Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What other names are these type of anchors called?
A: Stud anchor, kwik-bolt, thunderstud, thunderstuds, wedge
anchors, DFS wedge anchor, sup-r-stud, kwik bolt 2 anchor, Hilti kwik
bolt, kwik bolt, concrete stud anchor, stud wedge anchor, stud anchor
system, power bolt, power stud, trubolt, redi bolt, wedge all and kingpin.
Q: Can wedge anchors be used in other base material other than concrete?
A: No, the wedge anchor should only be used in solid concrete.
Q: How do you keep from damaging the threads when you hammer the anchor
into the concrete?
A: Put the nut on the threaded end so that the top of the anchor and nut
are flat. This will protect the threads.
Q: Why do wedge anchors come made from different materials?
A: The zinc plated is your standard anchor for indoor use or outside where
rust is not a factor. The hot-dipped galvanized is a coating that further
reduces the risk of rust. The stainless steel is used in moist, caustic
atmospheres where you do not want the anchor to rust at all.
Q: How tight do I need to turn the nut to properly set the anchor?
A: Initially hand tighten the nut. Then with a wrench turn the nut 3 or
4 complete turns. If need torque to the torque values as listed.
Q: What size of hole needs to be drilled in the concrete for a wedge anchor to be inserted?
A: The diameter of the hole is equal to the diameter of the wedge anchor being used.
Q: What type of thread is on the wedge anchor?
A: National coarse threads, i.e. 1/4” diameter wedge anchors have 20 threads per inch.
Q: What is a wedge anchor used for?
A: Wedge anchors are widely used for securing all sorts of things to concrete. Available from numerous manufacturers, wedge anchors all operate on a common principle and are simple and easy to use. Each wedge anchor is installed by inserting it in a hole drilled in concrete. The hole diameter is identical to that of the anchor; thus each wedge anchor must be driven into the hole. The nut, when tightened against the washer (or a flange on the time being mounted), pulls the wedge anchor up and the tapered end expands the pronged section, wedging it tightly against the sides of the hole.
Q: There are a lot of different types of wedge anchors on the market. What are the differences?
A: The different type of wedge anchors are made by different manufacturing companies but all work on the same principle. Each wedge anchor has a wedge clip, has threads and come with a nut and washer. Some wedge anchors are available with full threads while others have partial threads. Wedge anchors are manufactured with carbon steel that is zinc plated, stainless steel and hot-dipped galvanized. Most wedge anchors are made overseas and are imported into the United States. Concrete Fasteners, Inc. has a domestic made wedge anchor called the Thunderstud.
Q: How do I interpret the technical data offered on the concrete wedge anchor?
A: All manufacturers provide instructions for selecting and applying their products, but they differ greatly in the presentation of technical data. This can make it difficult to compare wedge anchors from company to company. These differences give rise to misunderstandings that result in improper wedge anchor selection. Some manufacturers list an ultimate-load rating for each of their wedge anchors while others list a working-load rating. Either term is legitimate, but comparable values should be used. The industry generally recommends that working-load ratings be calculated as 25% of the anchor’s ultimate load rating. Thus, a wedge anchor having a 9,000 lb. ultimate-load rating can be assumed to have a 2,250 lb. working-load rating. Some manufacturers provide tension and shear values for each wedge anchor based on embedment to a specified depth, that depth in some cases being greater than the required minimum embedment. Other manufacturers provide tension and shear values for various embedment depths. In any case, recognize that both tension and shear values depend on the depth to which the anchor is actually embedded. Both allowable and working tension and shear values are a function of the type of concrete in which the wedge anchors are embedded. All wedge anchors are tested in various types of concrete—typically 2,000 psi, 4,000 psi, and 6,000 psi. Some manufactures do not offer the working and shear values for types of concrete while others do. The important point is to recognize that actual ratings depend on the type of concrete involved.
Q: Can I use a wedge anchor to anchor a pallet rack to the concrete floor in my warehouse?
A: A lot of installers do choose to use the wedge anchor to install pallet rack to concrete flooring. A pallet rack, or pallet racking, is designed to better utilize floor space by allowing warehouse inventory to be stored in horizontal rows with multiple levels. Pallet racks are essential to modern warehouses and retail centers, as well as other industrial and commercial facilities. There are several common types of pallet racks available. Each is designed with specific functions and each type has definite advantages. The type of racking required depends on certain factors such as desired storage density, inventory rotation and storage design. Pallet rack types are selective, structural, push back, and very narrow. Regardless of the type of racking needed for a specific application, all racks must be anchored to the concrete floor for stability and security. One option for fastening pallet racks is the use of a concrete wedge anchor. Wedge anchors are available in a variety of diameters and lengths and are specifically designed for use in solid concrete. The diameter to be used in each application is dependent upon the hole size in the bottom plate of the upright. Most racking systems have holes that will accommodate a 1/2" diameter wedge anchor. The 1/2" anchor is available in 8 different lengths ranging from 2 3/4" to 12". The most commonly used lengths for fastening pallet racks are the 3 3/4" and 4 1/4".
