Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trakloc®?
Trakloc® is a patent pending steel framing system that increases productivity and reduces labor cost.
This system allows the stud to lock into the track, thus minimizing mechanical fasteners. Additionally, this system has a telescopic stud which compensates for irregularities or undulations in floor-to-ceiling heights, thus minimizing measuring and cutting in the field.
Is Trakloc® approved in my area?
Trakloc® has obtained an ICC approval (Report Number ESR-1464) covering our mechanical or “screw-less” connection technology and telescoping adjustability. Trakloc® has also attained a 1-hour fire approval rating under Intertek Testing Service Design # NBW-350, and complies with fire resistant rating ANSI/UL 263: Design numbers U419, U463, U411, U412, and U403. Trakloc® also complies with ASTM A653 (material classification) and ASTM A645 (galvanized protection). Trakloc® has furthermore obtained specific approvals from the following state and local governments (copies of written approvals available upon request):
City of Los Angeles (Research Report #26628
City of New York Department of Buildings
City of Miami
State of Georgia Office of the State Safety Fire Commissioner
State of Connecticut
Approval for HEAD-OF-WALL!
Most recently, Trakloc® has obtained three head-of-wall design listings under ASTM 1966-01 with Intertek Testing Service (Design listings CEJ 480 H, CEJ 481 H, and CEJ 482 H) which stipulate that Trakloc® provides normal deflection in nonbearing walls without the need for deep-leg or costly slotted track. By incorporating a slot into our telescopic member below the track lip, the Trakloc® stud is approved to provide this deflection with only our standard track, resulting in savings in both time and materials.
How much does Trakloc® cost compared to conventional studs?
Trakloc® is competitively priced on an installed cost basis, even when selling at a premium over commodity studs. Resulting installed cost savings of up to 25% have been reported by contractors, depending on the type and complexity of the project as well as prevailing labor rates.
What are the available Trakloc® sizes and gauges?
Currently approved sizes include 18 mil through 30 mil stud and track. Widths are 2-1/2”, 3-5/8”, and 6”. 6” stud and track are only in 30 mil.
What is the minimum overlap on a telescopic assembly?
This varies from 4” to 12”, depending on stud size, gauge, length and spacing. The proper overlap length will be calculated at point of manufacture using ICC approved guidelines.
What happens if you have to cut the swage off the stud?
Because of the longer flange on the Trakloc® track, you can screw the cut stud to the Trakloc® track.
Is installation of Trakloc® track any different than conventional track?
Trakloc® is installed in the same manner as conventional track. The same fasteners and tools are utilized. Trakloc® track can be miter cut, and/or can either be butted together at inside/outside corners or slip cut. Framers will most often want to re-think their crew scheduling in order to realize maximum savings in installed costs given the shorter time required to frame in studs and header openings compared to traditional framing. Installation of the Trakloc® track is identical to conventional track in terms of time.
Can I install a Trakloc® stud anywhere along the Trakloc® track?
Yes, based on the patented design, the Trakloc® stud can be inserted anywhere along the length of the Trakloc® track.
Can Trakloc® be used in load bearing walls?
No, the Trakloc® system is approved for non-load bearing walls only.
What do I do if a plumber or electrician moves the Trakloc® stud off layout?
If the Trakloc® stud is moved off layout for whatever reason, the stud can be slid back into place. The dimpling in the center of the track minimizes unwanted movement, however. Drywallers have commented that they find the ability of the stud to be moved slightly to adjust for off-layout stud spacing to be a plus.
What is the maximum length of Trakloc® studs?
This depends on the gauge and size. Refer to the Trakloc® Limiting Wall Height Tables in the Spec Sheet. ICC approved height limits conform closely to those for commodity steel framing.
Are all Trakloc® studs telescopic?
No, Trakloc® studs are available in fixed lengths as short as 12” and as long as you need them to be, however most framers prefer the flexibility and adjustability afforded by the telescoping product.
Do Trakloc® studs have service holes?
Yes, all Trakloc® studs come with 4" x 1 1/2" service holes on 24” centers, starting 12” from the bottom. These can be tailored to the customer’s needs.
Can Trakloc® be ordered in custom lengths?
Yes, Trakloc® can be ordered in adjustable lengths as short as 14” for header and soffit framing needs.
How long has Trakloc® been in use?
Trakloc® was first used in Australia (where it was invented). ICC approval was obtained in May of 2005, and commercial shipments of the product in the US began at that time.
How do I cut Trakloc® studs and track?
