wrote in message
...
I'm installing lots of electrical boxes to the concrete walls in my
basement. About 29 boxes and 58 one hole straps to hold the 6 foot
length of 1/2" EMT conduit. Choices are a rotary hammer with SDS bit
and Tapcon screws. I already own the Makita rotary hammer, bought for
this job a year ago. Haven't used the rotary hammer drill yet but I
have installed electrical boxes with Tapcon and a hammer drill in the
past and hated the hammer drill. Or purchase a Remington powder
actuated tool and use the powder and nails. $20 for the hammer hit
Remington, $40 for the trigger model that looks like the hammer model,
or $70 for the trigger model that looks like a pistol. I've used
powder tools to attach 2x4s to concrete and they worked great for
that. Cost isn't really a concern since these amounts are not
material. Concern is more time, neatness, effort, frustration, etc.

So for attaching 29 handy boxes and the 58 conduit clips to 8 year old
concrete walls, which would be the most pleasant to use? Concrete has
that brick mold look to it from the forms if that matters.

If powder actuated, does it make sense to get the trigger models so
placement of the hndy box or clip on the wall will be easier than with
the hammer model?

I probably wouldn't do either. I've had tapcons that ended up stripping
out in the concrete.....still plenty of holding power but still.
I would use these: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/guideBrowse.shtml
It's what's used commercially and quite frankly, they work darn well in
solid concrete for electrical boxes. Just be sure you're certain where you
want the boxes cause they're a bit of a bugger to get out. Using a powder
actuated gun seems dangerous to me....nothing like a misplaced fire to ruin
your day.
Cheers,
cc