How to Install Concrete Fasteners

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Purchase Anchors

How Concrete Anchors Work

Concrete fasteners are referred to as expansion type concrete fasteners. They derive their holding values from friction. The friction is obtained by the outward pressure created by expanding the anchor against the walls of the hole that is drilled in the base material. All expansion anchors work on this principle. The only one that does not is the concrete screw. The concrete screw or Tapcon® actually taps or cuts threads into the base material as it is inserted into the hole.

Each type of anchor has a minimum embedment- the minimum distance (in inches) that the anchor must be inserted into the base material for it to obtain its holding values. The deeper the embedment into the base material, the better the holding values. Tapcons have a maximum embedment of 1-3/4". Expansion anchors must be spaced a minimum of 10 anchor diameters away from each other and no closer than 5 anchor diameters from an unsupported edge. Anchors used in outdoor or caustic environments/atmospheres should be stainless steel or zinc plated.

Steps to Installing Concrete Fasteners

To install a concrete anchor, a hole must be drilled in the base material. Carbide tipped drill bits (that meet ANSI standards) must be used as they are tolerance matched to the concrete fastener. A hammer drill* must also be used because it will drill the hole correctly and is designed to break up the base material as it hammers. The hole should be drilled 1/4" to 1/2" deeper into the base material than the anchor will penetrate. This allows for any material to fall when the anchor is inserted into the hole. After the hole is drilled, it must be cleaned of all debris, material or dust.

* Remember to use safety goggles and earplugs during drilling and to always follow the manufacturers' safety precautions when using power tools.

Wedge Anchor - for use in concrete only

1. Drill hole into the concrete using a carbide tipped bit that meets ANSI standards. Bit size = anchor diameter when working with wedge anchors. Drill a hole 1/2" deeper than the anchor will penetrate into the concrete making sure that the minimum embedment requirements are met. The hole can be drilled while the fixture is in place.  It is important to make sure that the bit diameter being used will fit through the hole in the fixture.
2. Clean out the hole using a wire brush, compressed air, vacuum, blow out bulb or another method.
3. Put the nut and washer onto the wedge anchor and make sure that the nut is on the last threads (this will protect the threads from damage when the wedge anchor is hammered into the hole in the concrete).
4. Insert the wedge anchor through the fixture's hole and into the hole in the base material. This should be a very tight fit- use a hammer to complete the installation until the nut and washer are tight against the fixture. It is important that the threads go below the surface of either the base material or the fixture.
5. Turn the nut clockwise, until finger tight.
6. Using a wrench, turn the nut 3-4 times until snug. The recommended torque values can be found here.

Sleeve Anchors - for use in concrete, brick or block

1. Using ANSI standard drill bits, carefully drill a hole in the base material. Hole size = Bit size when installing sleeve anchors. Make sure the hole is always drilled 1/2" deeper than the sleeve anchor will penetrate the base material. Minimum embedments also need to be met. The hole can be drilled with the fixture in place making sure the bit will fit through the fixture hole.
2. Clean the hole of all debris made during drilling.
3. Sleeve anchors come fully assembled with a nut and washer. It is important that the nut is on the end of the threads to protect the threads during hammering.
4. Insert the sleeve anchor through the fixture hole and into the hole you drilled in the base material. A hammer will be required to pound the sleeve anchor into the material until the washer and nut are tight against the fixture.
5. Tighten the nut until finger tight, always turning clockwise.
6. Using a wrench, turn 2-4 times until you are sure it is snug.

Drop-in Anchors - for use in concrete only

1. The diameter of a drop-in anchor refers to the inside diameter. The hole to be drilled = the same diameter of the outside of the anchor. Carbide tipped drill bits (meeting ANSI standards) must be used. The hole needs to be drilled 1/4" deeper than the anchor will penetrate. The hole can't be drilled while the fixture is in place due to the fact that the hole is larger than the diameter of the bolt being inserted into it. To use a drop in anchor- set the fixture in place, mark where the holes should be drilled, remove the fixture and then drill the holes.
2. Clean the hole of any debris before continuing.
3. Insert the anchor into the hole. A setting tool is required to set the anchor. Setting tools will correspond to the inside diameter of the drop in anchor. Example: a 3/8" drop in anchor requires a 3/8" setting tool. Setting tool is placed inside the threaded portion of the anchor and struck until the lip of the setting tool touches the lip of the drop in anchor. This will ensure that the anchor is fully set in the concrete.
4. Place the fixture over the drop in anchor and thread the bolt through the fixture and into the drop in anchor.

Strike Anchors - for use in concrete only

1. Anchor diameter = hole size when working with strike anchors. The properly sized carbide drill bit must meet ANSI standards. The hole should be drilled 1/2" deeper to allow space for any dust created during installation.
2. Clean the hole of all debris before continuing installation.
3. Strike anchor needs to be inserted through the fixture and into the hole with the nut, washer, and set-pin in place until the nut and washer are tight against the fixture.
4. Using a properly sized hammer for the diameter of the anchor, set the pin with a number of square/sharp strikes to the head of the pin until the pin is flush with the top of the anchor. There is no need to use torque to set the anchor since it is set with the correct set pin.

Lag Shields - for use in concrete, brick or block

1. Lag shields are female type anchors. The designated diameter of the anchor = the inside diameter of the lag screw that will be placed into it. Hole size must be larger than the inside diameter. Example: a 3/8" diameter lag shield requires a 5/8" hole. Properly sized ANSI carbide bits must be used to drill the holes for lag shield anchors.
2. Clean holes of any debris.
3. Place the lag shield in the hole with the closed end of the lag shield inserted first.
4. The fixture is then placed over the lag shield, inserting a lag screw through the fixture and into the lag screw. Use a wrench to turn the lag screw clockwise until tight.

