Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. (“Simpson”) provides this limited warranty to
original purchaser. This product, if properly used and maintained in compliance with
all instructions and warnings, will be free from substantial defects in material and
manufacturing for 1 year from purchase date. Purchaser’s sole remedy is replacement
upon return to Simpson within 1 year of purchase (shipping prepaid).
WHERE LAWFUL, SIMPSON DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE BEYOND THIS WARRANTY
PERIOD. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS
ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. WHERE
LAWFUL, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL SIMPSON
BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES OR DIRECT OR INDIRECT LOSS OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO BODILY INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. SIMPSON’S ENTIRE LIABILITY IS
LIMITED TO THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THIS PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE
EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION. MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. SIMPSON IS IN NO WAY LIABLE FOR
INCIDENTS RESULTING FROM USE WITHOUT PROPER CERTIFICATION OR DISREGARD OF
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL
RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
Read This Manual
BEFORE Operating This Tool
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
For Semiautomatic Tool Models
PT-27andPT-25S
(.27 caliber)(.25 caliber)
The PT-27 AND PT-25S tools comply with OSHA requirements
and with ANSI A10.4 2007 specifications.
Return Tools To:
Northwest U.S.A. Southwest U.S.A. Northeast U.S.A.
Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc. Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc. Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
5151 S. Airport Way 260 N. Palm Street 2600 International Street
Stockton, CA 95206 Brea, CA 92821 Columbus, OH 43228
(209) 234-7775 (714) 871-8373 (614) 876-8060
Southeast U.S.A. Eastern Canada Western Canada
Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc. Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc. Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
2221 Country Lane 5 Kenview Boulevard 11476 Kingston Street
McKinney, TX 75069 Brampton, ON L6T 5G5 Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0Y5
(972) 542-0326 (905) 458-5538 (604) 465-0296
5956 W. Las Positas Blvd., Pleasanton, CA 94588 • www.simpsonanchors.com
Page 2
SAFETY STARTS WITH YOUPT-27 AND PT-25S TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
A. TRAINING
1. All operators must complete the tool manufacturer’s training before
attempting to take an exam or to operate this Simpson tool. You
must obtain certification of training from an authorized Simpson
Strong-Tie® instructor. If such training is not available where you
purchased the tool, call or write Simpson Strong-Tie before
attempting to operate the tool for information on the nearest
authorized instructor. Remember, obtaining this instruction
is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
2. Read this manual completely and understand its contents fully
before attempting to operate the tool. If there is anything in this
manual that you do not fully understand, ask your instructor or
call Simpson Strong-Tie for information. Reading and understanding
this manual is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
B. LIMITATIONS
1. Just as no instruction book of any kind can forewarn a learner
against all possible situations or emergencies that may arise, neither
can Simpson Strong-Tie instructors or printed instructions detail all
possible conditions or circumstances surrounding the use of this tool
or its supporting products. Recognizing these circumstances and
reacting in a safe manner is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
SymptomCause Solution
Over Driving
Fasteners
Tool Does Not
Fire
Reduction or loss
of power
Piston will not
fully reset
Strip Load will
not advance
Tool will not stay
in closed position
Excessive PowerChange to next lower power level load strip.
Soft Base MaterialCheck Base Material – Center Punch test.
Tool not completely depressedFirmly depress tool before firing
Excessive dirt on chamber and breechProperly clean the tool.
Damaged firing pin or breech.Replace damaged parts.
Piston is not returned to rear positionBarrel must be fully opened to reset piston
Damaged piston or piston ringReplace worn parts.
Damaged piston stopReplace damaged part.
Excess dirtCompletely clean the tool.
Bent or damaged pistonReplace piston
Other damaged parts.
Strip is inserted incorrectlyCheck proper installation of strip
Advance mechanism is damaged
Ball bearing is missing
Tag the tool “Defective –Do not use”. Place the
tool in a locked container, and contact your local
Simpson representative.
Contact your local Simpson representative.
Tag the tool and lock it in a container.
