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
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
placement of the hndy box or clip on the wall will be easier than with
the hammer drill

I'll add my two cents...

First, you'll find that a rotary hammer is a HUGE improvement over the hammer
drill. I have a hammer drill and 3 rotary hammers and I'll only use the
hammer drill if the larger rotaries won't fit a small space. The roto hammer
turns more slowly than a hammer drill while maintaining a steady and solid
rate of percussion. A good quality bit should last for hundreds of holes (the
hammer drill heats up the bit far more than a roto hammer and the heat
degrades the carbide and brazing, causing the bits to fail).

If you're going to go the "shot" gun method, get the trigger/pistol style. I
have both versions and I'll never use the hammer type again (for the reasons
that other posters here have stated). Hold firm pressure against the gun and
kickback is not a problem. BUT... do wear hearing protection 'cuz it's LOUD...
and I always wear gloves with gel padded palms... 'cuz the kick to your hand
can be wicked!)

I'd personally recommend the TapCons 'cuz they're easy to install with a nut
driver and an impact tool and you can drive them with a fair amount of
control, even with that dreaded hammer drill and a nut driver, if necessary.

I also agree with an earlier post about the vagaries of concrete. The powder
actuated fasteners are good, but the walls won't be consistent in composition
and you'll likely get spalling and fracturing on some holes. You can avoid
that with the Tap Cons. If it were my project I'd snap a chalk line along the
walls (assuming that the boxes will be at the same height) mark along the
chalk line for all the holes and then drill all the holes. Follow up by
fastening the fixtures with the Tap Cons. CAUTION: if you remove a Tap Con
from a hole, discard it. Once they've been installed and removed they become
weaker and the threads don't cut into the concrete as well. They almost
always snap off when using them again IMHO.

Good luck.

Cheers

--
Message posted via CraftKB.com
http://www.craftkb.com/Uwe/Forums.as...rking/200801/1