Summary: Specifying the proper fastener is necessary to assure the proper performance of the connections used in light gauge (cold formed) steel construction. Connections in traditional wood construction rely on the embedment of nails to provide shear and tensile strength. Since cold formed steel connections primarily are made with externally threaded fasteners, there is no embedment to consider. Instead, the design of the fastener along with the thickness of the steel govern the value of the connection. This Tech Note is the first in a series on fasteners, and is designed to provide the basic information used in determining the appropriate screw type for various applications. Other issues in this series will discuss specific applications.
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