Steel universal columns play an important role in providing structural support to many buildings and are incredibly popular among contractors and architects alike because of their high load bearing capacity and other benefits. However, because they often come in standardised sizes, they may not always be a perfect fit for every project in their raw form. As such, cutting and drilling can sometimes be necessary to ensure that a universal column can be properly integrated into a building’s design. In this post, we take a closer look at some important considerations you should bear in mind when cutting or drilling universal columns.
Key Considerations Before Cutting and Drilling
Some key considerations that you should definitely bear in mind before cutting or drilling universal columns include:
Steel Grade and Thickness
Depending on the grade and thickness of the steel that you’re working with, you may need to use specialised tools or equipment to cut or drill through the steel safely. Thicker or higher grade steel may be challenging to cut or drill through using standard metalworking tools and industrial machinery may be needed to achieve the desired results.
Structural Requirements
When cutting or drilling steel, it is also crucial to bear the structural requirements of the steel in mind. This is to ensure that any modifications made to the steel do not weaken it or compromise its load bearing capacity, which may affect the structural integrity of the entire structure altogether.
Safety Tips for Cutting and Drilling
At the same time, to ensure your safety and the safety of other on the worksite, you should also take appropriate safety measures when cutting or drilling universal columns. These can include:
- Wearing PPE: Whenever working with steel fabrication tools, it is important to ensure that you are wearing suitable personal protective equipment. Equipment such as safety goggles, face shields, steel toed boots and hearing protection can help to keep you safe well protected from any flying debris or sparks.
- Securing the Column: Before starting any cutting or drilling works, you should also ensure that the column is properly secured using a clamp to prevent it from moving around and accidentally injuring you or someone around you during the cutting or drilling process.
- Maintaining Good Ventilation: Cutting or drilling steel can create a lot of fumes and dust which may interfere with your ability to breath properly so it is crucial to ensure that you have proper ventilation in your workspace.
Get Your Steel from RW Steel
For the best project outcomes, it is important to ensure that you get your steel from a reliable supplier. RW Steel is the premier supplier of retaining wall steel and we offer universal columns in a wide range of sizes, ranging from 100UC14.80 to 250UC72.90 and more. We can also cut your steel sections to your desired length at no additional cost, saving you time and hassle. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help with all of your steel needs!
