liability deflecting safety instruction type stuff and very little info on such minor details as specified loads and fasteners, penetration depths in relation to load rating and so forth.

5. 
   observer | Nov 21, 2008 02:51am | #11

   The upshot:Ended up running into the regional Hilti rep at the building supply store this morning. Turns out that the loads and fasteners for the DX600 are special order since they are high power for very heavy duty use and not even stocked at the regional warehouse. He said the .27 gauge short loads might work but he didn't know for sure. Also said the DX 600 has capacity for up to 2 1/2" pins.The Restore also has a selection of RamSet loads and fasteners at $5/100 so I bought a box of purple .27 shorts and stripped them from the plastic clips. Some leftover pins I had for an old Remington Power Hammer fit the bore of the Hilti so I tried it out and it seemed to do the trick just fine. Need to do a bit more testing to work out which loads for which length pin into which substrate but looks like a handy addition to the tool collection.

6. 
   JulianTracy | Nov 21, 2008 04:19am | #12

   Check Ebay for Hilti consumables - I've gotten amazing deals on boxes of pins/loads/etc. there.$.20 on the dollar or better.As for the pins - you should use the Hilti pins - they have a slight bump on the heads which corresponds to a divot in the piston. Using the flat-head cheapo pins could cause your piston to deform a bit requiring replacement.JT

2. 
   framerboy | Nov 20, 2008 03:12am | #5

   Why not go to the source? Call Hilti at 1-866-445-8827. Hilti has always been there to answer any questions I have had about their tools, old and new. Because of the way they market their tools, they are the best source of info and availability of parts.

1. 
   observer | Nov 20, 2008 03:20am | #6

   Thanks for the number, I will give them a call.I always like to look for the end user's experience to compare to the company info. They sometimes aren't quite the same.