Fastening to Steel Design Center

Fastening solutions designed to meet the demands of the toughest applications and environments

Realize productivity improvements and predictable cost savings with Hilti Power-actuated fastening systems, a safer and effective method for attaching equipment, fixtures, or supports to structural steel. By making quick, repetitive fastenings, Hilti solutions offer significant advantages compared to traditional methods like welding, clamping, or through-bolting.

Hilti offers various product lines that provide corrosion-resistant fastenings for a wide range of applications across many industries and environmental conditions. From the interior of an industrial facility, to outdoor oil and gas sites, to the harshest offshore environments, Hilti fasteners are thoroughly tested to meet your demanding needs.

These innovative systems are easy to install, provide consistent fastenings, and bring more productivity to the installer. This Design Center will help you learn more about this technology and where you can save time and money on your next project.

Request a Demo of Fastening Systems for Steel

Power-Actuated Advantages over Traditional Fastening Methods

Preparing the coated steel using an angle grinder — Fasten to base material with minimal preparation and rework

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Fasten to base material with minimal preparation and rework

Unlike welding or through-bolting, Hilti fastening solutions only require a small pilot hole in the base material prior to fastening. No rework of the base material is needed after the fastening is made. This makes the overall installation much faster while still providing reliable corrosion protection.

Welding channel to the steel structure — Skilled welder is not required

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Skilled welder is not required

Fastening to steel with Hilti systems can be completed by most trained operators and does not require a certified welder. Therefore, contractors can deploy welders to other critical applications where welding is an absolute must. On-site training and installer certification are provided by Hilti.

Clamping requires access to both sides of the steel — Only access to one side of the steel is needed

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Only access to one side of the steel is needed

Unlike through-bolting or clamping, Hilti fastening solutions do not require access to both sides of the base material. This improves operator productivity as there is no need to get fingers into tight spaces, and possibly eliminates the need to reposition a lift to access the back side of a fastening.

Fastening made using a Hilti powder-actuated nailer — More flexibility in the field

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More flexibility in the field

Hilti power-actuated tools and cordless drill/drivers for sharp- and blunt-tip solutions can be used in almost all weather conditions. These tools use powder, gas, or battery technology, eliminating the need for an external power source, extension cords, or leads.

Logos of the industry approvals Hilti has been awarded for fastening to steel — Reliable products backed by extensive testing and industry approvals

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Reliable products backed by extensive testing and industry approvals

Hilti provides comprehensive technical data for each product including, but not limited to, capacity for different steel strengths and thicknesses, vibration resistance, and effects on base material. The data is back by the international Code Council’s Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), as well as many industry approvals. In addition, Hilti blunt-tip screw fastening studs are approved for use in aluminum.

Fastening being checked for the correct embedment using a check gauge — Procedures and checks for repeatable, quality installations

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Procedures and checks for repeatable, quality installations

Visual aids during the drilling process help create a reliable pilot hole for blunt-tip fastener installation. Power regulation on the powder tool and a depth gauge for the drill/driver help ensure that each blunt-tip fastener can be set to the correct depth for optimum performance. Finally, both Hilti sharp-tip and blunt-tip fasteners are easy to inspect after installation using a visual check gauge.

Cross section showing that blunt tip fastening does not penetrate through the steel — No through penetration or damage to the back of the steel

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No through penetration or damage to the back of the steel

With Hilti blunt-tip technology, fastenings can be completed without damaging the protective coating for steel as thin as ¼”, making it ideal for highly-corrosive environments.