Contractor Buyer's Guide

Pre-Tied Ceiling Grid Wire Selection Guide

A practical guide for selecting the correct ceiling wire assembly for concrete, structural steel and suspended ceiling applications.

Introduction

One of the most common tasks when installing suspended ceilings, electrical systems, and low-voltage cabling is fastening ceiling support wire to a concrete deck. Whether you're using a powder-actuated tool, battery-powered concrete nailer, gas fastening tool, or mechanical anchor, selecting the proper pre-tied wire assembly can make the job faster, easier, and more reliable.

While tying your own ceiling clips is always an option, many contractors choose pre-tied assemblies because they reduce installation time, improve consistency, and eliminate the hassle of assembling clips in the field.

Powder Actuated Tool Pre-Tied Wires

Powder-actuated fastening tools remain one of the fastest methods for attaching ceiling wire to concrete. Popular tools include the Ramset Viper, Hilti DX Series, and similar systems. Premium Top Hat pins offer thicker shanks and better penetration and built in rivet or top hat can help stabilize pin on install often improving stick rate. If your job requires a ceiling clip made in the USA, consider the Ramset SDC or the SPC series pin and clip. If your stick rate is unacceptable, you may want to consider the Nitroset system. We have had great success in challenging concrete.

Battery Powered Concrete Nailer Pre-Tied Wires

Hilti and DeWalt battery nailers use proprietary clip and pin systems. Always choose assemblies designed specifically for your tool. These clips have no pins, pins are sold separately and are available in different lengths for uses in different types of base materials. These pins are for use only in their respective battery concrete nailer tools. Not designed for use in any other direct fastening tools.

Gas Powered Fastening Tools

Gas fastening tools from Ramset, Hilti, DeWalt and Simpson Strong-Tie each require the correct clip and pin combination. These are for use in single shot gas tools like the Ramset T4SS, Ramset T3SS and the Simpson G-3 (the Simpson G-3 is a multi purpose tool. I converts to be a single shot or a magazine tool. For these pre tied wires, you would set the tool up for single shot use.) These pin clip pre tied wires are designed specifically for these gas tool and not recommended in powder actuated tools.

Nitroset System

The Nitroset is a solid propellant system that is different than any other direct fastening tools. The Nitroset ceiling clip has the propellant built on to the nail in the clip. This systems is especially affective in old hard or brittle concrete. They are used by acoustical ceiling contractors, low voltage contractors and electricians. These clips are not compatible with any other direct fastening system.

Bare Ceiling Clips

Bare clips allow you to choose the fastener on-site for steel, wood or concrete applications. For concrete, a simple Tapcon type concrete screw will work, a 1-1/4" length is recommended. If you are fastening to a metal roof deck, a #12 x 3/4" self drilling screw will work well. If you have to go through some fire proofing or a layer of drywall, you can go longer. For wood, you could use a standard wood screw or a construction screw with the torx head washer head drive works well. A coarse sheet metal screw could also do the trick. Plaster and lathe ceilings can be handled with a toggle bolt.

Eye Wedge Anchors

Eye wedge anchors provide a dependable mechanical alternative when direct fastening isn't permitted. Drill a 1/4" hole, insert the anchor, tap into place, and attach the ceiling wire. They offer more holding power than direct fastening options and you never have a blow out like you can experience with direct fastening. This can make them a nice choice when installing lighting or data cable runs from a exposed concrete deck, especially if it is painted. These offer an advantage over a bare clip with a concrete screw as you only have one piece of hardware. These can actually be installed from the floor in some instances using an overhead drill machine.

Bar Joist & Purlin Clip Wires

Not every installation involves fastening into concrete. A variety of pre-tied hammer-on clips and bar joist clips are available for bar joists, C and Z purlins, and I-beams. Many can be installed with a pole tool, making them especially useful when ceiling tile is already installed and access to the structural steel is limited. To install with a pole tool, you need to buy an install head which can be mounted to a 1/2" EMT pipe with a connector or use a telescopic pole like the Lagmaster Plus.

Wire Length And Shipping Considerations

The most common lengths of pre tied wire are 4', 6' and 8'. All wires are measured before tying so they are approximately 4" shorter when tied. 4' and 6' lengths can be shipped via UPS whereas 8' wires must go via truck. For that reason, a minimum order of 2,000 pieces is required when ordering 8' wires. We can mix and match wires at that point for you please email us at [email protected] with you quantities and shipping address. You must have a dock or the ability to receive truck deliveries. Extra charges will apply if a lift gate is required.

Quick Selection Guide

Tool / Application	Recommended Product
Powder Actuated	SC Series Premium Top Hat Assembly
DeWalt Battery	DeWalt Specific Assembly
Hilti Battery	Hilti Specific Assembly
Nitroset	Nitroset Assembly
Structural Steel	Bar Joist / Hammer-On Clip
Unknown Surface	Bare Ceiling Clip
No Direct Fastening	Eye Wedge Anchor

Need Help Choosing?

Whether you're fastening into concrete, structural steel, or wood, we're happy to help you select the right ceiling wire assembly for your application.