Metal Stud Installation Apparatus and Method

摘要

A method and apparatus for installing steel studs to make a wall includes a first track having a first center portion, a first inner lip extending from the first center portion and a first outer lip extending from the first center portion, the first center portion being disposed substantially horizontally along a first plane. A second track has a second center portion, a second inner lip extending from the second center portion towards the first inner lip and a second outer lip extending from the second center portion towards the first outer lip, the second center portion being disposed substantially horizontally along a second plane, the second plane being substantially parallel to the first plane. A first flange is operatively removably attached to the first inner lip, the first flange having first end and a second end. A first tab is operatively attached to the first flange at one end thereof and having a free end on the other end thereof, the first tab being disposed between the first inner lip and the first outer lip of the first track. A second flange is operatively removably attached to the second inner lip, the second flange having first end and a second end. A second tab is operatively attached to the second flange at one end thereof and having a free end on the other end thereof, the second tab being disposed between the first inner lip and the first outer lip of the second track. A stud is provided, the stud having a third center portion, a third inner lip extending from the third center portion and a third outer lip extending from the third center portion, the third center portion being disposed substantially vertically along a third plane, the third plane being substantially transversely disposed with respect to the first plane. At least a portion of the third inner lip of the stud is disposed between the first tab and the first inner lip of the first track and at least a portion of the third inner lip of the stud is disposed between the second tab and the second inner lip of the second track. Alternatively, the flanges and tabs can be arranged in other combinations.