Specialised Fastening for Steel Frame Construction

Building with steel frames changes the fastening requirements from the outset. ICCONS® | Structnail is a specialised fastening system developed for rapid attachment of timber, cladding, bracing, battens, building wrap & other compatible materials to steel framing across residential, commercial, modular & off-site construction.

What separates Structnail from an ordinary nail? Its performance comes from purpose-engineered point geometry, shank design, hardened 1060 carbon steel & PT2000 coating. When correctly matched with the material, steel frame & installation equipment, Structnail gives builders & fabricators a purpose-designed approach to repetitive steel-frame fastening.

For related steel-frame fastening requirements, explore Specialty Fasteners & Fixings, Structural Fasteners & Bolts & Power Tools.

What Is ICCONS® Structnail?

Structnail is a proprietary nailing system engineered specifically for fastening into steel frames. Rather than relying on conventional nail geometry, its Supersharpy™ design uses a ballistic-shaped point that pierces suitable steel instead of drilling or tearing through it.

Once the fastener enters the steel, the connection relies on more than penetration alone. Displaced material rebounds around the shank, while the proprietary knurling pattern creates friction that helps resist withdrawal from the steel.

The Structnail family includes purpose-specific configurations for different stages of steel-frame construction:

► Gripshank™ Supersharpy™ Coil Nails – 38 mm, 50 mm & 65 mm options for compatible 15-degree pneumatic coil nailers
► Gripshank™ Supersharpy™ Strips – 22 mm & 38 mm breakaway-collated options for compatible gas installation
► Helical Ballistic Strips – 45 mm configuration for heavy-duty steel applications with the CT90 pneumatic nailer
► 15 Gauge Hardened Trim Brads – 25 mm, 38 mm & 50 mm lengths for compatible finishing work
► Ballistic Point Pins – specialised 13 mm breakaway-collated pins for cooperage & barrel-hoop applications
► Structnail Washers & Accessories – supporting components for building wrap & insulation installation
► Pneumatic & Gas Tools – dedicated equipment for different Structnail fastening requirements

This breadth makes Structnail a fastening system rather than a single nail type. Builders & manufacturers can select the fastener, collation format & installation equipment around the material being attached & the steel connection being formed.

For broader information on choosing fastening hardware around the complete connection, read the Fastener Guide Bolts Screws Anchors.

Why Choose ICCONS® Structnail?

Fasten Directly to Steel Frames

Steel framing doesn't need to turn every compatible attachment into a separate drilling operation. Structnail is designed specifically for fastening suitable materials directly to steel with the appropriate nail & installation equipment.

For repetitive factory or site work, reducing separate preparation stages can make steel-frame assembly more efficient.

Use a Point Designed to Pierce Steel

The Supersharpy™ point approaches steel differently from a conventional nail. Its ballistic-shaped geometry is designed to pierce suitable steel uniformly, while displaced steel closes around the fastener shank.

The proprietary knurl pattern then works with that contact around the shank to help resist withdrawal.

Benefit from Hardened Carbon Steel Construction

Penetrating steel requires a fastener manufactured for the task. ICCONS® identifies Structnail fasteners as being produced from special grades of 1060 carbon steel before hardening for their intended applications.

Material selection & fastener geometry therefore work together within the Structnail system.

Use PT2000-Coated Fasteners

Corrosion protection deserves consideration when fasteners become part of a framed building assembly. Structnail nails use ICCONS®' proprietary PT2000 coating, which ICCONS® identifies as suitable for Category 3 environments & compliant with BlueScope® Steel.

Check the exposure conditions & applicable project requirements before selecting fasteners for the installation.

Choose Gas or Pneumatic Installation

A fabrication workshop & an active construction site can demand very different installation equipment. Structnail accommodates both pneumatic & gas-powered installation, allowing the fastening setup to suit manufacturing, modular construction & mobile site work.

The consumable must still correspond with the selected tool rather than assuming all Structnail nails are interchangeable.

Common Applications

Fibre Cement Cladding

Cladding attachment requires more than simply penetrating the steel frame behind the sheet. The fastener needs to correspond with the cladding system, framing & applicable installation requirements.

Structnail has achieved approvals with building systems including James Hardie, with the relevant technical information determining the correct fastening arrangement.

Timber Weatherboards

Timber weatherboards over steel framing create a material transition that ordinary timber nailing doesn't address. Structnail provides compatible fastening options where the selected construction system permits direct attachment to steel framing.

Confirm the board requirements, framing thickness & nominated fastener before installation.

Bracing Systems

Bracing is part of the building system rather than simply another sheet being held against the frame. ICCONS® identifies Structnail applications across steel sheet bracing, plywood bracing & OSB bracing, with applicable systems requiring the nominated fastener arrangement.

Where other parts of the project require conventional structural hardware, Bolts & Fasteners provides related fastening options.

Timber & Steel Battens

Thermal battens introduce another connection between the outer building assembly & steel frame. Structnail applications include timber thermal battens & steel top-hat thermal breaks, providing purpose-designed options for compatible attachment.

Fastener selection should follow the batten material, steel thickness & applicable construction detail.

Building & Insulation Wrap

Large areas of building wrap can become labour-intensive when every washer needs to be positioned separately. Structnail includes galvanised washer solutions designed for securing building & insulation wrap to steel frames.

