How to Hang a Drop Ceiling Wire to a Metal Beam

Strong attachments between drop ceiling tee bars and the structure of a home ensure an installed drop ceiling does not sag, distort or lose its strength entirely and fall to the floor. In homes framed with lumber, drop ceiling wires attach to joists and rafters using screws or hook fasteners. Beams used in metal building construction do not allow wood fasteners to penetrate and remain secure. A specialized fastener designed to attach threaded rod and metal straps to metal beams provides a secure connecting point for a drop ceiling wire.

Stepladder
C-style beam clamp
Adjustable wrench
Drop ceiling wire
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Place a stepladder below the metal beam. Ensure the ladder height allows you to reach the beam without standing on either the top or second highest ladder rung.
- 2
  Turn the bolt – located near the front of the C-style beam clamp – counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench. Stop turning the bolt when the opening between the bottom of the bolt and the lower jaw of the clamp is wide enough to slide over the lower lip of the metal beam.
- 3
  Place a 90-degree bend 18 to 24 inches in from one end of a length of ceiling wire with a pair of pliers. Slide the 18- to 24-inch leg of the bend over the bottom jaw of the open beam clamp. Bend the leg over the bottom jaw until it forms a loose “U” shape.
- 4
  Slide the beam clamp over the bottom flange of the metal beam until the back of the clamp sits tight to the outer edge of the lip. Turn the clamp bolt clockwise with an adjustable wrench until the clamp sits securely in place.
- 5
  Wrap the bent leg of the drop ceiling wire around the longer leg to hold the wire tight to the bottom jaw of the beam clamp.

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