Abstract: An anchor stud includes a stud portion including a body portion having a first end that extends to a second end though an intermediate portion. A wedge member is operatively coupled to the second end of the stud portion. The wedge member includes a body having a generally frustoconical profile and is formed from a material having a Vickers hardness greater than about 220 HV. A sleeve element is positioned on the stud portion at the second end adjacent the wedge member. The sleeve element is formed from a material having a Vickers hardness greater than about 220 HV.

Abstract: A washer for a fastener system includes a washer body and a through opening in the washer body configured to allow passage of a fastener tip therethrough. A retention feature is operably connected to the washer body and configured to retain the washer to an inner surface of a setting tool barrel. A method for securing a fastener to a workpiece includes retaining a washer to an inner surface of a barrel of a setting tool and discharging a fastener from the setting tool. A tip of the fastener extends through a through opening in the washer into the workpiece. A head of the fastener is urged into contact with the washer thereby releasing the washer from the setting tool.

Abstract: A carrier strip system includes a plurality of discrete carrier strips respectively receptive of fasteners of substantially different dimensions the strips having internal features configured to engage the fasteners, the strips further having substantially identical external dimensions said external dimensions being substantially symmetrical with respect to a virtual surface defined by inclusion of axes of the plurality of discrete fasteners, and the external dimensions being engagable with a single setting tool magazine such that fasteners with different dimensions have consistent alignment within a single setting tool magazine and method.

Abstract: A carrier strip system includes a plurality of discrete carrier strips respectively receptive of fasteners of substantially different dimensions the strips having internal features configured to engage the fasteners, the strips further having substantially identical external dimensions said external dimensions being substantially symmetrical with respect to a virtual surface defined by inclusion of axes of the plurality of discrete fasteners, and the external dimensions being engagable with a single setting tool magazine such that fasteners with different dimensions have consistent alignment within a single setting tool magazine and method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a powder actuated setting tool piston retainer arrangement which includes a housing and firing mechanism and a piston having a piston retaining ring in operable communication with the housing and firing mechanism. Further the arrangement includes a barrel within which the piston is slidably disposable. A cantilevered retainer is disposed at the barrel, the retainer being pivotally articulated with the barrel such that the retaining ring is contactable thereby to retain the piston in a selected position. Further disclosed herein is a method for retaining a piston of a powder actuated setting tool in position. The method includes urging a cantilevered retainer radially inwardly of a barrel of the setting tool for the purpose of contacting a retaining ring of the piston of the setting tool. Such contact frictionally retains the piston in a selected position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that relates to resetting and firing a powder actuated setting tool. The method includes resetting the tool by torsionally urging a portion of a firing pin into axial alignment with a finger of a barrel of the tool and compressing the barrel of the tool toward a housing of the tool. The resetting further includes the finger urging the portion of the firing pin to a ready position in response to the compression of the barrel. The method further includes firing the tool by rotating a rotator and the firing pin to a position where the portion of the firing pin is unsupported by the finger.

Abstract: A nail holder strip, having a plurality of nail holders including a support base, for holding and supporting a nail, and a passage in the support base for receiving the nail. Additionally, each of the nail holders includes a stiffening stem positioned adjacent to the passage and to the support base, so as to provide additional rigidity to the strip. The plurality of nail holders are releasably attached to form the nail holder strip.

Abstract: A cutting insert for fasteners having a shape with an outline conforming to at least a portion of a contour of a cross-section of on end of on fastener. The insert being made of a material sufficiently strong to provide for self-tapping in application of the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel screw for use with dry wall and for hanging articles therefrom. This invention provides a screw with a head adapted for engagement with a driving tool, a shank whose diameter decreases from the head to a distal end, and a helical thread with a pitch diameter of at least about twice the largest minimum diameter of the shank. The thread including a geometry of an auger.