Steel Track

Standard track has 1-1/4″ legs and is used at the top and bottom of walls, headers, sills, blocking and box members. Deep-leg track has 2″ or 3″ legs so studs can stay free at the head of a wall while the structure above moves. Rim track is track in the same depth as the joists, used to cap the joist ends.

1-1/4″ where no movement is expected and studs are screwed to both legs; 2″ deep-leg where the structure above may move a little; 3″ deep-leg where more movement must be allowed or the design calls for a longer leg. With deep-leg track the studs are not screwed to the track. The design professional sets the track, leg, thickness, gap and fastening.

The track’s inside width equals the stud depth, so a 6″ stud goes in 6″ track. Each stud flange is screwed to the track leg beside it, on both faces of the wall.

Width and leg in 1/100 inch, T for track, then thickness. 600T125-54 is a 6″ track with 1-1/4″ legs in 16 gauge; 600T200-54 is the same track with 2″ legs.