All of this information should assist in the safe and correct installation and use of concrete anchors and fasteners no matter what your application may be.

More Information:

Zinc Plated Wedge Anchors

Hot Dipped Galvanized Wedge Anchors

304 Stainless Steel Wedge Anchors

316 Stainless Steel Wedge Anchors

Zinc Plated Sleeve Anchors

Stainless Steel Sleeve Anchors

Purchase Anchors

It is challenging to securely attach items to concrete since concrete is rock-hard, prone to cracking, and difficult to drill into. But with just a small handful of the right tools and materials, it's possible to do so'efficiently and safely.

With concrete anchors, you can attach even heavy materials like deck ledger boards and framing members to concrete in just a few minutes.

What Are Concrete Anchors?

A concrete anchor is a steel fastener that is embedded in concrete to fix another item in place, allowing the concrete to carry the load.

Concrete Anchors vs. Concrete Screws

Concrete anchors and concrete screws both can be used to fasten items to concrete. Concrete anchors, generally speaking, expand in a pre-drilled hole, while concrete screws tap or cut threads in a pre-drilled hole.

Concrete Anchors

Concrete anchors fit into a pre-drilled hole and expand within the hole either by hitting the anchor with a hammer or by turning it with a wrench. Use concrete anchors for heavy items like framing members, deck ledger boards, signs, security cameras, and porch railings.

Concrete Screws

Concrete screws insert into pre-drilled holes in the concrete and self-tap the surrounding material as they are turned clockwise. Use concrete screws for lighter-weight items like hose reels, drainpipes, electrical boxes, conduit clamps, furring strips, and window and door framing.

Concrete Anchors

• Compress into pre-drilled hole
  

• Heavy-duty

• 3/8- to 1/2-inch diameter

• Poor for use near edges because hole is expanded

• Some are removable, some are not

Concrete Screws

• Tap into pre-drilled hole
  

• Light- to medium-duty

• Up to 1/4-inch

• Good for use near edges because they do not deform hole

• Removable

Types of Concrete Anchors

Drop-in Concrete Anchors

Drop-in concrete anchors consist of two pieces: a male threaded bolt and a female threaded sleeve with a knurled end and slits. The slits allow the lower part of the anchor to expand. The sleeve is dropped in and then set solidly in place with a metal set tool. After the sleeve is in place, it cannot be removed from the concrete, though the male bolt can be removed from the sleeve.

Wedge Concrete Anchors

A wedge anchor is a male threaded bolt with a shielded wedge on the lower part that expands as a nut is turned against a washer on the bolt. The bolt and the shielded wedge are one piece, not two separate pieces as with the drop-in and sleeve anchors. Wedge concrete anchors are easy to insert, yet they hold very firmly in concrete. Once in place, wedge anchors cannot be removed, but the nut can be removed from the anchor.

Sleeve Concrete Anchors

A sleeve anchor consists of four pieces: a threaded bolt and a metal sleeve tube with large slots and narrow crosscuts, plus a nut and washer. The slots and crosscuts allow the sleeve to expand when it is tightened by the bolt. Furthermore, a smooth wedge at the bottom of the threaded bolt pulls upwards to force the bottom of the sleeve to expand.

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Safety Considerations

Carefully study the concrete anchor's product specifications before installation. Be aware of the concrete anchor's weight limitations, both in terms of shear and pull-out strength. Do not over-torque concrete anchors. Use safety glasses when striking or turning concrete anchors.

How to Use Drop-in Concrete Anchors

1. Drill the Hole

   Drill the hole. Clear out the hole with the shop vacuum.

2. Place the Sleeve in the Hole

   Drop the female threaded sleeve into the hole, slit-end first.

3. Place the Set Tool

   Place the narrow end of the set tool into the sleeve.

4. Strike the Anchor

   Hammer the top of the set tool several times with the hammer until the sleeve is fully set in place.

   Warning

   Do not pound on the bolt itself as this may strip the threads. Use only the set tool.

5. Add the Bolt

   Add the threaded bolt and washer to the sleeve. With a wrench, turn the bolt clockwise until it is firmly set in place.

How to Use Wedge Concrete Anchors

1. Drill the Hole

   Drill a hole with the hammer drill and clear debris with the shop vacuum.

2. Place the Wedge Anchor

   Fit the wedge end of the wedge anchor into the pre-drilled hole.

3. Strike the Wedge Anchor

   Pound the wedge anchor into the hole with a hammer until the bottom of the threads are flush with the top of the concrete.

4. Add the Washer and Nut

   Place a hole in the fixture to be attached over the anchor bolt and place the washer and nut on the threaded end of the wedge anchor.

5. Tighten the Nut

   With an open-end wrench, turn the nut clockwise until it tightens against the washer. This expands the wedge, holding the anchor in place in the hole.

   Tip

   Note that the wedge anchor will rise slightly (about 1/4-inch) as it is tightened into the hole.

How to Use Sleeve Anchors

1. Drill the Hole

   Drill a hole in the concrete with the hammer drill and clear the debris from the hole.

2. Add the Sleeve Anchor

   First, push the sleeve anchor through a hole on the item to be attached to the concrete. Then continue the anchor into the pre-drilled hole in the concrete.

3. Strike the Anchor

   Pound the top of the anchor with the hammer.
   

4. Turn the Nut

   Place the washer and nut on the end of the exposed bolt and turn the nut clockwise. Firmly turn until it can no longer rotate. Turning expands the bottom of the anchor.

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