Materials:For Window Replacement--
screwdriver
hammer
seven-in-one tool
utility knife
pry bar
insulation
table saw
impulse nailer
level
shims
screw gun
2-1/2" screws
chisel
minimally expanding foam
For Erecting Steel Stud Wall--
1/2" Hammer drill
5/16" carbide-tipped masonry bit
steel studs and track
perma-grip anchors 1-1/4"
hammer
safety glasses
ear protection
gloves
tape measure
circular saw
diamond-tipped masonry blade
metal snips
screw gun
self-tapping sheet metal screws
carpenter's square
Building a Metal Stud WallMetal studs have tracks on the top and bottom and the metal studs are mounted to the track. The top track had already been installed and Host Ryan and the homeowner had to install the bottom track.
- Make a pencil line where the track will go and then cut the track to length. Predrill holes through the track. Use a hammer drill to drill through the pilot holes with a 5/16th carbide masonry bit (figure C).
Note: Using a hammer drill makes it easier to drill into cement-based material like terrazzo. Terrazzo is quite hard. It is made of cement with various stone chips in it.
- Secure the track to the floor with special fasteners, called Perma-Grip Anchors. Tap one in half way at the end of the track and then go to the other end and sink one in half way (figure D). Make sure the track is straight and then pound the anchors all the way in.
- When you cut the studs, you want to cut them a little short because you want them to touch the bottom of the track but not the top because it might bind. You need to make sure you cut the right side of the stud so that the channels for the wiring will line up. To cut steel studs use a circular saw with a diamond tipped masonry bit. To get a nice straight cut---plunge the blade down through the corner of the stud first—and then finish your cut (figure E).
Safety Tip: Cutting steel studs is loud. Always wear hearing protection.
- Use a pair of aviation snips to finish the cut (figure F). This will avoid the soft saw blade creating a rough burr on the edge of the stud. Any excess can be trimmed off with the snips.
Note: Steel studs cost about the same as wood studs.
- Next, you put the stud into the track. Twist it until it fits into the top and then screw the top, level it, and then screw the bottom. There is no need to predrill holes -- use hardened self-tapping sheet metal screws made specifically for steel studs. Square the stud front to back (figure G) and then fasten the back of the stud.
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