Q: Is a wedge-all the same as a Thunder Stud wedge anchor?
A: The wedge anchor and the wedge-all are both male style concrete expansion anchors. They both do have subtle differences that make them unique. The Wedge-All® wedge anchors are a non-bottom bearing, wedge-style expansion anchor for use in solid concrete or grout-filled masonry. A one-piece clip ensures uniform holding capacity that increases as tension is applied. The threaded stud version is available in eight diameters and multiple lengths. The ThunderStud® wedge anchor consists of two pieces permanently preassembled into a single unit. The carbon steel rod is threaded for a portion of the wedge anchors length. The extreme end of the threaded portion of the wedge anchor is rounded to protect the threads from damage while the anchor is being driven into the hole drilled in the concrete. The other end of the wedge anchor rod has a necked down diameter, which runs for a short distance, at the end of which it tapers outwardly to the full diameter of the rod. A precision-formed universal clip made of carbon steel is permanently assembled around the necked down diameter of the wedge anchor to complete the anchor. Each package of wedge anchor contains the correct number of nuts and washers.
Q: Do I have to pre-drill the holes for the wedge anchor or can I drill them through the fixture that I am installing into the concrete?
A: The installer can drill the hole for the wedge anchor through the fixture into the concrete for the wedge anchor installation as long as the hole in the fixture is larger than the diameter of the wedge anchor being installed.
Q: How do I know the length needed for a wedge anchor?
A: To determine the size of the wedge anchor that is needed for an application is a fairly simple process. Anchor diameter required is typically dependent upon the hole in the fixture being fastened. The length of the wedge anchor required can be determined by adding the thickness of the fixture to the minimum embedment for the diameter of the wedge anchor plus the thickness of the nut and washer.
Q: What are some of the features of the Simpson Wedge All?
A: Features of the Simpson Wedge-All are:
-one piece wrap around clip
-threaded end is chamfered for ease of starting nut
-most sizes feature full thread for added versatility
Additional Simpson tech information can be found at http://www.simpsonanchors.com/catalog/mechanical/wedge-all/
Q: Is the Thunderstud anchor that is offered on www.concretefasteners.com made in the USA?
A: Yes. American made wedge anchors can be purchased from Concrete Fasteners, Inc.. The brand name of our wedge anchors is the Thunderstud, which has been manufactured in the US for over 40 years. All standard wedge anchor sizes are manufactured in standard carbon steel that is zinc plated as well as hot-dipped galvanized in 303 and 316 stainless steel. Special lengths of wedge anchors and materials can also be manufactured with certification of being American made as well as certification of the use of American steel to meet these requirements. The nuts and washer that are packaged with the wedge anchors are not manufactured in the USA, but American made nuts and washers can be included as needed. Companies such as Hilti, Red Head and Powers that have traditionally manufactured its products in the US have sent their products overseas. Hilti opened up its own manufacturing plant in China in order to relocate the manufacturing of its Kwik bolt wedge anchor and the HDI (Hilti Drop In) from its Tulsa, OK. plant. Some of the national brand companies package their products in the USA using red, white and blue as their company colors.
Q: How far apart do I have to install the wedge anchors from one another?
A: Concrete expansion fasteners should not be set closer than 10-anchor diameters from each other. A wedge anchor is an expansion type concrete anchor that exerts outward pressure against the wall of the hole in concrete. This pressure goes out and up the length of the anchor forming what is commonly called a cone of concrete because it is cone shaped in appearance. Since anchors derive their holding values from the base material, this cone shaped area is a picture of the holding values that the anchor has. Placing anchors closer than 10 anchor diameters apart will allow the two anchors' holding values to overlap.
Q: What are the main differences between the differences between the different thread lengths on the different brands and styles of wedge anchors?
A: The wedge anchor that is called fully threaded is threaded for a major portion of its length. The diameter of the unthreaded portion is less than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion. The long threaded section of the wedge anchor allows considerable come-and-go for shimming and leveling of the item being secured. But, there is a downside to this feature. It is possible to install such anchors at a depth less than the minimum embedment requirement. Even when the wedge anchor is inserted in a hole at a depth somewhat less than the minimum embedment specified, the nut can be torqued, fixing the anchor in place. Anchoring strength, however, is diminished. The second anchor the partial threaded is threaded for only about one third of it length and the diameter of the unthreaded proportion is less than the nominal diameter. This is partially threaded anchor cannot be successfully installed in any hole that does not meet or exceed minimum embedment requirements. Nevertheless, this type of wedge anchor can be misapplied. Partially threaded wedge anchors with a smaller unthreaded shank can be considered to be properly installed only when some portion of the threaded section lies with in the hole. The same cannon be said when they are installed with the threads completely clear of the hole. The third wedge anchor is the full-bodied is also partially threaded sot that I cannon be installed at less than minimum embedment. The diameter of the unthreaded portion of this anchor is identical to that of the threaded portion. These fully machined anchors fit tightly in the mounting hole regardless of whether the threads are in or out of the hole and the AISE 1215 steel is typically employed in their manufacture. The shear strength of this material is inherently greater than that of the AISE 1018 steel employed in cold formed anchors. All of these factors minimize judgment calls, errors and uncertainty on the part of installers and contribute to faster, stronger installations.