Contact your local Simpson representative for
replacement part.
PT-27 AND PT-25S KIT CONTENTS
2. Simpson Strong-Tie disclaims any responsibility for injury or death,
which may result from any disregard of this manual or the verbal
instruction of the authorized Simpson Strong-Tie instructor.
Following the rules of safe operation given to you here and
verbally is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Tool Warranty .................................................................................. Back Cover
INTRODUCTION
The Simpson Strong-Tie® PT-27 and PT-25S tools are low velocity or indirectacting powder actuated tools (P.A.T.). Do not attempt to operate either of these
tools or any other tool before obtaining proper training and operator certification.
READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY!
It will help you operate the tool with the greatest SAFETY and efficiency by
providing you with an understanding of the safety features, operating principles and
limitations of the tool and its use. Simpson Strong-Tie disclaims any
responsibility for incidents resulting from the disregard of these instructions.
-2--17-
Page 4
DISMANTLING THE PT-27 AND PT-25S TOOLSGENERAL HANDLING OF P.A.T. AND POWDER LOADS
GENERAL HANDLING OF THE PT-27, AND PT-25S, AND ALL P.A.T. TOOLS
1. Always point the tool away from yourself and all bystanders.
2. Open the tool before handling to make sure it is not loaded.
3. Never place your hand over the front (muzzle) of the tool.
4. Never operate the tool without checking to see if the barrel is free
of obstructions and that the tool is clean and in good working condition.
5. Never attempt to alter, modify or manufacture parts for use in your
Simpson Strong-Tie® tool, this can cause malfunctions and result in
unsafe functioning of the tool. Use only genuine Simpson Strong-Tie
parts, fasteners and powder loads at all times.
6. Operators and bystanders must wear eye and ear protection, and head
protection is recommended. Serious injury or death can occur if these
safety items are not used.
7. Posting a warning sign, “Warning, Powder Actuated Tool In Use” is a
minimum warning where P.A.T. tools are in use.
8. REMEMBER: use common sense and good judgement. Use these tools
for their intended purpose only. Know the material you are fastening into
making certain it is compatible with the powder actuated tool.
HANDLING THE PT-27 AND PT-25S, AND POWDER LOADS
3. Pull the barrel assembly out the
front of the tool.
4. Lift and remove the Shear Clip from
its recessed groove with a flat
blade screw driver.
5. Separate the front barrel, baseplate
and nosepiece.
6 .Pull the piston out of the front of
the barrel.
1. Never carry powder loads in the same pocket or container
with fasteners or any other hard objects.
2. Never use powder actuated loads in firearms. They are more
powerful than normal small arms ammunition.
3. Never carry a loaded tool from job to job.
4. Never use the tool for anything other than its intended purpose.
5. Never use powder actuated tools in flammable atmospheres.
6. Never attempt to force a load into the chamber of the tool.
7. Never strike or pry a load.
8. Always wear eye and ear protection; head protection is recommended.
9. Always properly brace yourself when working on scaffolding
or ladders.
The front of the tool is now fully dismantled for cleaning, and inspection
for any damaged parts. Completely clean the tool, and replace any
damaged parts.
Reassemble the tool in reverse order of dismantling.
After reassembling the tool, with no load strip or fastener in the tool, reset
the piston by pulling the barrel assembly completely out, then push it back in.
Press the tool against a hard surface and pull the trigger. The firing pin
should make an audible “click” as an indication the tool was assembled
properly and parts have proper functioning. If an audible ‘click” is not heard,
reassemble the tool, and check for damaged parts and replace if necessary.
Page 5
HOW TO LOAD AND FIRE THE PT-27 AND PT-25S TOOLSMAKING SAFE FASTENINGS
5. After making the fastening, lift the
tool off the work surface and pull
the nosepiece sharply forward, or
flip the tool open with a snap of
the wrist. This action resets the
piston and advances the powder
load strip to the next powder load.
