Building bulkheads with steel studs

Question

I'm looking to use steel studs for building bulkheads and lowering ceiling where needed, well because they are light and straight. I've never used steel studs, and on research I found there are essentially two components when building walls: tracks and studs.

Since this is my first time working with steel studs, few questions I want to run by:

1. For the purpose of building a bulkhead, I would only need tracks right? I don't need any electrical running through the tracks
2. What screws do I use to attach the tracks to joists? I know I can use self tapping for steel to steel, but is there any special screws I need for steel to wood?
3. How much weight can these tracks hold? I have a room where ductwork is right in the middle so was planning to just lower the ceiling altogether. Can I hang about 6 - 7 linear feet of drywall on steel tracks?
4. Can steel tracks touch ductwork? Or is there a minimum clearance?

Answer 1

1 For the purpose of building a bulkhead, I would only need tracks right? I don't need any electrical running through the tracks

You need both, the two products are different and not interchangeable. tracks to go horizontally in the wall and studs to go vertically.

What screws do I use to attach the tracks to joists? I know I can use self tapping for steel to steel, but is there any special screws I need for steel to wood?

It depends how strong you need, self tapping screws will work, or you can use self drilling wood screws for more strength.

How much weight can these tracks hold?

It depends which ones you get.

I have a room where ductwork is right in the middle so was planning to just lower the ceiling altogether. Can I hang about 6 - 7 linear feet of drywall on steel tracks?

There is a different product for that: ceiling channel (and hangers etc).

Can steel tracks touch ductwork? Or is there a minimum clearance?

If the ductwork does not move it should be ok.