EXPLOSIVE POWER TOOLS

2/12/08
Yesterday we learned about EPT's and their applications on the jobsite. We covered areas such as the tools, application, safety procedures, and different fixings used with these guns. We looked through the manual on these (Explosive power tools) before practically firing an EPT. After this practical we undertook an assessment on EPT's which a recieved 100%.

TYPES
there are two types of EPT's. Direct acting and indirect acting. Direct acting EPT's use a small explosive charge to propell the fixing pin into the job, similar to firearms. Indirect acting EPT's use the same small charges behind a piston that hammers the fixing in, instead of forcing it in with the force of the charge only. Indirect acting tools are safer in the respect that they are driving the fixing in through force and not speed. most modern EPT's are now indirect due to them having magazines attached compared to the single shot direct acting tools which are generally older madels now. these magazines (usually clips of 10) make fixing more efficient as less time is spent relaoding. Indirect EPT's are also more popular in the modern construction industry compared to direct, because in Australia you are required to have a licence to use direct acting tools, whereas you dont need a licence to used indirect acting tools.

APPLICATIONS
EPT's are used to fix timber and steel, to steel, solid brick, and concrete. Care must be taken to ensure that you dont fire into fragile materials that may chatter or break. When firing into bricks it must only be solid type bricks. Hollow bricks are'nt dense enough to hold the pins. An example of where EPT's can be used is pinning down bottom plates of stud walls, or fixing bulkheads to the walls or to steel beams.

FIXINGS
There is a wide range of fixings available for used with EPT's. Fixings range from 22mm to 100mm for use in concrete and steel. Either of these options being able to go through timber. The calibre of fixings is dependent on which manufacturer you tool is made. Both of these have slightly differnt calibres to restrict those who buy their tools to having to buy their fixings also.

EPT SAFETY
Due to the nature of these tools, is important that all users are responsible when using them. some safety guidelines include.
- always ensure that eyewear and steel cap boots are worn.
- ensure bystanders are a safe distance of at least 6 metres away before firing.
- never fire into plastered walls unless sure of what is behind.
- warn others before you fire
- if a charge does not go off, leave the tool in position against the job for ten seconds in case of late detonation.

For more information on these tools and more go to http://www.hilti.com/ or http://www.ramset.com.au/