Why are Tapcon screws blue?

Tapcon+ unmatched performance in concrete, block and brick applications make them an excellent alternative to expansion anchors, plugs, lag shields and have a blue corrosion resistant coating that enables them to withstand the harshest conditions.

What is the blue coating on Tapcons?

Blue Tapcon®, the nationally bestselling masonry screw, are a standard blue screw which are manufactured by ITW. The blue Climaseal® coating provides extra protection against rust and provides a durable finish that allows for an easy installation.

Are Blue Tapcons rated for exterior use?

Original Blue Tapcon® Concrete Screw. The Tapcon® concrete screw with the Climaseal® coating gives excellent rust resistance when used for indoor applications and outdoor applications.

What are blue screws used for?

The standard blue Climaseal® Tapcon® screw are a light duty masonry anchor primarily used in dry indoor applications for attaching items to concrete, brick or block. They can be used in applications ranging from attaching 2x4 lumber to concrete, a light fixture to brick, or furring strips to a block wall.

What color are Tapcon screws?

Tapcons are coated with a special rust-resistant material called Climaseal®. The Climaseal coating is blue and is a distinctive product identifier. Most generic concrete screws use a blue color to identify their screw, which can mislead the customers into thinking that the screws are Tapcons.

How to Install Tapcon Masonry Concrete Screws | Fasteners 101

Why are Tapcon screws white?

White finish that blends into light material and delivers long-lasting corrosion protection. Ultrashield finish delivers life-long corrosion resistance.

Do you need a hammer drill for Tapcon screws?

The hole must be drilled using a hammer drill with a carbide tipped bit meeting ANSI standards. A bit that meets ANSI standards will ensure that the hole diameter will meet the requirements of the Tapcon®.

Can you reuse a Tapcon screw?

Tapcon Concrete Screws are removable, however it is not recommended to reuse the same hole because the cutting threads can compromise or destroy the holding power. Tapcons are most commonly seen in the Blue Climaseal™ ceramic coating finish.

Are Tapcon screws better than anchors?

Tapcon and wedge anchors are pre-installed mechanical anchors that attach structural objects to concrete structures. However, the wedge anchor suits heavier-duty applications, vs the Tapcon anchor that typically serve lighter deployments. Another difference between them is in their fastening method.

Will Tapcons hold in cinder block?

Tapcon masonry screws are made for light duty fastening. They are manufactured with special threads that will thread into a predrilled hole in masonry material, such as concrete, concrete block, and brick. These screws embed into the material by “tapping” the threads through the material surrounding the hole.

Can you Tapcon into brick?

The Tapcon concrete screw is suitable for use in a variety of base material, including brick and the mortar joints between the brick.

What screws do you use for cinder block?

Concrete screws are sturdy, plastic-coated screws with chisel-type edges that cut threads into cinder block and other masonry materials. A hole 1/4 inch deeper than the concrete screw's depth should be drilled first with a cordless drill or hammer drill.

What is blue Climaseal?

Blue Climaseal™ provides extended corrosion resistance. Available in 410SS with Hex and Philips head styles. Advanced threadform design increases durability due to lower installation torque.

What is Climaseal coating?

Climaseal is a high quality metal filled thermoset coating. Climaseal has been uniquely formulated to react and form a complete long life protection to provide the optimum in corrosion resistance properties. Climaseal is self sacrificing to the base substrate if penetrated or damaged.

What size Tapcon do I need?

The 3/16” tapcon uses a 5/32” bit, the 1/4” tapcon needs a 3/16” diameter bit, the 3/8” tapcon requires a 5/16”, the 1/2” tapcon requires a 7/16” bit, a 5/8”tapcon needs a 1/2” bit and the 3/4” tapcon requires the use of a 5/8” carbide tipped bit.

Why do my Tapcons keep breaking?

The base material may be too abrasive or too hard for the threads of the tapcon to tap. The base material may be too soft or sandy and not allow for the tapcon threads to hold properly.

Why are my Tapcons stripping?

Over torquing may cause the tapped threads to strip out. To avoid over torquing, tighten with your hand for the last few turns. The threads will not tap into the base material properly when the masonry screw is installed in the hole too quickly.

Can you use epoxy with Tapcon?

Tapcons work great and epoxy works great. I thought everybody owned a hammer drill. Red Heads are the product in the US-they have a sleeve over a bolt and as you tighten the bolt the sleeve mushrooms to fill the voids.

Can you screw directly into concrete?

Concrete screws are a quick and convenient way to fasten to concrete. The best thing about these screws is that you can screw directly into concrete without any need for hammering or an anchor or shield to install. All you have to do is drill a hole and drive in the screw.

How far apart should Tapcon screws be placed?

First, the minimum recommended distance between any two anchors is 10x the anchor diameter (2 1/2 inches for 1/4 inch anchors), at the risk of weakening the holding strength of each.

Can you use impact driver for Tapcon screws?

While there are a lot of ways to fasten to concrete Tapcons are a great light-duty way to do so. They are accessible to most homeowners and DIY'ers because they are easy to use and only require having; a drill with a hammer setting, an impact driver and a masonry drill bit.

How do you remove a broken Tapcon screw from concrete?

Chisel out the area surrounding the screw with a hammer and chisel. Work until the screw is completely uncovered and grip it with vise grips. Carefully turn the screw out while gripping it. Repeat this procedure for any other screws that are severely impacted and you cannot remove it with only a drill.

What are the best screws for concrete?

For that reason, the best concrete screws are either stainless steel, galvanized, or zinc coated. Many are simply coated with a corrosion-resistant layer, which is usually blue. These materials do better in damp conditions and resist the moisture present in concrete surfaces.

How do you remove Tapcon screws from concrete?

Tapcon® Concrete Screws: Tapcons are removable because they are threaded screws that tap threads into the concrete, brick or block. By simply turning the screw counter-clockwise, these concrete screws will thread its way out of the base material.