The design of Trakloc® is to eliminate the need to cut studs. However, if you need to cut the stud or track, standard steel framing tools should be utilized. Just remember to never cut the swaged end of a stud. Simply slide out the telescopic insert, cut the stud to the desired length, then “snap” the telescopic insert back into the resulting stud end.
Additional Trakloc® Benefits:
A Trakloc® wall can be assembled on the floor & raised as a unit (similar to residential wood framing).
Stud assemblies and header clips are available in pre-cut lengths as short as 12” to be used as “cripples” in header and soffit framing, allowing headers to be framed with no more than one cut and four screws, and complete soffit units to be assembled with at most four cuts and eight screws (demonstration video of this detail is available).
A Trakloc® stud assembly can be manufactured in custom, compressed lengths to accommodate handling in freight elevators. The studs can then be extended to their finished length once in the unit, thereby eliminating the costly need to splice studs together to obtain taller wall heights.
Trakloc® can reduce installation man-hours up to 50% for the framing contractor, and reduces build out time for the building owner/developer. This decreases interest expense on construction loans and allows for faster occupancy.
When screws are suggested (such as in jambs, headers and soffits), they are installed in the recess groove of the track, eliminating the “bump” in the drywall. This is especially beneficial around door and window headers.
The grooves on the vertical face of the Trakloc® studs help the tip of the screw “bite” into the stud.
By allowing screws to be inserted into these track grooves, the framer is able to shoot the screw in at a 45 degree angle to the wall instead of at a 90 degree angle as is the case with conventional framing. While this might not sound like a big deal, it greatly reduces the amount of bending from the knees and waist. This is seen by trade schools and apprenticeship programs as significant factors in reducing risks of knee and back strains and injuries.
Product Nomenclature:
Trakloc’s® newly implemented product codes conform to the standards and recommendations put forth by the AISI, and are consistent with those employed by SSMA member companies with the exception that Trakloc® adds two additional letters to our product codes to distinguish them as unique to Trakloc®. Following are Trakloc’s product codes for the most common sizes:
Trakloc® Product Code Description
Adjustable Studs
250TSA125-18 2-1/2”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 18 mil
250TSA125-30 2-1/2”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 30 mil
250TSD125-18 2-1/2”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 18 mil, with deflection
250TSD125-30 2-1/2”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 30 mil, with deflection
362TSA125-18 3-5/8”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 18 mil
362TSA125-30 3-5/8”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 30 mil
362TSD125-25 3-5/8”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 18 ml, with deflection
362TSD125-30 3-5/8”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 30 mil, with deflection
600TSA125-30 6”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 30 mil
600TSD125-30 6”, 2-piece stud assembly, 1-1/4” flange, 30 mil. with deflection
Fixed Length Studs
250TSF125-18 2-1/2”, 1-piece fixed length stud, 1-1/4” flange, 18 mil
250TDF125-30 2-1/2”, 1-piece fixed length stud, 1-1/4” flange, 30 mil
362TSF125-18 3-5/8”, 1-piece fixed length stud, 1-1/4” flange, 18 mil
362TSF125-30 3-5/8”, 1-piece fixed length stud, 1-1/4” flange, 30 mil
600TSF125-30 6”, 1-piece fixed length stud, 1-1/4” flange, 30 mil
Standard Track
250TTS137-18 2-1/2” standard track, 1-3/8” flange, 18 mil
250TTS137-30 2-1/2” standard track, 1-3/8” flange, 30 mil
362TTS137-18 3-5/8” standard track, 1-3/8” flange, 18 mil
362TTS137-30 3-5/8” standard track, 1-3/8” flange, 30 mil
600TTS137-30 6” standard track, 1-3/8” flange, 30 mil
Header Clips
250TSE125-18 x 12” 2-1/2”, 1-piece, pre-cut header clip, 18 mil
250TSE125-30 x 12” 2-1/2”, 1-piece, pre-cut header clip, 30 mil
362TSE125-18 x 12” 3-5/8”, 1-piece, pre-curt header clip, 18 mil
362TSE125-30 x 12” 3-5/8”, 1-piece, pre-cut header clip, 30 mil
600TSE125-30 x 12” 6”, 1-piece, pre-cut header clip, 30 mil
Detail Notes
Product nomenclature shown above differs from what is shown on Trakloc’s® ICC approval report. These new product codes have recently been implemented in order to conform to the recommended standards as set forth by the AISI, and do not reflect any change in specification or dimension of our products. These new product codes will be included in the renewal of our ICC ESR report when it comes due.
Standard track length is 10 foot, but is available in custom lengths, as well as header kit lengths for standard door openings, thereby further minimizing field cutting.