Using Hilti Tools & Fixings – What Works, What Doesn’t
I know most reactions will be ‘but Hilti are so expensive!’ but having tried alternatives over the years, believe you me we have tried them all and having spent a small fortune on rework because those fixings have popped or tools broken down we have always reverted back to Hilti, and stuck with them for many years now. They are simply the best quality and we won’t compromise on getting the fixings right when it comes to metal deck. So, please take our guide as real world experience advice.
FLOOR DECK FIXINGS
1. Fixing Floor Deck to Steel
- Use Hilti DX76 with X-ENP-19 L15 nails (#283506).
- Fires straight through the metal deck into the steel beam or angle.
- If composite floor (where deck becomes part of slab), use X-ENP-21 HVB (#283512) nails.
- HVB nails are the alternative to studs – when painted top flange/access issues and studs cannot be used. They are expensive £8 each against £1.30 on average! They have there purpose but studs would be used majority of the time for composite action.
- Use Hilti Red Cartridges (6.8/18 M10 STD #416484).
Lighter profiles may need GX3 with 17mm nails (#2135982) as a temporary fix before studs are applied – 27mm nails for permanent on lighter metal deck profiles
Tool: GX3/DX76 Powder Actuated
Fixing Centres: 300mm at ends, 600mm mid-span unless stated otherwise
2. Fixing Floor Deck to Block or Brick
- Don’t fire direct. You’ll break the wall or the fix won’t hold.
- Use a galvanised bracket or top-hat. Fix that to the wall with Hilti HPS-1 anchors or masonry screws.
- Then fix deck to the bracket using self-tapping screws.
Fixing Tip: Minimum 70mm bearing on the wall. Keep nails 20mm back from deck sheet ends.
Tool: Drill for masonry anchor + Screwgun
Fixings: Plug and screw or use Hilti 27mm nails (#2135858) only if wall is solid enough
3. Fixing Floor Deck to Timber
- Best method: fix angle bracket to timber, then deck to bracket with screws.
- Or, screw direct into timber with deck screws (if temporary/formwork only).
- Make sure timber is dry, no movement or splits.
Tool: Screwgun
Fixing Centres: Same as steel – 300mm/600mm
4. Fixing Floor Deck to ICF
- Always test first. Find the embedded steel or concrete inside the ICF.
- If hitting steel – use DX76 + ENP nails
- For composite – use X-HVB 95 or 125 nails (they replace studs)
Tool: DX76
Fixings:
- ENP for non-structural heavy duty fixings
- HVB for composite (Part #348179 or #239360 depending on depth)
ROOF DECK FIXINGS
1. Fixing Roof Deck to Steel
- Same tools as floor deck.
- Use DX76 + X-ENP-19 if structural
- Lighter profiles may need GX3 with 17mm nails (#2135982)
Tool: DX76 or GX3 (Gas Tool)
Fixing Tip: Check deck type – roof deck often thinner gauge
2. Fixing Roof Deck to Block or Brick
- Never fix roof deck direct to masonry.
- Use bracket system (steel angle or top hat) fixed into wall with masonry anchors
- Then fix deck to bracket
Tool: Drill for anchors + Screwgun
Fixings: Plug + screw or Hilti HUS/HPS anchors
3. Fixing Roof Deck to Timber
- Timber noggins or wall plates work well if fixed solid.
- Fix bracket to timber, then fix deck to bracket
Fixing Tip: Don’t rely on timber alone for edge bearing. Add bracket if in doubt.
4. Fixing Roof Deck to ICF
- Just like floor – find the steel/concrete in the ICF
- Fix with DX76 + ENP or HVB as required
Tools We Use on Site – Keep it Simple
- DX76 – for structural work (steel, composite, ICF)
- GX3 – for light gauge and small fix jobs
- Screwgun – for side stitching, timber or fixing to brackets
- Hilti Anchors – HPS-1, HUS4 etc. for fixing brackets to block/brick
Final Checks
- Don’t fire into block unless it’s solid and specified.
- Always use fixings with data sheets. Hilti ones are tested – you’ll get the performance and backup when build control asks.
- Record what fixings were used on site if it’s structural.
Don’t mix up roof and floor deck fixing patterns. Stick to RMD Profiles guide or use 300mm/600mm rule if no spec given.
Need help selecting the correct fixings for your metal decking project?
Our technical team can review your drawings, recommend the right Hilti fixings, and guide you through compliant installation methods for steel, block, timber or ICF.
👉 Explore our Tool for Hire Service
👉 See our Floor Deck Supply Services
👉 See our Roof Deck Supply Services
If you’re unsure about a detail, simply send us your drawings and we’ll provide the correct solution.
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