DeWalt P3600 Manuel D'instructions page 4

capacity. In thicker steel base materials, adequate load capacities may be obtained for
applications in which the point of the fastener does not fully penetrate the steel. Job
site performance tests are recommended.
as these procedures may have caused local hardening of the steel. Over driving of the
fastener (i.e. using a powder load that is too high for the substrate, using a pin that is
too long for the application) should be avoided as the rebound created may reduce the
load capacity or cause damage to the fastener. When fastening into unsupported long
steel members, it may be necessary to provide support in the area of the fastening to
prevent spring action which can cause inconsistent penetration and a reduction in
load capacity.
SUITABLE BASE MATERIAL
While powder actuated fasteners can be used successfully in concrete, certain masonry
materials, and A 36 steel, some materials are completely unsuitable. Fasteners should
never be fired into hard or brittle materials such as cast iron, tile, glass, or rock. These
materials can shatter easily resulting in a potential safety hazard. In addition, soft base
materials such as wallboard, plaster, or wood are not appropriate as the fastener could
pass completely through these materials. The user should never guess when fastening
into any base material. Failure to follow the recommended installation and safety
guidelines can result in severe injury or death to the tool operator and/or bystanders.
CENTER PUNCH TEST
A center punch test should always be performed to determine the suitability of the base
material for a powder actuated fastening. This test is relatively simple and can help to
insure a safe, successful fastening. Be sure to wear safety glasses, goggles or a face
shield when performing this test. To begin, select the fastener to be used for the job.
Then, place the point of the fastener against the proposed base material. Strike the
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Point Flattens
fastener with a single hammer blow, then examine the point. If the point of the fastener
is not blunted and the base material has a clear point indentation, it is acceptable to
proceed with the first test installation.
the center punch test:
No Indent
1. The fastener point has been blunted. This indicates that the base material is
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Surface Shatters
2. The base material cracks or shatters. This indicates that the base material is
3. When using an average hammer blow, the fastener penetrates the base material
Material Cracks
FASTENER INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
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It is important to understand the required minimum base material thickness
requirements along with the minimum spacing and edge distance requirements.
Failure to follow these requirements can result in an unsuccessful fastening and create
a safety hazard.
Fastener Sinks in with
Average Hammer Blow
BASE MATERIAL THICKNESS
Concrete base material should be at least three (3) times as thick as the fastener
embedment penetration. If the concrete is too thin, the compressive forces forming at
the fasteners point can cause the free face of the concrete to break away. This can
P3600
Fasteners should not be used in areas that have been welded or cut with a torch
Use of a powder actuated system is not recommended if the following occurs during
too hard.
too brittle.
easily. This indicates that the base material is too soft.
EN
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