How to Set Concrete Anchors

There are many types of concrete anchors. Selecting the right anchor for your project is based on factors such weight, vibration, solid or hollow concrete, vertical or horizontal placement and whether is in inside or outside. In addition, for some applications, such as setting a concrete anchor for a building, the anchor must be inspected to ensure that it meets local building codes.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Carbide-tipped masonry drill bit
• Screwdriver bit
• Hammer
• Vacuum or compressed air

Instructions

Split Drive, Strike Anchor, Metal Hit Anchor, Nylon Nail-It Anchor

1. Drill a hole the same diameter as the anchor through the object being installed and ¼ inch deeper than the length of the anchor.

2. Clear all dust and debris from the hole with a vacuum or compressed air.

3. Assemble the strike anchor by inserting a nail through the washer and into the anchor before installing. The other types of anchors in this section are usually pre-assembled.

4. Push the anchor into the hole through the object being installed.

5. Hammer the anchor into place until head of the anchor is flush with the top of the anchor or the objecting being installed.

Wedge Anchor, Sleeve Anchor

1. Drill a hole the same diameter as the anchor through the object being installed and ½ inch deeper in the concrete than the anchor will be inserted.

2. Clean the hole with a vacuum or compressed air.

3. Place a nut on the end of the wedge anchor to protect the anchor threads while inserting the anchor. Install the nut until flush with the top of the sleeve anchor.

4. Hammer the wedge anchor into the hole until the threads are below the base material surface. Push the sleeve anchor through the object being installed into the hole in the concrete until the washer and nut are tight against the object being installed.

5. Turn the nut of the wedge anchor three or four complete turns.Turn the nut of the sleeve anchor as far as you can with your fingers. Then use a screwdriver or wrench to turn the nut three or four complete turns.

Drop-In Anchor, Machine Screw Anchor, Lag Shield Anchor, Single and Double Expansion Anchors, Leadwood Screw Anchor

1. Drill a hole the recommended size stated on the package label for the anchor.

2. Clear all dust and debris from the hole with a vacuum or compressed air.

3. Push the anchor into the hole. For a machine screw anchor, the threaded cone part of the anchor is pushed into the hole. For a drop-in anchor, the slotted side is pushed into the hole.

4. Hammer the drop-in or machine screw anchor with the set tool appropriate for the concrete anchor until it is set in the hole. Lag shield, single and double expansion anchors do not require a set tool and may be pushed into the hole by tapping with a hammer.

5. Place the object being installed over the anchor and push the screw through the object and into the anchor. Screw until the object is secure.

Tapcon Anchor

1. Choose the appropriate drill bit size stated on the package label. The size needed will be smaller than the size of the Tapcon anchor chosen for the project.

2. Drill a hole ½ inch deeper than the screw will be set into the concrete.

3. Clear all dust and debris from the hole with a vacuum or compressed air.

4. Insert the screw through the object being installed and into the hole.

5. Turn the screw slowly until the object is secure.

Tips & Warnings

• The industry standard for spacing between concrete anchors is ten anchor diameters between anchors. The industry standard for distance of anchor from the edge of concrete is five anchor diameters. Read the product specifications printed on the concrete anchor packaging to be sure the anchor selected is appropriate for your project. Wear safety glasses or goggles while drilling concrete and installing concrete anchors.

• If you are unsure if your application is required to meet local building codes and requires inspection, contact your local municipal office for information.

References

• Concrete Fasteners