Fastener for Use with Z Clip

[ZClips]

I would be interested to know what fastener/screws are most used in practice in mounting continuous lengths of z-clips, which are used to hang wall panels without drilling or nailing into the face.

This is a video of how z-clips work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76u5OAiuhNA

In the informal testing I have done so far, I have used a #8 pan philips deep thread screw for the smaller clip on the wall panel side because we find the deep threads grab the MDF better. For the wall side, I used a #8 Pan Philips 60# sheet metal screw. Does anyone have any thoughts on specialty screws that might have more holding power or that work better for metal studs vs. wood studs?

I would also be interested if anyone has any suggestions on independent testing labs that would do weight bearing or load testing for a sample set up.

 

[ishvaaag]

Normally the system fabricator/distributor must have made the tests, may follow a quality control procedure at fabrication, and provide a set of tables/solutions/specs on how (and how not) the system must be used, even if only particular professionals should be applied to the task. Finding a lab that is entitled to test particular construction systems may take a bit in Spain if you don't do that in a daily basis (INCE, ITEC, ietcc?), but one should find one relatively soon; it should be even easier in the USA, I think. Maybe the easier way is to ask the seller itself on who could do in the area independent corroborative checks.

Aspects that I would consider:

Everything inox (not always the case in insets)
Exposure to fire, neither chemical nor mechanical anchors may work well under fire
Exposure to ice swelling at the insets
Upwards disengagement under rare wind exposures (or non particularly targeted to dismountage vandalism)
Mechanical strength, of course

 

[ZClips]

Thanks ishvaaag. I should also clarify that this is for an indoor applications.

 

[dhengr]

You’ve got a nice aluminum extrusion, not a particularly novel or new idea or concept. It appears that you could really use some good engineering help, working for and with you, in bringing this system to market. There are a number of limiting or failure mechanisms which should be looked at here. What is the range of the types of loads it is expected to support, both in magnitude and in the way the load can be applied? What is the range of the types of structures which might take these primary loads into the building structure? Obviously, 1/2 or 5/8" sht. rock on wood or light steel studs will act differently, as will a conc.blk. wall in the way they treat and stress attachment screws, or the types of screws used. And, a screw which cantilevers through sht. rock plus 1" of foam insulation and then into a stud will act differently too. A good engineer will help you sort these possibilities out, he/she will help you put some upper limits on what can be supported, in prep. for your disclaimer literature, and so you can tabulate a range of loads and loading conditions. Almost anyone with a little lab equipment can start this testing program, and you should yourself, for your own edification, as Ishvaaag suggested. You actually want to know the answers pretty well before you take this to an independent testing lab. But, then you probably do need their involvement just for an independent, unbiased confirmation. Your insurance company will probably want that even if no one else does.