For a typical slip-and-drive rectangular joint, the S/slip cleats hold two opposite bare edges and the drive cleats lock the two hemmed/drive edges. Many shop layouts put slips on the long sides and drives on the short sides, but the shop drawing/detail wins.
Look at which sides are hemmed/S-lock and which sides take drive
Compare it to the next piece before lifting
Ask foreman
In Rectangular Duct Assembly: S-and-Drive, I’m looking at: What sides get S-cleats and what sides get drive cleats? What should I verify before I cut, drill, seal, cover, move, or install?
Do not
Do not guess the connector sides because it “usually goes that way.”
