Choosing the Right Insulation Fastener for Your Operation & Process

When you’re using insulation fasteners, there are so many choices and decisions to make. Will you be fixing insulation in the field or in the fab shop? Will you use adhesive pins? Will you use a mechanical attachment method?  Will you weld? If so, which weld pin tip style is best for welding? Will you use an automatic machine? All these questions and more are important when it comes to choosing the appropriate insulation fastener. Let’s look at the different options available from Carlisle HVAC and the key points to consider when making your decision.

Insulation Fastener Types

Welded Fasteners

Welded fasteners are predominantly used in a fabrication shop setting. The flat and cup-style washer head lend these styles ideal for use with automated weld-pinning equipment (or manually with a portable welder). Welded fasteners are manufactured with consistently sharp points to ensure positive contact when welded to sheet metal. These are manufactured from carbon alloy steel, an alloy that quickly hardens from the heating and cools during the weld process. This gives a quick, strong weld, which allows for faster manufacturing speed.  

Mechanical Fasteners

Gripnails are used with an automated machine or a magnetic hammer to drive through the insulation and create a mechanical bond to the sheet metal. Gripnails use hardened and tapered teeth to securely bite into the substrate creating a ball and socket connection that can withstand upwards of 120 pounds of withdrawal force. These original insulation fasteners are typically used in a fabrication shop. 

 

Adhesive Fasteners

Insulation Hangers are insulation pins made with 12-gauge steel and include a pressure sensitive adhesive backing, which provides a permanent bond between the fastener and ductwork. These hangers are permanently staked through 2” x 2" galvanized steel base plates. They also have 2 clearance holes in the baseplate that allow further reinforcement with a #8 self-tapping screw when needed. They can be used to hold all low- and medium-density insulation and insulation board where the temperature will not exceed 150°F (65°C).

Summary

Weld pins require investment in the appropriate welding equipment. However, the speed of application and quality of installation with weld pins are unsurpassed. Mechanically attaching insulation fasteners does not require investment in equipment but the speed of application will be longer. Therefore, when deciding which insulation fastener is right for your job, consider the combination of installation quality, speed of application and cost to determine your best option.