Pipe against the ceiling or suspended?

[rlmaier]

To all,

I've finally ready to run my ducting. First question that I have not seen asnwered here is - what does the forum recommend - should the pipe be pulled up tight to the ceiling (if you can) or is it better to leave it suspended from the ceiling? Currently, I'm leaning on stapling (using electrical 5/8" staples) the cable tie to the ceiling and pulling the pipe up tight. Will an electrical staple hold the pipe? How often should I plan on placing the ties? Has anyone experience excessive vibration across the ceiling when the pipe is tight and the collector is pulling dust? If so, maybe its better to suspend the pipe? I am very interested to hear the forum's recommendations.

Thanks in advance,

Reid

[Jim O'Dell]

I have mine suspended using the heavy rubber bungee cords. Part is above the ceiling joists, part is below (I built a channel so that the pipe is visable from the floor). I was rearranging one section where I need to extend it further yesterday, and had the cyclone running while I cut a section to length (took 3 cuts to get it right:o) and as I was fitting the pipe, I had it against this channel and no vibrations at all, so I think either way would be fine.
Not sure the staples would work though. I'd use something like the perforated pipe strap, and put a screw through a hole in the strap, and then into a joist. Something that would grip better and not pull out, as easily as a staple could. Jim.

[rlmaier]

Ok - thanks Jim. I'm sure you are correct in that a staple might in the long run pull out. It would be much better to use a screw or two into the joists.

Have you ever seen or heard if these (http://www.nelcoproducts.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?pid=143&cid=46) would work?

Thanks,

Reid

[McRabbet]

I've had good success using the perforated metal strapping that plumbers use to hang pipe and secure them to joists using a drywall screw with a washer. They work well. I've also seen many people make a yoke from plywood (they look like a scale-up version of wooden curtain rod brackets) that can be screwed into a stud on a side wall and then use a piece of strap to hold the duct in place. A similar style can be used for drop runs down a wall.

[Matt]

I Second McRabbets and jim's method as that is what i have done in my shop it is cheap, fast, and pulls up to the ceiling nicely (if you want that) and if the wall stud and ceiling joist don't line up you can easily connect those also. Not sure how everyone else feels about having the pipe mounted rigid to the building but personally I can't tell a difference. (My Shop is not connected to my living space nor do I have a wife that would be in that living space if i had one connected) Last part is for reference purposes only!!:eek:

Matt

[Jim O'Dell]

Ok - thanks Jim. I'm sure you are correct in that a staple might in the long run pull out. It would be much better to use a screw or two into the joists.

Have you ever seen or heard if these (http://www.nelcoproducts.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?pid=143&cid=46) would work?

Thanks,

Reid

Yes, Reid, I have seen those and they are pretty slick. I considered using them for something, but can't for the life of me remember what at this point. Wasn't the ducting. They also make a wire tie that has a screw hole mount built in to it. I've used those before, and have run out of my stash from my car stereo installation days back in the '80s. I put cup hooks at the eaves around the previous house, then used these wire ties on the Christmas lights. Hook on to the cup hooks and they were up. Easy up, easy down, and it was all there for the following year. Made that chore a lot easier. ;) Jim.