Canam Steel Corporation (CSC) of Point of Rocks, Md., has launched CrossBite, a pneumatic side lap connection tool for steel deck that needs fewer connections than screws or welds.
CrossBite delivers high shear strength and stiffness for steel deck applications under seismic and lateral wind forces. Fewer connection points mean faster deck installation, lower jobsite labor costs, and less material waste, according to the company.
A dual-direction crimp creates four symmetrical penetrations that lock deck panels tightly in both directions. An integrated rolling wheel lets workers glide along deck side laps without heavy lifting, and a transport handle sits at the tool’s center of gravity. Built-in trigger guards prevent accidental activation, and hard stops limit over-travel for a consistent connection.
CrossBite works with CSC deck profiles BI, BLI, NI32, NI32-XS, LF2, and LF3. Technical details and code compliance reports, including ICC-ES, will be available soon.
“Our goal with CrossBite is to simplify the joist and deck experience for our partners while elevating safety and performance on the job site,” said Michael Martignetti, Chief Commercial Officer of CSC. “CrossBite allows CSC to now offer a deck solution in areas where structures experience high lateral loads and also provides the option of economizing designs to save on the number of connections and/or lighten the deck gage.”
“We were able to test out the CrossBite tool and the comfort level stood out immediately,” said David Van Horn at AF Steel Fabricators. “You don’t have to fight the tool to get a tight connection, and rolling it right along the seam makes it virtually effortless to use.”
Key features:
- Fewer connections compared with screws or welds
- High shear strength and stiffness for seismic and lateral wind loads
- Dual-direction crimp with four symmetrical penetrations
- Rolling wheel, transport handle, trigger guards, and hard stops
- Compatible with BI, BLI, NI32, NI32-XS, LF2, and LF3 deck profiles
- ICC-ES reports forthcoming
