Abstract: A building strut is formed as a cylinder having a plurality of contiguous sidewalls. Opposing terminal ends of the sidewalls define the ends of the cylinder. One or more of the sidewall ends are formed as a coiled spiral. These spirals may be formed within one of the ends of the cylinder or lateral to the cylinder's end and thus provide extreme strength to the end of the cylinder. The ends of the sidewalls that are not coiled may terminate adjacent to the coiled sidewall or may extend axially beyond it, and they may be separated to form independent ears, or they may maintain their mutual integrity. If the ears are separate, they may be bent outwardly lateral to the cylinder, or at an angle to it, to facilitate joining to other structural members.

Abstract: A building strut is formed as a cylinder having a plurality of contiguous sidewalls. Opposing terminal ends of the sidewalls define the ends of the cylinder. One or more of the sidewall ends are formed as a coiled spiral. These spirals may be formed within one of the ends of the cylinder or lateral to the cylinder's end and thus provide extreme strength to the end of the cylinder. The ends of the sidewalls that are not coiled may terminate adjacent to the coiled sidewall or may extend axially beyond it, and they may be separated to form independent ears, or they may maintain their mutual integrity. If the ears are separate, they may be bent outwardly lateral to the cylinder, or at an angle to it, to facilitate joining to other structural members.

Abstract: A strut apparatus for constructive use in the building framing arts is comprised of an elongate sheet-metal first cylinder, open at each of its ends, one of the ends providing a pair of integral ears. An elongate sheet-metal second cylinder is also open at each of its ends, and also provides attachment ears. The first and second cylinders are adapted by size and shape for tight sliding mutual engagement in a coaxial, linearly extensible, relationship with the ears of each of the cylinders extending in opposite directions.

Abstract: A building strut of rectangular cylindrical construction has four contiguous, axially directed side walls. A terminal end of one or two of the four side walls is rolled into a coiled, retracted position, exposing interior surfaces of the remaining adjacent side wall terminal ends. These remaining terminal ends of the building strut are then be formed into jogged-out positions for receiving a second building strut in permanent engagement medially or at its end.

Abstract: A sheet metal cutting and forming tool is used in preparing the ends of square sheet metal tubes used in building construction as framing struts and studs. The tool receives a tube end axially wherein four cutting edges sever the tube at its four corners. Two opposing curved surfaces force two corresponding opposing sides of the tubing to roll up inside the tube, while two alternate curved surfaces force the alternate corresponding opposing sides to move outwardly into slots or onto laterally oriented guide surfaces. The resultant tube end provides opposing and axially or laterally extending sides spaced apart for receiving a second tube of the same size wherein the alternate sides may be fastened to the second tube sidewall while the rolled-up ends provide great rigidity, or alternately the lateral tube ends are easily fastened to a wall or similar surface.

Abstract: A plurality of roof panels are used for covering a pitched roof. The roof panels are of a structural sheet metal, positioned and laid over the roof and provide a series of spaced apart longitudinal stiffening steps separated by at least one flat surface portion adapted for abutting the roof for enablement of attachment thereto. The top edge of each panel is convex and coved for use in covering a peak of the roof. A step is provided near the bottom edge of each panel for covering the covered top edge of a further one of the panels laid below it.