Hilti shots vs. shields?

[ItsHot]

When anchoring over head work such as emt in concrete, do you prefer using Hilti shots or plastic shields and screws?

[kkwong]

Depends on what I'm hanging...

For small stuff like straps screws and anchors work great. For fixtures or anything else that moves, I like to Hilti them...then again, I'd hilti boxes in if the boss would let me :)

[cadpoint]

You can hilti a box to the ceiling! I'm not going to say it correctly but I like the "Hilti Dart", your basic nail point with quarter twenty threads at the other end. This is more expensive than just a nail and a washer. This "Dart" also enables other fastening methods, like using threaded rods and a rod coupling for suspension off them. The price of the dart is between a the price of a nail washer and their 1/4" or 3/8" rod hanger's.

Always use the correct load for you shot, and remember shooting into new concrete pours are more brittle as opposed to aged material. Test firing is also a good thing, JMO. Remember also that concrete firms up in thirty days, it doesn’t cure for twenty years.

I didn't realize that you said plastic screws, nope I can only recall only ever shooting or drilling for a lead set pin or for a lead anchor and the choices seem to be regional and varied at best.

[peter]

There are also Tapcons and the like. These actually screw into the concrete thus forming a better connection than pure friction. Also they are removeable which is better than Hilti nails.
Now the Hilti dart seems to be removeable also. Then it becomes a matter of cost and noise.
The plastic anchors can be pulled out with a claw hammer. Some people don't understand the concept of screws and screwdrivers. :-?
~Peter

[JJWalecka]

Personally I don’t care for Lead Anchors. In a fire Lead has a low melting point. Though I have installed them in the past.


Hilti shots can be quick for the right application. I like the nail-in anchor as opposed to a plastic anchor.

My two cents


JJ

[ItsHot]

Thanks for your comments! I have used the various anchors mentioned. At times I even prefer drive pins.