Drywall crab: types, methods of fastening, application

Modern construction is impossible to imagine without the use of drywall. This material is great for leveling surfaces, for creating interiors and many finishing work. To fix drywall on a wall, ceiling or other surface, you need special fasteners, one of which is a drywall crab.

Crab device

A crab is a cross-shaped element for the manufacture of which galvanized metal with a thickness of up to 1 mm is used. Each product has bent curly legs with bends that allow you to snap the connector on the metal profile. Additional tabs with holes make it possible to connect the crab to the slats using self-tapping screws. Each product has five holes on the main plane, allowing it to be mounted on a bearing surface.

Why do I need a cross-shaped connector

Crabs-connectors for drywall allow you to connect the transverse slats of the frame in one plane. Most often, products find application when long longitudinal load-bearing elements require the addition of cross members. To do this, the device is put on a longitudinal element, snapped onto it, and cross members are inserted into the side parts.

The crab connector can withstand loads of up to 20 kg. With a greater load, additional fixation is performed with self-tapping screws through holes on additional legs.

Experts recommend additionally fixing each connector, as this increases the strength of the structure several times with a minimum amount of time spent.

In some cases, the device can be used to longitudinally connect the profile strips. Crabs have a lower price than special connectors, while the reliability of the dock is also high.

Varieties of crab

For fixing drywall, two types of connectors are used:

• Single-level crabs are used to connect profiles located at the same level, perpendicular to each other. The thickness of such an element does not exceed 0.06 mm; snapping in is performed directly on the profile. At high load, the product is additionally fixed with self-tapping screws.
• Two-level connector crabs are used to fix the racks, which are also located at an angle of 90 °, but at different levels. The fastening of such a product is performed on both sides using self-tapping screws.

Where are the Crabs Connectors

The crab is used to connect profiles, so the scope of the element is quite wide:

• With its help, elements of a suspended ceiling are connected.
• The product allows you to align drywall frame.
• The fixture is widely used to create partitions.
• With its help, you can create various metal structures.

Item selection

The main criterion when choosing crabs-connectors for drywall is the quality of the material, so you should pay attention to the following points:

• The presence of burrs. This defect is characteristic of poor quality products. When using such connectors, there is a risk of injury. In addition, burrs indicate the use of low-grade material for the manufacture of the element, casting doubt on the strength characteristics of the connector.
• Rust on the surface. A defect of this nature occurs in case of violation of the manufacturing process or as a result of improper storage in warehouses.

In addition, the fixation of the figured petals on the profile should be clear, and the petals for additional fixation should be bent without difficulty.

Connector location on frame

Very often, cruciform connectors are used in the installation of suspended ceiling structures made of drywall in large areas. For the manufacture of the frame using the main profile and cross members. In this case, the crab connects metal profilesgiving the frame strength and reliability.

Important! The correct location of the crab-connector will ensure the strength of the connection, therefore, it is necessary to accurately determine its location. A small number of cross-shaped connectors over a large area can lead to a weakening of the frame.

Crab Mount

Reliability of the connection largely depends on the correct installation of the connecting element, so it is important to adhere to certain instructions:

• The product is taken so that the antennae are pointing down.
• Put it on the profile from above and snap it with little effort.

• The antennae are bent from four sides and attached to the metal profile using self-tapping screws.
• Installation of jumpers can only be done after the element is completely fixed on the main plane.
• Fasten the connectors best with the help of special screws, which are called bugs.

The use of crabs for connecting profiles for drywall allows not only to increase the strength and reliability of the structure, but also significantly reduce the time spent on its installation.