Framing basement w/ metal studs?

[RatLabGuy]

dumpster behind my lab magically appeared w/ about 60-100 steel studs in it. Conveniently, I'm getting ready to starting framing in part of my basement...

I've never worked w/ metal studs, plenty w/ wood.
What are the downsides to this? Ar ethey a pain to work with? Could save me a couple hundred $$, but if there are some things that will be a PITA later it may not be worth it...?

 

[OH9JK]

Nice find!!

Fairly easy to work with and I actually prefer them over wood for most applications.

You just need a fiber blade to cut them to length. Everything goes together with screws and they will not rust, burn, rot, split, mold, warp and are impervious to insects. They are also pre-punched for running electrical and plumbing lines.

Down side is they are for non-load bearing walls only. Also they can be razor sharp so make sure you have gloves on when handling.

 

[GotWood]

And good luck hanging a pic or tv or anything on a stud. They are mainly used in commercial property b/c they are a fire stop with the sheetrock.

 

[JMOliver]

They make wall-dogs. You screw them into the sheetrock and can hold a load ( Like a picture or shelf ). Just saying id go for it.

 

[OH9JK]

In my industry (commercial modular furniture and equipment) we use Hilti Togglers all day long. You will tear the sheet rock off the wall before the anchor will fail! Load is something like 235 lbs each.

 

[kaiser715]

x2 on the togglers...great stuff