Stud stabilizer device and method

Abstract

A device for securing a metal stud into the metal track of a framing system includes a first lever arm with a handle portion at one end and an endplate at the other end. A second lever arm features a handle portion at one end and a pair of cutting plates at the other end. The cutting plates are spaced so that the endplate may be received there between. Each cutting plate features a cutting surface. The flange of a track is received between each cutting surface and the endplate so that a pair of cuts are formed therein when the handle portions of the device are moved towards one another. The cutting plates also deflect or crimp the flange on opposite sides of the pair of cuts so that the stud may be received there between.

1 . A device for cutting and crimping a flange of a track in a metal track and stud system comprising: 
 a) a first lever arm having a first handle portion and a first working end;    b) a second lever arm having a second handle portion and a second working end;    c) an endplate attached to the first working end of the first lever arm;    d) a pair of cutting plates attached to the second working end of the second lever arm, each of said cutting plates having a cutting edge;    e) a pivot mechanism joining the first lever arm to the second lever arm;    f) said cutting plates spaced so that said endplate is received there between when the first and second handle portions are moved towards one another;    whereby said cutting edges and said endplate are adapted to engage the flange of the track positioned there between when the handle portions are moved towards one another so that a pair of spaced cuts are formed in the flange and portions of the track flange on opposite sides of the pair of cuts are deflected so that a stud may be received there between.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a spring positioned between the first lever arm and the second lever arm and urging the first and second handle portions away from one another.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the spring is a compression spring.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the pivot mechanism includes a pin.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein the pivot mechanism includes a gooseneck positioned on the first lever arm and a spring having a first end engaging the gooseneck and a second end engaging the second lever arm so that the first and second handle portions are urged away from one another.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the spring is a compression spring.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a stop positioned on the endplate, said stop adapted to limit the travel of the flange of the track between the cutting edges and the endplate.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the stop is a notch.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said first lever arm and said second lever arm are constructed from steel.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said first lever arm and said endplate are secured together by a fastener.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said second lever arm and said cutting plates are secured together by fastneners.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a bracket mounted to the second working end of said second lever arm and said cutting plates are mounted to opposing ends of said bracket.  
   
   
       13 . A method for cutting and crimping a flange of a track in a metal track and stud system comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing a cutting and crimping device featuring a first lever arm having a first handle portion at one end and an endplate at the other end, said first lever arm pivotally connected to a second lever arm having a second handle portion on one end and a pair of spaced cutting plates having cutting edges thereon at the other end;    b) positioning the flange between the endplate and the cutting edges of the device;    c) moving the first and second handle portions of the device towards one another;    d) cutting the flange with the cutting edges and the endplate of the device so that a pair of spaced cuts are formed therein; and    e) deflecting portions of the track flange on opposite sides of the pair of cuts with the cutting plates of the device.    
   
   
       14 . A method for securing a stud in the track of a metal track and stud system comprising the steps of: 
 a) cutting a first flange of the track so that a pair of spaced cuts are formed therein;    b) deflecting portions of the first flange on opposite sides of the pair of cuts;    c) repeating steps a) and b) for a second flange of the track opposing the first flange; and    d) positioning the stud between the deflected portions of the first and second flange.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the stud is also constructed of metal.