Fastening on steel in corrosive environments

Fastening to Steel

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 more 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.

Power-Actuated Advantages over Traditional Fastening Methods

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.

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. Hilti also offers nn-site training and installer certification.

Only need access to one side of the steel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Help mitigate risks with corrosion protection

With comprehensive laboratory and field corrosion tests to assess the corrosion protection of its products, Hilti offers the right solutions with proven protection.

Learn more about corrosion in construction

Fastening on Steel Applications

Grating Fasteners

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Checkerplate Fasteners

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Decking Fasteners

Shop X-HSN 24 Deck Fasteners Shop X-ENP 24 Deck Fasteners

Grounding

Shop Threaded Studs for Grounding

Bonding

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Multi-purpose

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Innovative methods for fastening to steel

Sharp tip fastening

A fastening technology where a sharp tip fastener is driven by a powder-actuated tool into the base material, creating a high-quality connection.

Suitable for high-frequency applications where each fastening can be completed in a few seconds
Stainless steel fasteners for mildly corrosive environments where penetration through base material is acceptable

Diagram of a cross-section of steel showing blunt tip fastening

X-BT blunt tip fastening

A revolutionary fastening technology where a blunt-tip fastener with a smooth shank is driven by a powder-actuated tool into a pre-drilled hole in the base material, creating a high-quality connection.

No damage to base material corrosion protection in non-through penetration applications
Stainless steel fasteners (equivalent corrosion protection as A4(316) ) for highly-corrosive environments
Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)/stainless steel fasteners for mildly-corrosive environments

Diagram of a cross-section of steel showing blunt tip screw fastening

S-BT blunt tip screw fastening

An innovative fastening technology where a blunt-tip stainless steel fastener with a threaded shank is driven by a torque-controlled driver into a pre-drilled hole in the base material creating a strong, tapped connection.

No damage to base material corrosion protection in non-through penetration applications
Stainless steel fasteners (equivalent corrosion protection as A4(316) ) for highly-corrosive environments
Carbon steel fasteners (Duplex coating, equivalent to 45 µm hot-dip galvanized) for mildly-corrosive environments