6. Remove the spent powder strip
load by grasping the strip from
the top side of the tool and firmly
pull upwards in a smooth motion.
DISMANTLING THE PT-27 AND PT-25S TOOLS :
BASE MATERIAL SUITABILITY & THE CENTER PUNCH TEST
Before loading the tool or fastening into any material, check the suitability and
thickness of the base material. To check base material suitability, give it the
center punch test.
CENTER PUNCH TEST:
Using the fastener as a punch, with a hammer, strike a solid blow to the actual
material you wish to fasten into, then look for these results:
1. If the point of the fastener is blunted, the material is too hard and is
unsuitable. If the material is too hard, the fastener can ricochet, and possibly
escape, striking you or bystanders and cause serious injury or death.
2. If the material cracks or shatters, it is too brittle and is unsuitable. This
can result in particles striking the operator or bystanders, or the fastener
could pass completely through the base material causing serious injury
or death.
3. If the fastener sinks into the material with the hammer blow, the material
is too soft and is unsuitable. If the material is too soft, the fastener can
pass completely through and strike someone on the other side causing
serious injury or death.
4. If the fastener makes a small indentation in the base the base material is
suitable for fastening into.
1. Rotate the annular spring off the
piston stop with a flat blade screw
driver or long fastener.
DO NOT USE POWDER ACTUATED TOOLS FOR FASTENING
INTO THESE MATERIALS:
1. Vertical mortar joints 6. Hardened or tool grade steel
2. Bricks 7. Cast iron
3. Hollow block or tile 8. Welded areas or torch cuts
4. Glazed tile 9. Spring steel
5. Glass 10. Natural rock
BASE MATERIAL THICKNESS
Thickness of the base material is perhaps the most important consideration
for good safe fastenings. In concrete, the thickness must be 3 times the
shank penetration; in other words, for 1" of shank penetration, the concrete
must be at least 3" thick. In steel the thickness must be equal to or greater
than the diameter of the shank. Fastening into any base material, which is too
thin, may allow the fastener to pass through and escape - resulting in serious
injury or death.
-4--15-
Page 6
THE “NO’S” OF P.A.T. FASTENINGHOW TO LOAD AND FIRE THE PT-27 AND PT-25S TOOLS
GUIDELINES FOR SAFE FASTENING
1. Never Hold the tool at an acute angle to the work surface. The tool
must be perpendicular to the work surface making certain that
NO debris is present on the surface.
2. Never set a fastener too close to another installed fastener
as this can cause a ricochet.
3. Never fasten less than 3" from the edge of unsupported concrete
or masonry, or less than Z\x" from the edge of steel except for specific
applications recommended by the tool manufacturer.
4. Never fasten into rough, spalled, cracked or uneven concrete.
Fasten at least 3" from the outer edge of a spalled area.
5. Never fasten into material which is too hard, such as hardened steel,
welds, cast steel, marble, spring steel, natural rock, etc. This could
cause the fastener to shatter and escape and result in serious injury
or death.
6. Never fasten into material which is too brittle, such as glass, glazed
brick, glazed tile, slate, etc. This could cause the material to shatter
and result in serious injury or death.
7. Never fasten into material which is too soft, such as wood, plaster,
drywall composition board, plywood, etc. This could cause the
fastener to pass through and escape resulting in serious injury
or death.
8. Never fasten through an existing hole in any material as the fastener
could hit the edge of the hole and ricochet.
9. Never leave the chamber loaded. If you decide not to make a
fastening after having loaded the tool, remove both the powder load
and fastener from the tool before returning it to its case.
10. Never place your hand or any part of your body over the muzzle,
or point the tool toward any person when the tool is chambered
with a load.
3. Select the proper strip powder
load and insert it through the
bottom of the tool handle until
it is flush with the bottom.
4. Depress the tool firmly against the
work surface using both hands,
then pull the trigger. Make certain
you hold the tool perpendicular
to the work. Using the supplied
rubber spall stop will help ensure
the tool is perpendicular to
the work surface and will help
to minimize concrete spalling
when the fastener is installed.
