darts trouble shoot

PROBLEM

CAUSE & SOLUTION

1. FASTENERS DON'T DRILL

CAUSE

1. Tool not in proper drilling mode.
2. RPM level of tool too fast or too slow.
3. Amperage level of tool too low.
4. Improper cable length and gauge.
5. Improper pressure applied by the operator.
6. Improper fastener for the application.
7. Steel too hard, either from welding or from manufacturer.
8. Steel work hardened.

SOLUTION

1. Engage tool in forward mode.

2. Use tool with an RPM range of 1900 - 2500. Do not use a drywall screw gun - RPM levels are as high as 4000 and could burn out drill points.

3. Use tools with minimum amperage rating of 4.

4. Use correct cord wire and length (see chart on next page).

5. Too little pressure will not generate chips and could burn out points. Too much pressure will overwork point and cause point burnout. Point should be treated just like a high speed drill bit.
6. Be sure pilot and flute length is adequate to drill through the total buildup of material before threads engage in top layer. Watch for lapped purlins and girt conditions which could require a longer drill point.

7. Check steel for maximum hardness of RB-90. Check for welds and fasten in areas 3 - 6 inches away from all welds. Welding hardens steel.

8. Make sure steel was not subjected to extreme heat. This will usually only be applicable on retrofits.

2. FASTENERS DRILL BUT DON'T FULLY TAP

CAUSE

1. Tool in poor condition - torque low.
2. Amperage level of tool too low.
3. Improper cable length and gauge will cause voltage drop.
4. Improper fastener for the application.
5. Incorrect threads form.
6. Excessive tapping torque.
7. Steel too hard.

SOLUTION

1. Check condition of screw gun switch, clutch, brushes and also cordage. Clean and lubricate where needed.

2. Use tool with minimum amperage rating of 4.

3. Use correct cable gauge for length of cable. NOTE: If more than one tool is used on a cable, be sure to use a heavy enough cable to prevent any voltage drop or loss.

4. Check thread form:
a. Spaced threads are generally used in steel thinner than 1/8".
b. Machine threads are generally used in steel as thick or thicker than 1/8". Spaced threads will generally work in lapped 12 gauge purlin and girts. Check drilling capacity of fastener to make sure point will fully drill through the total material thickness before thread engagement.

5. Check steel for maximum hardness of RB - 90. Check welds in area being drilled and drill 3 - 6 inches away.

3. THREADS STRIPPING OUT OR HEADS BREAKING OFF

CAUSE

1. Improper fastener for the application.
a. Incorrect threads form for thickness of steel.
b. Incorrect drill point.
2. Screw gun nosepiece is out of adjustment.

SOLUTION

1. Check thread form of fastener.
a. Spaced threads should generally be used in steel thinner than 1/8".
b. Machine threads should generally be used in steel 1/8" or thicker.

2. Adjust nosepiece so screw gun clutch disengages when fastener is fully and properly seated, but not over torqued.

4. ROOF IS LEAKING

CAUSE

1. Screw gun nosepiece is out of adjustment causing either washer damage from over-compression or inadequate sealing from under compression.

2. Improper fastener has caused top sheet to strip out.

SOLUTION

1. Adjust nosepiece so sealing compound of washer is barely extended beyond metal stamping when the fastener is seated.

2. Check flute length and pilot point of fastener to ensure material buildup is drilled through before threads engage in top sheet. When this occurs, the top sheet "jacks" up and strips out. The clamping and sealing of washer will not provide a good seal.

5. DAMAGED
PAINT ON SCREW HEAD

CAUSE

1. Poor socket condition.

2. Improper driving tool being used is causing ratcheting of fastener head.

3. Improper nosepiece setting is causing ratcheting of fastener head

SOLUTION

1. Check internal hex - if worn, replace with new socket. Check for chip buildup in socket. Remove chips. Check magnet depth and condition. Using a screw head as a punch, set the magnet deep enough so screw heads will not be marred or chipped. The bottom of the socket should be set on the washer face of the fastener.

2. The use of an impact wrench or drill motor without a depth sensitive nosepiece will ratchet paint off the screw head during driving and fastener setting. Use a standard fastener installation tool (a screw gun).

3. Set the nosepiece so the chance of ratcheting from over-driving is eliminated. Excess ratcheting can cause the paint on the fastener head to be damaged.

6. OTHERS:

Maximum performance from self-drilling fasteners is achieved when the proper driving equipment is used. A 2000 RPM driver is necessary to obtain optimum drilling speeds. A 4 to 6 amp tool is required to achieve the proper torque for secure fastening.
Recommended tools include ACE, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Hilti.
Always adjust the nosepiece for depth prior to sheeting. Use the same setting for framing and stitching as you are driving a particular fastener to depth and NOT TO TORQUE.
A good quality socket is preferred. Using a screw as a punch and template, drive the magnet back far enough so that it does not mark the screw head. This also allows the socket to bear on the integral washer face of the screw and gives greater stability in driving.
Use adequate cordage to prevent a voltage drop at the tool. Proper cordage will extend the life of the tool's electrical components. Use 18 gauge cable for 25-100 foot lengths and 14 gauge cable for 100-200 foot lengths.
Use the tool in a continuous running condition as much as possible. Avoid starting for each fastener. Continuous running enables the fan to cool the motor parts and reduces wear on switches and brushes.
Occasional cleaning and lubricating of the clutch doubles the life of the tool.
Check nameplate rating of your tool.
Estimate required length of extension cord for your needs.
Where nameplate amp rating and length meet in below chart, this is the minimum recommended gauge wire for your application.
If using extension cord out of doors, be sure it is grounded or is double insulated.

7. EXTENSION CORDS:

Use double insulated or grounded tools only. If using grounded tools, make sure they have three prong grounded cords and receptacles to accept the tools plug.

Replace damaged and worn cords immediately.

Improper size of extension cord may cause unsafe and inefficient operation of tool and fasteners. See chart below.

RECOMMENDED WIRE SIZES FOR EXTENSION CORDS
	CORD LENGTH IN FEET
NAMEPLATE AMPS	25’	50’	100’	150’
0-3	18	16	16	14
3-6	18	16	16	14
6-8	18	16	14	12
8-10	18	16	14	12
10-12	16	16	14	12
12-16	14	12
16-20	12	10