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I am getting a house built in Australia where I have opted for metal framing (to mitigate termite attacks). I have no experience in metal framing.

As much as I can think ahead, I am getting the builder to add timber dwangs where I may want to fasten things in the future. But there will be unforeseen requirements, once the house is finished.

Is it accepted practice to drill into the metal framing (studs) at a later stage to fasten things?

As mentioned, I am used to timber studs, so I know how much I can carve out of it. But I have no idea about the metal framing. To me, the metal frame sounds flimsy (in comparison). Typical things that may need fastening

  • Bathroom fan heaters
  • TVs
  • Shelves
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    I never heard "dwangs" before; it is apparently Scotland/NZ English. In the US it would be called "blocking".
    – Theodore
    Commented yesterday
  • @Ecnerwal, good point. However there is not much weight (turning moment) involved.
    – Rohit Gupta
    Commented yesterday
  • 1
    @Theodore, see also "noggin". #TIL :D
    – isherwood
    Commented yesterday
  • How do you think they fasten metal studs to metal top and bottom plates?
    – Huesmann
    Commented yesterday

2 Answers 2

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It is, and it's done often, such as for drywall, bath fixtures, etc. Small holes for fasteners generally aren't a concern.

If you want to cut out more material, though, consult the tech literature provided by the manufacturer.

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I have in many instances, fastened items to metal studs : flat screen TV's, shelves, etc. When doing so, I've used toggle bolts or molly bolts. You need to drill in the middle of the stud. You can punch a few very small holes in the wall to find where the stud starts and where it ends and then determine the middle of it. Some stud finders might work too. Then put the toggle or molly through your item and through the drywall and metal stud. The "wings" will expand with no problem and then tighten. Stay away from using plastic anchors because the metal will just shear the anchors in half.

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  • And where toggle bolts on only drywall are of limited use, toggle bolts through drywall + metal studs are very strong.
    – manassehkatz-Moving 2 Codidact
    Commented yesterday
  • I've also done this, but I have no idea whether a 3/8" or 1/2" hole in the stud flange voids any warranty. I'm hesitant to recommend it in a new home situation. Keep in mind that a steel stud flange isn't 1-1/2" wide. It's more like 1-1/4".
    – isherwood
    Commented yesterday

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