Steel Manufacturing Blog: Keeping it Steel

EZ Sleeve Placement

Posted on Thu, Oct 15, 2015 @ 11:24 AM

The fastest and most cost efficient way to make Handrail Post holes is with correct use of EZ Sleeves. Set properly they can save countless man hours and expense.

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Tags: EZ Sleeve

Steel Wedge Alignment Hole Angles

Posted on Wed, Sep 30, 2015 @ 02:16 PM

When making a steel wedge to order plans often call for a center hole that will be used for alignment or for locking the wedge in place. (See fig. 1) The hole can also be useful when removing a wedge while still under pressure.

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Tags: Steel Wedge

New Zinc Vent Hole Plug Sizes

Posted on Tue, Sep 22, 2015 @ 08:30 AM
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Tags: Galvanized Vent Hole Plug

Masonry Anchor Angles

Posted on Wed, Aug 26, 2015 @ 10:49 AM

Most Masonry Anchors are intended to be welded to Columns or Beams running straight up and down; i.e. perpendicular to the foundation. This is true of Rod Anchors, sometimes referred to as Weld-On Wire Ties, shown in the photos below and Slotted Channel, which is also called a Gripstay™ Channel or Channel Slot Anchor.

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Tags: Masonry Anchors

Slide Bearing Welds

Posted on Thu, Aug 06, 2015 @ 11:56 AM

An often overlooked issue with Slide Bearings is the system of welds. Before beginning the process the steel fabricator should understand what effect the weld will have on the Slide Bearing.

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Tags: Slide Bearing

Steel Wedge vs. Steel Shim

Posted on Mon, Jul 06, 2015 @ 02:24 PM

The Slotted Steel Shim and the Steel Wedge have some separate and some overlapping functions. The wedge has the ability to multiply force for lifting purposes. (To read more about the lifting force of the steel wedge, click here

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Tags: Shims, Steel Wedges, Steel Wedge, Steel Shims, Steel Wedges Made To Order

Teflon®, Slide Bearings, Thermal Breaks & Additional Uses in Steel Construction

Posted on Wed, Jun 10, 2015 @ 04:07 PM
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Tags: Teflon Slide Bearing, Bearings, Thermal Break

Hillside Washer Features

Posted on Thu, May 28, 2015 @ 03:45 PM

Expanding on the blog post from April 2015, there are two features unique to the Hillside Washer that allow it to function. The Locking Tab and the Spheroid Shape.

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Tags: Hillside Washers, Turnbuckle Rods

Plastic Shims: Solid and Scored

Posted on Wed, May 13, 2015 @ 03:59 PM


For the construction trade, plastic shims are an essential tool but care must be taken to assure they are rugged enough for the intended use. Before even considering the compressive strength of a plastic shim you must first ensure that is it should be solid with uniform plastic throughout. Lower cost hollow plastic shims are manufactured but do not deliver the strength or durability required for most construction projects.

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Tags: Shims, Construction Shims, Plastic Shims

Hillside Washers

Posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2015 @ 09:39 AM

Hillside Washers are used when connecting braces that pass through structural members at any angle other than 90°. Unlike inside connections requiring Clevis Rod Assemblies (Fig.1), when the brace passes through the structural member it eliminates the need for Clevises and Clevis Pins.

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Tags: Hillside Washers, Clevis, I-Beam