Screw Guns or Staples for the radiant floor ??

Al Corelli

We use a Senco Stand up screwgun.

ScottMP

When installing Climate Panel

or Quick Track what is the prefered method. We have been doing it with a screw gun and sheet rock screws. We like the way it can be pulled back up if we make a design change but its a back breaker for the guys.

We have talked about getting the style of gun that we can stand up and screw but also a stand up staple gun. The staples will be a bear if we have to make a change.

Any advice from the wallies ?

Thanks Guys.

Scott

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Brad White_9

I used screws, Scott

when I layed down Climate Panel in my master bath. Of course the advantage of relocating an errant panel was made moot when I covered it with thinset mortar, Durock tile backer and finish tile in thinset....

If I were doing a lot of Climate Panel for a living, I would invest in the standing screw gun. The idea of removing ONE panel that was stapled would convince me.

The screws I used were epoxy coated deck screws and when I ran out used Durock cement board screws. I liked them better because the threads run the full length of the screw. Snug as a bug..

Troy_3

Climate panel

We found that a staple gun is much faster and actully holds better. You will destroy the panel if you need to move it though. If we are doing a large job we screw down the panels sparingly and then after tube is installed go back and staple the crap out of it.

ScottMP

Troy

Do you use a standard staple gun ? Or a stand up version ?

Thanks for the input

Scott

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PM_2

Stand-up screw gun

Although, much of our work is in a different trade (SIP manufacture and installation) the Quikdrive Pro250 is hugely popular on our crews. This used with the WSNTL2LS screws (2") works beautifully. A+ for fastening anything down to the floor.

Troy_3

Climate panel

We use a standard staple gun. You still bend over but it goes much quicker than screwing. My guys won't even use the screw gun with the stick

Paul Pollets

Stapler

1/4" crown stapler with 11/2" or 11/4" crown staples. We apply 14-16 staples per panel, 2 or 3 on the turnarounds.

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Tim Doran

A Couplle of tricks

I like a staple gun and find that it holds as well if not betterthan screws. I start out only shooting down the retun bends, corners and perimeter panels. I leave the field loose so that I can easily align the paneles as I snap the tube in. I then go back and staple the panels down. This seems to make alignment very easy.

Tim D.

Unknown

Staples first. Screws after to take away all the squeak-noises.

Beware the squeaks.


Wallace Radiant Design

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kevin coppinger_4

I use ring nails....

after I set up the layout with drywall screws....works well. kpc

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S Ebels

Scott

We use a Hilti screw gun (4,500rpm version with adjustable torque setting) with an extension that allows us to stand up. I buy the screws on a strip which makes for fast feed and reloading. I know several shops that have had trouble with staples/squeaks. We've had nary a single problem.Our first install is now 7 years old and is as silent as the day it went in. Screws for me.

Unknown

Ring nails?

I've been told NOT to use them. Whatever works I guess. I do know that ring nails are not mentioned in the manuals and I've been told NOT to use them on CPs but, we have learned that the manuals don't tell all.

Wallace Radiant Design

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Jamie_6

Scott,

We use 1/4" crown staples also. Although, we use construction adhesive on the back of them too. When laying the floor we only place 4 staples in a piece of track. That way we can still get it off the floor if need be. Then before we put in the pipe we hit the rest of the staples, which is a lot! We do this prior to the pipe because it reduces the chance of hitting while it is in place. We still do it from the ground but it is much more forgiving on the back. A pneumatic stapler is very light.

Jamie

Jim Prisby

I have found....

Scott,

I have been involved with a fair amount of Climate Panel and Quik Trak installations and have found using screws to tack down the panels (2 for singles and 3 across for 6-packs) gives you the ability to make adjustments. I use a stand up screw gun for this (Word to the wise, use a corded one, battery powered models drain quickly)and once the panels are all set, I either secure them with the additional screws (min. 10 screws per 4 foot panel) or staple the panels with a stapler meant for securing Underlayment (Don't use the wrong Stapler/staples, refer to a staple gun manufacturer for the proper stapler for securing underlayment - several brands are Senco, Porter Cable, Paslode).

I agree with what several others had stated, staples can be faster, but only if you have an air compressor that can keep up and if the stapler has a quick release nose.
I think it makes sense to get (purchase or rent) a stapler on 1000 sq./ft. or more.

I have used a Quik Drive screw gun (1-1/4" square head underlayment screws)and both, Senco and Porter Cable's underlayment stapler with good results (1/2" x 1-1/4" staples). Having the proper tools not only makes for happier employees, it also makes the job go smoother.

Nails of any kind are not recommended!

Jim Prisby

hr

You ought to be able to get or build

an extension handle for any brand stapler. I've built them for the Sencos we use when doing Gyp floors. Much easier on the back and speed to stand and staple.

hot rod

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Ray M

Hilti stand up screw gun.

Thanks Ray M

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kevin coppinger_4

I used them....

only on Quik trac. Trust me I have had to pull them upafter they have been nailed...they don't come out. no one has compained about squeaks...kpc

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ScottMP

Why

AM I not suprised you said that

HR, I thought you would have photos of one YOU designed ?

I admire you creativity but I don't have a any free time right now.

Scott

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