Fastening 2x material to steel is fast and easy with a Ramset, Hilti or other powder actauted tool as long as you keep a few things in mind.  First off, make sure your steel is thick enough to fasten to with a powder actuated tool (P.A.T.).  A good rule of thumb is if the steel is at least as thick as the shank of the pin, you should be good to go.  The pin we recommened for fastening 2x material to steel with a P.A.T. tool is the Ramset SP178 which has a shank diameter of .150 on the thinner part of the shank (about 5/32″).  The steel can be much thicker even 3/4″.  The pin will only go in about 1/2″ if your tool has enough power.  You don’t need to penetrate the steel for full holding power.  Obviously you would want to penetrate thinner steel.  Click here if you would like to see performance in steel.  

You will likely need you highest power level, but for safety sake, start with lower power and work your way up.  As long as we are on safety, any time you fire your P.A.T. keep your safety glasse on and you will for sure want hearing protection when firing to steel.  If fastening 2x to steel on a regular basis, I would recommend a tool like the Ramset XT540 or the Simpson PTP27.  Both tools have a well built front end which will hold up to heavy hit of shooting to steel.

If you are looking for a fast way to fasten 2x material to steel using a Hilti, Ramset or other powder actuated tool really does work well.  Keep in mind the requirements mentioned above as well as taking the proper safety precautions and you will be pleasantly suprprised how well it works.  You can find the Ramset SP178 pin for fastening 2x material to steel here.