What size wedge anchor should I use?

As a rule of thumb, the space for the nut and washer is equal to the diameter of the wedge anchor being used. For example, if a 2x4 is being fastened to concrete with a 1/2” wedge anchor then the minimum length of wedge anchor would be 1-1/2”(2x4) + 2-1/4”(minimum embedment) + 1/2”(space for nut and washer) = 4-1/4”.

What size wedge anchors do I need?

To determine the length of wedge anchor required, add the thickness of the material to be fastened, plus minimum embedment, plus the thickness of the nut and washer. The sum of these three items equals the minimum wedge anchor length.

How deep should wedge anchors go?

A 5/8” concrete wedge anchor requires a 5/8” hole to be drilled into the concrete. The hole in the concrete needs to be drilled a minimum of 1/2” deeper than the concrete wedge anchor will penetrate into the concrete.

What size bit do you use for a 1/4 wedge anchor?

The 1/4" diameter anchor requires the hole in the fixture to be 5/16". The size of the wrench required to turn the nut to set the anchor is 7/16".

What size drill bit do I need for a 3/8 wedge anchor?

The correct drill bit size for a 3/8″ wedge anchor is 3/8″. In this case, the bit size is the exact same as the anchoring diameter.

How to Determine the Length of Wedge Anchor to Use.

How deep should concrete anchors go?

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.

How close to the edge of concrete can you put an anchor?

Don't Drill too Close to Edges

To avoid these disasters, don't drill any closer than 4 in. from the edge. If there's no other option, turn off the hammering action on the drill. Also, avoid wedge-type anchors.

What length anchor bolts do I need?

As a rule of thumb, the space for the nut and washer is equal to the diameter of the wedge anchor being used. For example, if a 2x4 is being fastened to concrete with a 1/2” wedge anchor then the minimum length of wedge anchor would be 1-1/2”(2x4) + 2-1/4”(minimum embedment) + 1/2”(space for nut and washer) = 4-1/4”.

How strong are concrete wedge anchors?

Wedge Anchor Holding Values

The holding power of the wedge anchor, as with any anchor, is always dependent on the quality of the concrete. As a rule of thumb, a safety factor of 4:1 or 25%, is generally accepted as a safe working load.

How do you choose concrete anchors?

The best holding values are achieved when the concrete is hard and the embedment into the concrete is deep. The larger the diameter- the higher holding values the anchor will have. For example, a 3/4" diameter anchor has a minimum embedment of 3-1/4" and a 1/4" anchor has a minimum embedment of 1".

How much weight can concrete anchors hold?

Masonry and concrete anchor types are considered light-duty, medium-duty or heavy-duty, based on how much weight they can support. Light-duty anchors are good for wall hangings that weigh up to 50 pounds. Medium-duty anchors are good for wall hangings that weigh up to 200 pounds.

Which is better wedge anchor or sleeve anchor?

Sleeve anchors are fairly simple to use and are primarily used in brick or block. They can be used in concrete but are not considered as strong as a wedge anchor. So, for light to medium holding applications, a sleeve anchor is a good choice.

How far apart should concrete anchor bolts be?

Rule: Concrete fasteners should not be set closer than 10-anchor diameters from each other.

Do you need to predrill for concrete screws?

Do I need to drill a pilot hole for concrete screws? It is necessary to make a pilot hole for concrete screws. You should allow for a little extra depth to your drill hole to ensure that when the concrete screws are cutting threads there is enough room for any dust that might accumulate.

How long should concrete set before drilling anchors?

It normally sets in 10 to 30 minutes. After an hour or so, QUIKRETEâ Anchoring Cement will have set sufficiently to screw most types of anchor bolts home. For extreme loads, wait 2 hours before applying load to the anchor. Within 24 hours, QUIKRETE® Anchoring Cement reaches pull-out strength of 12,500 psi.

Can you remove wedge anchors from concrete?

There are only two ways to eliminate the wedge anchor from sticking above the concrete, which are: Using a cutoff saw or grinding wheel, cut the wedge anchor off at the surface of the concrete. Before installing the wedge anchor, drill the hole two times the length of the wedge anchor being installed.

What are the strongest concrete anchors?

Wedge anchors are typically the strongest anchors, but not every application requires a heavy-duty anchor. Some will do just fine with a plastic wall anchor or a nail-in version.

How are wedge anchors measured?

Wedge Anchor diameter is measured from the outside of the threads. Wedge Anchor length is measured as the entire length of the bolt. Drill a hole in the concrete at least 1/2" deeper than the desired embedment depth.

How do I choose a drill bit for an anchor?

To get the right-size hole, measure the shank of the drill bit against the front of the anchor -- its diameter should be the same size or 1/16 inch more than that to make the opening for the screw. If the diameter of the anchor is displayed on the packaging, drill the hole with a bit of the same diameter.

How much weight can a 3/8 drop-in anchor hold?

The 3/8" diameter anchor requires the hole in the fixture to be 9/16". The maximum torque that can be applied to the anchor once installed is 10 ft./lbs.