Framing Basics | Plusnut Tool & Furring Strips (Ceiling Frame) | Transit Van Conversion Series [ 9 ] 

Today, I learned how to set up and use a special tool to install "plusnuts" (also known as "cross nuts"). I chose these over "Rivnuts", which are similar, but in this video I show the difference between the two types and what my thinking was in making my choice.
I was surprised by how easy this project was for a beginner, but it does involve a bit of effort and upper arm muscles due to the repetitive motion of installing nut after nut. Also, it can be quite tedious and time consuming. I offer a couple of tips to help you reduce these issues.
Once I got the plusnuts installed, it was time to put it to the test by installing my first furring strips on the ceiling. I ran into several issues, such as breaking the boards due to putting too much stress on them, and having major problems aligning my pilot holes with the plusnuts. But I got it all figured out and ended with a successful day!
So follow along as I self-build my own unique camper van inside a 2015 Ford Transit 350 High Roof Extended Cargo Van -- with no experience. ...and when I say "no experience," I mean ZERO EXPERIENCE! I have never done anything like this before, so I am learning as I go. I will make some mistakes, but that's okay.
Tools/Materials I used (no affiliate links):
Astro 13" Plusnut Setter Kit (with tool) - please note, this is the first tool of this kind I've ever used, so I cannot compare it to others. I link it here only because it happens to be the one I chose, and it worked for me.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
1/4" Pre-bulbed Cross nuts (aka PLUSNUTS) - 100ct
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Ryobi Circular Saw (for cutting down the furring strips) - link is for saw only, not the battery, though I bought mine as part of a starter set on sale for Christmas a few years prior -
shorturl.at/jlC89
RECOMMENDED BUT NOT USED: If you have a set of allen wrench drill bits, you can reduce the time of this project by A LOT. It probably wouldn't make sense to use it between crimps, but will absolutely help when you have fully installed a plusnut and are simply removing the tool. Check the size needed for your tool, and make sure you have one on hand.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro to Plusnuts
01:34 Tool Setup
03:08 Plusnut Install Tips
05:36 Furring Strips Intro
06:00 Broken Board Problem
06:41 Making Pilot Holes
07:23 Broken Board Solutions
08:57 Troubleshooting Plusnut Alignment Failures
11:37 Plusnut Alignment Solution
12:25 Testing my Methods
13:29 Celebration and Conclusion