The configuration above is $19.45 before shipping.
Then, compare that to what it would take to build this yourself. Below is an example list of materials for the same hanger (prices listed are from a typical distributor website with no discount or shipping included).
- 3/8"x10' Zink Rod - $11.73/2 = $5.86
- 3/8" Hex Nut - $.10 x 2 = $.20
- 3/8" Square Washer - $3.94 X 2 = $7.82
- 1-5/8"x1-5/8"x10' Strut - $45.35/5 = $9.07
- 3/8" Flat Washer - $.10 x 2 = $.20
- 3/8" Lock Washer - $.05 X 2 = $.10
- 3/8" Hex Nut - $.10 X 2 = $.20
- Materials Total = $23.45
So, in this example, the materials cost is $4.00 over the assembly price. We recommend you do the same break down using your material costs to see how you compare. After running the numbers with several different material costs from across the country, the best total material cost was $16.23. The question here is, can you have your shop or field teams assemble this hanger for $3.22 in labor?
The team over at Strut Hanger pro provided a bit of information from one of their clients.
Ben Patrick, an Electrical Foreman in Salt Lake City, UT, shares: "Cutting, assembling and installing these components on-site takes an average of 30 minutes each to complete under the best of circumstances."
However, on a recent project, Ben used prebuilt/bought hangers. "The total install time was cut down to 5 minutes." On a project with over 500 hangers, this took over 200 man-hours out of the schedule.
When the added safety, logistics improvements and Jobsite storage reduction are factored in, it becomes pretty easy to understand why NECA considers hangers as one assembly, every contractor should consider buying vs building.
Each month the NECA innovation and research team will be exploring another Buy vs. Build assembly opportunity.