PT-22GS Powder Actuated Tool
IMPORTANT
Never use this powder actuated tool without first reading and understanding the information in this manual. 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. You must understand ALL operating principles, safety features
and fastening limitations of this tool in order to use it without risk of serious injury or death to yourself or bystanders.
Simpson Strong-Tie disclaims any responsibility for incidents resulting from the disregard of these instructions
and warnings.
Once you have read and understood the entire manual, you must then pass a certification test administered by an
authorized Simpson Strong-Tie representative or taken on the Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems website
(www.simpsonanchors.com).
Always observe the safety precautions in this manual.
If at any time during the operation of the tool you feel as if it is not functioning properly, or if you are confused in any
way by these instructions, STOP using the tool and call your Simpson Strong-Tie representative or call Simpson directly
at 800-999-5099.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Simpson Strong-Tie PT-22GS is referred to as a powder actuated tool because it utilizes a powder load (similar to
a firearm, but NOT interchangeable) to drive the fastener through the object to be fastened and into the base material. The
PT-22GS is a low velocity, indirect acting tool. The tool is discharged by actuating the firing pin which discharges the powder
load. The expanding gases from the discharged powder load drive a captive piston which then forces the fastener into the
work. The PT-22GS is capable of fastening into concrete and steel. The fastener enters the base material with an extreme
amount of energy. Do not direct this energy towards yourself or others.
PRE-USE INSPECTION BEFORE LOADING AND FIRING
ALWAYS pick up a powder actuated tool as if it is loaded. Always point the tool away from yourself and others.
Immediately open the tool to make sure that it is unloaded.
ALWAYS inspect the tool to make sure that it is clean and in good working order before use. Make sure that the barrel
is free from obstructions.
BEFORE loading the tool, operate it a few times on a solid surface, making sure all parts are moving freely.
ALWAYS check the barrel to make sure that you do not double-load two fasteners into the tool at one time.
ALWAYS insert the fastener into the barrel of the tool first, and then insert the powder load. This will prevent misfire
of the fastener during loading.
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LIMITED WARRANTY
Simpson Strong-Tie Co. 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 90 days from purchase. Purchaser's sole remedy is replacement upon return to Simpson within 90 days
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.
BASE MATERIAL SUITABILITY
The term base material refers to the material to be fastened into. This can either be concrete or steel. It does not refer to the
material you are fastening through to fix it to the base material (e.g. wood, thin steel, etc.). Not all base materials are suitable
for powder actuated fastening. Some base materials are too hard, may shatter or may allow the fastener to pass completely
through and fly freely, possibly causing serious injury or death.
BEFORE fastening into a base material whose properties are questionable or unknown, conduct the Center Punch Test to
determine suitability.
CENTER PUNCH TEST: This test is used to determine the suitability of a specific base material for powder actuated fasten-
ing. The test is performed by using a hammer to test drive the fastener to be used into the base material in question. Strike
the fastener with a solid blow.
If the fastener point penetrates easily or passes through the base material, the material in question is too soft. The fastener
can pass completely through and strike someone causing serious injury or death.
If the point of the fastener becomes blunt, the base material is too hard. The fastener can ricochet and strike you or a
bystander causing serious injury or death.
If the base material cracks or shatters it is too brittle. The fastener can ricochet and strike you or a bystander causing seri-
ous injury or death. In addition, shattered debris may strike you or a bystander causing serious injury or death.
The point of the fastener should make an indentation in the base material without blunting the tip of the fastener.
If the Center Punch Test shows the base material to be unsuitable, do not fasten into it using the PT-22GS or any
other powder actuated tool. Doing so can cause serious injury or death.
NEVER fasten into concrete that is less than 3 times the shank penetration of the fastener. NEVER fasten into steel that is
thinner than the shank diameter of the fastener being used. Fastening into a base material that is too thin can allow the
fastener to pass completely through the material and fly freely, causing serious injury or death.
NEVER fasten into material that is too brittle such as glass, tile, brick or cast iron because they can shatter, causing sharp
fragments and the fastener to fly freely, causing serious injury or death.
NEVER attempt to fasten into soft material like wood or drywall. Fastening into a base material that is too soft can allow
the fastener to pass completely through the material and fly freely, causing serious injury or death. Fastening through soft
materials into an appropriate base material may be allowed if the application is appropriate.
Do not use powder actuated tools to fasten into the following materials:
– Vertical mortar joints between brick or block – Hardened or tool grade steel
– Brick – Spring steel
– Hollow block or clay tile – Cast Iron
– Glazed tile – Welded areas or torch cuts
– Glass – Natural rock
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GENERAL SAFETY
ALWAYS point the tool away from yourself and others.• ALWAYS post warning signs when powder actuated
tools are in use. Signs should state “Powder Actuated
Tool in Use” and should be posted within 50 feet of the
area where the tool is being used.
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NEVER place your hand or any other part of your body
over the muzzle of the tool. The fastener or piston
can cause serious injury or death in the event of an
accidental discharge.
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ALWAYS wear eye, ear and head protection.•
ALWAYS make sure that the area is free of bystanders
before operating a powder actuated tool.
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Unfired powder loads must never be thrown into trash
receptacles or disposed of carelessly in any way.
Remove the unfired powder load and place it in a
container of water, then safely dispose of.
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ALWAYS store and transport powder actuated tools
unloaded. Tools and powder loads should be stored in
a locked container out of the reach of children.
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NEVER transport fasteners or other hard objects in the
same pocket or container with powder loads. These
objects may strike the powder loads, thereby setting
them off and causing serious injury or death.
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NEVER drink alcoholic beverages or take medications
that can impair your vision, balance or judgement
before operating a powder actuated tool.
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NEVER attempt to bypass or circumvent any of the
safety features on a powder actuated tool.
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NEVER load or fire the tool in an explosive
atmosphere (e.g. gas is present) or when
flammable materials are nearby.
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