Why do Tapcons keep breaking?

Tapcons work in most applications, but as with all concrete fasteners, they may not work in all applications all the time. If the material is too abrasive and the lead thread is worn down during installation, the Tapcon® screw will stop tapping threads.

How do I stop my Tapcons from breaking?

Torque Setting

The correct setting for driving a tapcon concrete screw without breaking or shearing off is determined by using the lightest setting and then moving up until the tapcon concrete screw is set tight against the fixture being fastened. It is very important that the tapcon is not over torqued.

Are Tapcon screws any good?

They are also a very unique (and of course proprietary) product that allows for extremely fast and reliable anchoring of materials to masonry products. If you drill the hole correctly – deep enough and with the correct diameter bit – these fasteners will simply work every time.

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.

Do I need to pre drill for Tapcon screws?

Before a Tapcon masonry screw can be installed, a hole must be drilled into the masonry. Use a hammer drill to ensure that the hole has the proper tolerance. The switch on the hammer drill must be in the hammer and rotation mode before starting to drill.

Never Use Tapcons Again!

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.

How much weight do Tapcons hold?

1,360 lbs. *A safety factor of 4:1 or 25% of ultimate pullout/shear value is generally accepted as a safe working load.

Are Tapcon screws good for 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 is the strongest masonry anchor?

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.

What is special about a Tapcon?

Tapcon anchors are less prone to head snapping, providing greater dependability on the job and saving hours of labor. The induction hardened tip easily drives through concrete while the patented Advanced Threadform Technology delivers 20% more holding power than other concrete screw anchors.

Why do my screws keep snapping?

Pre-drill.

Without a pilot hole, the screw is essentially wedging itself into the wood. This puts a lot more pressure on the screw as well as the wood. In weak woods, this can cause a split; with weak screws, the screw can break. Drill using a wood bit of a diameter slightly smaller than the screw.

Can Tapcons be removed and reinstalled?

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.

What is the difference between a concrete fastener and a concrete anchor?

A concrete fastener of any type only holds as well as the base material in which it has been fastened. In most cases, the base material gives out, not the anchor itself. When properly set, the concrete fastener pulled to the ultimate load capacity of the anchor will pull out the base material adhered to the anchor.

Can you use Tapcons in cinder block?

Insert the anchor into the pre-drilled pilot hole in the cinder block and expand as needed. Concrete screws and tapcon need a hole to be drilled in the masonry that is smaller than the designated diameter. All masonry screws' packaging will show the best size of drilled hole to use.

Is it better to anchor in brick or mortar?

Brick often holds more weight and provides better support compared to mortar. However, if you're working with aged and fragile brick, it may not be the best option for deep holes, heavy objects or expansion-style anchors. Deeper holes and expansion anchors can weaken an already feeble brick.

Are Tapcon screws rated for outdoor 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.

Do concrete screws need a pilot hole?

Unlike self-drilling screws which do not need pilot holes due to their drill bit end, self-tapping screws like concrete screws do require the user to mark a spot for the pilot hole.

How long should Tapcon screws be?

The maximum length would be 1-1/2" + 1-3/4"= 3-1/4", the maximum length of screw that can be used. The proper length could be either the 2-3/4" or the 3-1/4" length concrete screw. The 3-1/4" screw would be right at maximum embedment and depending on the abrasiveness of the base material, may be too long.

What size drill bit do you use for 1/4 inch Tapcon?

The Tapcon drill bit that is used depends on the diameter of the Tapcon screw being installed. The 3/16” Tapcon requires the use of 5/32” diameter bit, and the 1/4” Tapcon requires a 3/16” diameter bit.

What are Tapcon screws made of?

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.

What is the best screw for concrete?

The 3/16-in. diameter screws are plenty strong for most home tasks like installing furring strips, screwing down walls to concrete floors, and attaching hardware to block or brick. And since they're a little cheaper and the smaller hole is easier to drill, the 3/16-in. size is usually the better choice.