WARNING: Always install the fastener in the tool first,
and chamber the powder load last.
-5--14-
Page 7
HOW TO LOAD AND FIRE THE PT-27 AND PT-25S TOOLSBEFORE CHAMBERING A POWDER LOAD
Never place your hand over the nose of the tool unless inserting a fastener
and then only with the chamber empty.
1. Open the tool. Grasp the
nosepiece and pull sharply
forward until you feel a positive
stop, then pull the nosepiece
back until it stops and is fully
closed. This resets the piston
and positions the advance
lever in the correct location
for inserting the strip loads.
2. Insert the fastener into the
nosepiece of the tool, head
or threaded end first. Push
the fastener until the pointed
end is even with the face of
the nosepiece, or if a pre
assembled fastener is used,
until the nose piece is against
the fastener accessory.
1. Always open the tool and inspect it to be certain it is unloaded.
2. Always check to be sure that the tool is clean. Excessive dirt or debris
can cause accidental firing or misfiring of the tool.
3. Never load or fire the tool in an explosive atmosphere or when
flammables are nearby.
4. Never use improper powder loads or fasteners in the tool, as this may
be unsafe or damage the tool.
5. Always insert the fastener first, and the load last. Make sure you never
double load the fasteners.
6. Never allow bystanders to gather around you when using the tool.
7. Never guess - before fastening into any unknown base material, particularly
into walls, perform the center punch test described in this manual.
8. Never guess - once you determine that the base material is suitable,
make a test fastening with the lowest level powder load. If that powder
load does not set the fastener, try the next highest load, and so on until
the fastener is properly set.
SELECTING FASTENERS AND LOADS
.27 caliber strip loads for PT-27:
Simpson Strong-Tie®
Part #
P27SL22 (low)
P27SL33
P27SL44
P27SL55 (high)
Fasteners for the PT-27and PT-25S:
Simpson Strong-Tie
Fasteners
PDP-XXX.300 Headed 2-1/2" max1-1/2" max
PDPW-XXX.300 Headed w/ 3/4" washerall2" max
PDPWL-XXX.300 Headed w/ 1" washerall2" Max
PINWP-XXX.300 Headed w/ 1-3/8" plastic washer2-1/2" max1-1/2" max
SAFE HANDLING PRACTICES OF P.A.T.PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES FOR PROPER FASTENING
1. If the powder load does not fire after pulling the trigger, hold the tool
firmly against the work surface for at least 30 seconds. Carefully remove
the tool from the work surface, making sure to point it away from
yourself and any bystanders. Remove the load and dispose of it in a can
of water. Unfired loads must never be thrown in trash containers or
carelessly discarded in any way.
2. NEVER attempt to force or pry an unfired powder load from the chamber
with a sharp or pointed object, as this may cause an accidental discharge.
3. NEVER attempt to disassemble a jammed tool containing a live powder
load. Tag the tool “DO NOT USE” and store it safely in a locked case.
Call your Simpson Strong-Tie® representative for tool repair.
4. If at any time during the operation of the tool you feel it is not working
properly, STOP using it and call your Simpson Strong-Tie representative.
5. If unnecessary bystanders are in the area tell them to leave, warn all
others that you are using a powder actuated tool.
6. Check the work surface to be sure it is clear of any debris. Clear away
any debris so that the tool sits flush on the work surface.
7. Check the work area for explosive or flammable materials. If any are
found remove them before operating the tool.
8. Check the chamber of the tool to be sure there is no dirt, grit
or foreign objects present.
9. Check the barrel to make sure you don’t double load it with fasteners,
and that it is clear of any obstruction.
10. Any tool found not to be in proper working condition shall be
immediately removed from service and tagged “Defective Tool”,
until it has been repaired according to manufacturer’s instructions.
BEFORE loading the tool, operate it a few times on a solid surface making
certain all parts move freely and that the firing pin clicks when the tool is fully
depressed and the trigger is pulled. “Dry firing” will not damage the tool.
