An improved tool for installing an explosively driven fastener as well as an improved explosively driven fastener for use therewith are disclosed. The fastener includes a nail having a head with an explosive load attached thereto in a plastic cap that includes a buffer. The tool has a plurality of concentric cylinders and springs including a muzzle for receiving the fastener head and explosive load. A spring actuated firing pin ignites the load causing it to explode and drive the nail out of the tool. The explosion also automatically resets the tool. The tool and the fastener provide many advantages over existing explosively driven fasteners and the tools used to install them.

An improved tool for installing an explosively driven fastener as well as an improved explosively driven fastener for use therewith are disclosed. The fastener includes a nail having a head with an explosive load attached thereto in a plastic cap that includes a buffer. The tool has a plurality of concentric cylinders and springs including a muzzle for receiving the fastener head and explosive load. A spring actuated firing pin ignites the load causing it to explode and drive the nail out of the tool. The explosion also automatically resets the tool. The tool and the fastener provide many advantages over existing explosively driven fasteners and the tools used to install them.

An improved fastener for securing a first building component to a second building component is provided. The fastener includes a head, a shank, and a tip. The shank is connected to the head and extends along a longitudinal axis to the tip. The shank includes an upper shank portion, a lower shank portion, and a transition zone. The upper shank portion is located adjacent to the head. The lower shank portion is spaced from the upper shank portion and is located adjacent to the tip. The transition zone is positioned longitudinally between the upper shank portion and the lower shank portion. The transition zone is longitudinally spaced from the head by a pre-determined distance. The pre-determined distance is associated with a thickness of the first building component such that the transition zone is aligned with a joint between the first and second building components.

An improved fastener for securing a first building component to a second building component is provided. The fastener includes a head, a shank, and a tip. The shank is connected to the head and extends along a longitudinal axis to the tip. The shank includes an upper shank portion, a lower shank portion, and a transition zone. The upper shank portion is located adjacent to the head. The lower shank portion is spaced from the upper shank portion and is located adjacent to the tip. The transition zone is positioned longitudinally between the upper shank portion and the lower shank portion. The transition zone is longitudinally spaced from the head by a pre-determined distance. The pre-determined distance is associated with a thickness of the first building component such that the transition zone is aligned with a joint between the first and second building components.

A bracket is formed from metal plate or strap stock having a length, a width and a thickness. The length is greater than the width and the width is greater than the thickness. The metal plate or strap stock forms a first section, a second section, and a third section. The third section is connected to the second section at a J-shaped bend for receiving a loop formed in the end of a support wire or cable. The J-shaped bend forms a saddle across the width of the metal plate or strap stock having an upwardly-facing convex surface for supporting the loop. In a preferred embodiment, to reduce the risk of accidental disengagement of the wire loop, the metal plate or strap stock further forms a fourth section extending from the third section above the saddle, a gap being left between the first section and the fourth section to permit passage of the loop. The fourth section functions as a hood to reduce the chance of accidental dislodgement of the loop.

A bracket is formed from metal plate or strap stock having a length, a width and a thickness. The length is greater than the width and the width is greater than the thickness. The metal plate or strap stock forms a first section, a second section, and a third section. The third section is connected to the second section at a J-shaped bend for receiving a loop formed in the end of a support wire or cable. The J-shaped bend forms a saddle across the width of the metal plate or strap stock having an upwardly-facing convex surface for supporting the loop. In a preferred embodiment, to reduce the risk of accidental disengagement of the wire loop, the metal plate or strap stock further forms a fourth section extending from the third section above the saddle, a gap being left between the first section and the fourth section to permit passage of the loop. The fourth section functions as a hood to reduce the chance of accidental dislodgement of the loop.