A corresponding magnetic adaptor can retain the washer during installation, helping make one-person fixing more practical.

Flooring to Steel

Flooring over a steel chassis or frame can involve hundreds of repeated timber-to-steel connections. Structnail is used in compatible flooring applications across steel-framed construction, including modular, caravan & trailer manufacturing.

Accurate positioning before repetitive fastening begins is equally important. Measuring & Leveling Tools can assist with layout & alignment during assembly.

Internal Fit-Out

Steel framing continues to affect fastener choice after the structural shell is enclosed. Hardened Structnail brads provide options for compatible architrave, skirting & finishing applications involving steel frames.

These lighter finishing requirements call for their own brad & tool configuration rather than a heavier cladding or framing fastener.

Modular, Caravan & Trailer Manufacturing

Controlled production environments benefit from fastening systems that can repeat a specified connection efficiently. Structnail applications extend into modular buildings, caravans & trailers for flooring, sheet materials, trims & steel-frame attachment.

Pneumatic equipment can be particularly practical where compressed air is already integrated into the production environment.

Product Selection Guide

There is no single Structnail fastener for every steel-frame connection. Begin with the material being attached, then establish the steel thickness, required fastener style, installation environment & compatible tool.

Coil or Strip?

Where the fastening takes place can influence the most practical collation format. Gripshank™ Supersharpy™ coils suit compatible 15-degree pneumatic coil nailers, while breakaway strips provide options for the ST3025C gas nailing system.

A workshop with an established compressed-air supply may favour pneumatic equipment, while mobile site work can make gas-powered installation more practical.

Which Nail Length Is Appropriate?

The longest available nail isn't automatically the correct fastener. Gripshank™ Supersharpy™ coils are available in 38 mm, 50 mm & 65 mm lengths, while gas strips include 22 mm & 38 mm configurations.

Refer to the applicable construction system, steel thickness & ICCONS® technical information when selecting the fastener.

What Is Used for Heavy Steel?

Heavier steel presents a different penetration challenge from lighter steel framing. Structnail includes 45 mm Helical Ballistic Strips designed for compatible use with the CT90 Pneumatic Heavy Steel Nailer.

A general steel-frame nail shouldn't be substituted solely because its dimensions appear similar.

What About Architraves & Skirting?

Finishing work benefits from a fastener designed around a less visually intrusive connection. Structnail's 15 Gauge Hardened Trim Brads are available in 25 mm, 38 mm & 50 mm lengths for compatible use with the ST1850C4 pneumatic strip nailer.

This provides a dedicated fastening configuration for steel-frame fit-out work.

When Are Structnail Washers Used?

Flexible membranes require a different form of retention from rigid cladding or timber. Structnail washers are intended for applications such as securing building & insulation wrap to steel frames.

The available magnetic adaptor assists with holding the washer during compatible installation.

When Does the Connection Require Different Hardware?

Structnail is purpose-built for defined steel-frame applications rather than every joint within the structure. Connections requiring bolts, anchors, screws or other engineered structural fasteners should use the hardware specified for that particular joint.

Explore Structural Fasteners & Bolts for related high-demand structural connections.

Expert Tips

Start with What Is Being Attached

Cladding, bracing, battens, flooring & trim can all meet the same steel frame while requiring very different fasteners. Identify the attached material first, then confirm the applicable Structnail fastener & installation tool.

Verify the Steel Before a Large Fixing Run

Steel thickness can determine whether the proposed fastening arrangement is appropriate. Check the framing or section against the applicable Structnail technical information before committing to repetitive installation.

Keep Approved Building Systems Intact

A recognised cladding or bracing arrangement depends on the complete specified detail. Follow the nominated fastener type, spacing, framing conditions & installation requirements for the particular building system.

Approval for one construction arrangement shouldn't be transferred to a different cladding, bracing or framing assembly.

Prepare Tools & Consumables Before Work Starts

Production delays often begin with small missing items rather than the primary fastening tool. Check nail type, quantity, compatible tool, gas or compressed-air requirements & supporting accessories before the installation sequence begins.

For additional preparation ideas before a busy construction or manufacturing period, see Spring Jobsite Prep Getting Your Gear Ready.

Drive Square to the Work Surface

Tool position affects how the fastener meets the steel. ICCONS® installation guidance calls for the nose piece to be held at approximately 90 degrees to the working surface during fastening.

Consistent tool position becomes particularly important across repetitive production work.

Match the Air Supply to Pneumatic Equipment

A pneumatic nailer depends on the air system supporting it correctly. Use a suitable compressor & operate within the requirements specified for the particular Structnail tool.

For workshops assessing pneumatic equipment as part of their broader setup, read Air Tools vs Electric: The Real Cost of Ownership for Australian Workshops.

Handle Breakaway Collation Carefully

Gas-tool strips need controlled handling before installation begins. When loading compatible breakaway strips, release the follower carefully rather than allowing unnecessary impact against the collation.

Correct handling helps keep the strip intact before it reaches the fastening position.

Organise Production Equipment & Consumables

Several nail lengths, tools & accessories around the same fabrication area can quickly create unnecessary searching. Separate Structnail consumables by application, part number & tool before production begins.

Small Parts Organisers can assist with smaller conventional fasteners & accessories, while Tools Storage & Organization provides options for managing tools & equipment around workshop or site setups.