“Fish-hooking” is when the fastener curves when driven into concrete. This is
caused by the fastener hitting large, hard, or excessive amounts of aggregate,
rebar, or any hard object. Fish-hooking can reduce the holding power of the
fastener, result in spalling, and may increase unsafe conditions due to
escaping particles. Fish-hooking can be minimized by:
- Reducing shank penetration
- Increasing shank diameter
- Using appropriate powder load level. Excessive power can
cause over driving.
- Fastening through a metal disc
FASTENING INTO STEEL:
The most common type of steel fastened into is structural steel in the form
of beam, angle iron, channel, tee, plate, and strip. The holding power of the
powder actuated fastener is a function of the gripping action of the steel
base material around the fastener, and the fusion of the fastener to the
base material.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE HOLDING POWER
OF FASTENERS IN STEEL ARE:
- Shank diameter: Larger shank diameters increase holding power
- Thickness of steel base material: Thicker base material increases
holding power
- Fastener Point Penetration: Getting the point to pass through base
material by approximately Z\v" maximizes holding power
- Knurled Fasteners: Knurling on the fastener provides interlocking of
the shank and the base material which increases the holding power
GENERAL RULES:
Minimum spacing of fasteners into steel is 1Z\x". Minimum edge distance of
fasteners into steel is Z\x". Steel Thickness must be no less than the shank
diameter of the fastener.
-7--12-
Page 9
PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES FOR PROPER FASTENINGOPERATING PRINCIPLES OF P.A.T.
FASTENING INTO MASONRY MATERIALS:
Masonry materials suitable for fastening into include:
- Poured concrete
- Precast concrete
- Pre-stressed concrete
- Grout filled concrete block
- Grouted joints
Fasteners are primarily held into masonry by a clamping of the
concrete around the fastener. Factors that influence a fastener driven
into concrete include:
- Depth of penetration
- Compressive strength of concrete
- Fastener spacing and edge distance
- Fastener shank diameter
- Concrete aggregate
PROPER DEPTH OF PENETRATION:
.145" Dia.
Shank Penetration
Concrete Block & Joints1"-1Z\v"1Z\x"-1C\v"
Concrete 2000-2500 psi
Concrete 2500-4000 psi
Precast or prestressed
concrete 4,000 psi
9-10 times Shank Dia.
or 1Z\v" -1Z\x"
7-8 times shank Dia.
or 1"-1Z\v"
5-6 times shank Dia.
or M\,"-1Z\v"
FASTENER EDGE DISTANCE ON CONCRETE:
Z\v" Stud
Penetration
1"-1Z\x"
1"-1Z\x"
M\,"-1"
Distance should be no closer than 3".
MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN FASTENINGS:
.300 and 8 mm headed fasteners – 3" spacing.
Z\v" and C\," threaded fasteners – 6" spacing.
CONCRETE THICKNESS:
Concrete thickness must be at least 3 times the fastener penetration.
Indirect-acting type tools work by expanding gases that act directly
on a piston which drives the piston forward to strike the fastener.
➋ Piston drives
forward
➊ Powder load
releases energy
installs into concrete,
Power fastener
cement block or steel!
➌
The PT-27 and PT-25S are indirect-acting type tools.
DIRECT-ACTING TYPE TOOL
Direct-acting type tools work by expanding gases that act directly on
the fastener without the use of a piston. Direct-acting tools are no
longer manufactured in North America and are regarded as far less
safe to operate than indirect-acting tools.
CAUTION: Powder actuated tools are capable of fastening into concrete
and/or steel. The fastener enters the work surface with an extreme amount of
energy. Make certain not to misdirect the energy.
SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU!
As the powder actuated tool operator, your safety and the safety of those
around you should always be kept in mind. Consider that the least powerful load used in powder actuated tools produce approximately 10 times the
power of a .22 caliber long rifle cartridge. Respect this power as you would
a chain saw, a lawn mower, or a rifle.