There are many types of masonry anchors available today. The problem for many is determining which of these anchors they need to get the job done. Listed below are some of the most common fasteners found in the masonry field.
Let go of the anchors
A masonry anchor is mainly used in poured concrete. They are used in high strength applications by securing a bolt to the internal thread of the anchor. They are also available with coil thread (a thicker thread for coil threaded rod). Some masonry anchors have a lip to prevent the anchor from sinking too far into the concrete.
To install the teardrop anchor, drill a hole the same diameter as the anchor and just as deep as the anchor itself. Then place the anchor in the hole and place the anchoring tool inside it. Then hit the setting tool with a hammer. The bottom of the anchor will deform, resulting in a stuck anchor that cannot be removed.
Delay shield anchors
A lag guard concrete anchor is used in combination with a lag screw to create an anchor in the concrete. Lag shields consist of two parts and when the lag bolt is inserted into the shield, it expands, resulting in a narrow wedge in the concrete.
Lagging armor anchors are very similar to a hanging anchor, but are specifically designed to accommodate a locking bolt. Lag screw anchors also do not require an adjustment tool for installation.
Concrete Screws for Masonry
Concrete masonry screws, sometimes called Tapcons, are probably the Most common concrete fasteners used. Concrete screws are easy to identify by their bright blue coating. They are used to fasten wood or metal to various masonry materials. They are available in flat Phillips head (for flush finishes) and hexagonal head (for ease of installation).
Installing a concrete screw is very simple. First, drill a hole in both materials and then simply insert the screw into the hole. Make sure you use a screw long enough to reach both materials, otherwise you won't be able to get a firm grip.
Sammys anchors hanging
Sammys screws are a common anchor used for suspended applications. Most often installed vertically or horizontally, these anchors have a threaded opening used to receive the threaded rod. Sammys are commonly used in overhead duct HVAC applications. The term Sammys, like Tapcon, is a registered trademark. There are many types of these hanging anchors available.
To install a Sammys screw, first drill a hole in the material and use a wrench or socket to insert the anchor into the material. Once installed in the silver head, remove the wrench and screw in a piece of threaded rod.
Hammer Driven Pin Anchor
A hammer pin anchor is a small anchor used primarily to secure plywood to concrete. These anchors are very simple to use. They have a lip over the head that makes them compatible with holes that may have been accidentally driven too deep into the material.
To install one of these dowel anchors, drill a hole in both materials and place the anchor in the hole. Once the edge is seated on top of the material, tap the exposed pin with a hammer. The pin is pushed down through the center of the fastener, pushing both sides out into a wedge that holds the fastener in place.
Enable/disable wing anchors
A hinged wing anchor is used when there is a hollow wall. This is common when concrete blocks are used to create the walls of a building. They are also commonly used in drywall applications. It is not recommended to use heavy weight on these anchors, especially on drywall, as they will tear the material.
To install one of these anchors, you must first drill a hole large enough for the hinged part of the anchor to pass through. Once in the hollow part of the wall, the hinged wing will expand. Then, using a Phillips screwdriver or slotted screwdriver, the screw is driven into the switch wing, pulling it against the other side of the wall. This allows the screw to be tightened into the hanging material.
Dual Expansion Shield Anchor
Double expansion shield anchors are mainly used in bricks and blocks. When a screw is inserted into the anchor, it begins to pull toward the center, resulting in an expanded anchor. These anchors expand a lot. The reason for this is to prevent the brick from breaking.
To install a double expansion shield anchor, simply drill a hole large enough to fit the anchor, then install the screw into the anchor. As you tighten the screw, it pulls the bottom toward the center and also forces the top toward the center. The result is a limited but effective amount of expansion at the anchor. The expansion limit greatly reduces the chance of breaking bricks or blocks.
Sleeve Anchors
Sleeve anchors are quite simple to use and are mainly used on bricks or blocks. They can be used in concrete but are not considered as strong as a wedge anchor. Therefore, for light to medium sealing applications, a dowel bushing is a good choice. There are two common types of sleeve anchors. They are the nut which is commonly used for strength and the combined Phillips/slotted flat head which is used when a level surface is required.
To install the nut style, drill a hole and place the retainer bushing in the hole. Then place the washer and nut over the exposed threads and begin tightening the nut. As the anchor is pulled out of the concrete, the sleeve around it begins to expand, holding the anchor in place inside the hole. You can install the combined flat head style in the same way, except you use a Phillips drive and the installation will leave the top flush with the surface of the installation material.
Wedge Anchors
Wedge anchors are extremely popular and are one of the strongest anchors for holding strength. Wedge anchors look and function like a sleeve anchor, but have a much smaller sleeve near the bottom of the anchor.
To install a wedge anchor, simply drill a hole the same diameter as the anchor and place it in the hole. After placing the material attached to the concrete on the exposed part, place the washer and screw the fastener into the anchor. As the nut is tightened against the washer, it will begin to pull the anchor upward. This will cause the wedge skirt to grip the concrete and expand and dig into the concrete as the anchor is pulled.