Q: How do I install the wedge anchor without damaging the threads?
A: One way to hammer the wedge anchor in to the concrete without damaging the threads is to thread the nut onto the wedge anchor so that the hammer will strike the nut and wedge anchor during installation.
Q: Can I use the wedge anchor in a block wall?
A: No, the wedge anchor is only to be used in solid concrete.
Q: What are the different materials that the wedge anchor is available?
A: The wedge anchor is available in four materials: zinc plated carbon steel, hot-dipped galvanized carbon steel, 303 and 316 stainless steel.
Q: If a Hilti Kwik bolt 3 is specified to be used on a job can I use a Thunderstud wedge anchor in its place?
A: Although all wedge anchors are similar, there are some differences and an installer must use the specified material on any job or get the specifications changed. Most specifications request the use of an “or equal”, in that case submitting the technical information on the thunderstud wedge anchor should be sufficient.
Q: Are most brands of wedge anchors made in the USA?
A: No. Today, most concrete fasteners are manufactured overseas in China or Taiwan. Only a few are manufactured in the USA. Although the products are not American made, many sellers of concrete fasteners will package their product to make the consumer believe that the product is made in the United States. Over the last 10 to 20 years, each product has slowly been eliminated from the production lines here and sent overseas. The wedge anchors that are still manufactured in the USA are the Thunderstud brand wedge anchors. Tapcon® concrete screws are also still made in the USA as well. Note that when comparing the price of an American made product to the imported product, the American made anchor will cost more.
Q: How do I compare concrete fasteners when I am trying to choose one for my application?
A: There are a number of ways to compare concrete fasteners. When comparing the same type of concrete anchor from one manufacturer to another in terms of pullout or shear values, it is important that the numbers are in a form that can be compared. Some manufacturers publish ultimate holding values while others publish safe working load values. The safe working load is 25% of the ultimate load value. To compare the two, either multiply the safe working load numbers by 4 or divide the ultimate loads by 4. This will provide numbers that can be compared. The tables that are used for showing the tested holding values are separated into other categories that need to be examined when comparing against a table from a different manufacturer. It is also important to make sure that the diameters of the anchors are the same. Most tables have a number of different hardness of concrete in which the anchors are tested. These hardness values are usually 2000psi, 3000psi and 4000psi, which refer to the strength of the concrete measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Making sure that the holding values compared from the same psi concrete is important because the stronger the concrete then the better the holding values of the anchors. If the two manufacturers' tables do not have the same psi testing, then generally the numbers can be straight line interpolated. The other numbers on these charts are important for comparisons are the embedment depths at which the anchors are tested. With concrete anchors, deeper embedment results in better holding values. Most charts will have a number of different embedment depths at which the anchors were tested.
Q: How does a wedge anchor work?
A: The wedge anchor is installed through the fixture into a pre-drilled hole. As the anchor is hammered into the hole, the clip is recessed in the gap of the conical space, allowing the anchor to penetrate the hole. Tightening the nut sets the wedge anchor. As the nut is tightened, the stud is pulled up, making the clip move outward on the tapered space, thus wedging it against the wall of the hole. The wedge anchor, once installed, cannot be removed without damage to the surrounding concrete.
Q: Why would I have to use a 316 stainless steel wedge type anchor and not a 303 stainless steel wedge anchor?
A: The 316 stainless steel wedge anchors are used in applications where chemicals are present; the anchor will be submerged in water and in areas where food processing takes place.
Q: Is the galvanized wedge anchor stronger than the zinc plated wedge anchor?
A: No. The plating on a wedge anchor does not determine the strength of the wedge anchor. The plating only determines the corrosion resistance of the anchor and does not affect the strength of the anchor.
Q: Should I use a wedge anchor to install a diving board next to my pool?
A: No. A diving board is a highly vibratory load and may shake the wedge anchor loose over time, causing the fixture to pull out from the base material. Epoxy type anchoring systems should be considered for vibratory shock loading applications.
Q: How do I remove a wedge anchor out of a concrete slab?
A: In most cases the wedge anchor can’t be removed from concrete once it has been installed without damaging the concrete. There are two options when the wedge anchor has to be removed. If the installer knows that the wedge anchor is going to be removed before the wedge anchor hole is drilled, then drill the hole twice the length of the wedge anchor being installed. This will allow the wedge anchor to be hammered into the concrete flush with the surface. The most common option is to cut off the portion of the wedge anchor that sticks out of the concrete with a saw, leaving the remaining portion of the wedge anchor in the concrete base material.
Q: Will a wedge anchor shear in half when it reaches maximum holding values?
A: Yes. If the load that is on the wedge anchor is at right angles and enough weight is applied it could shear in half. In most cases, the concrete gives out well before the wedge anchor breaks. Holding values are ultimate holding values for when the wedge anchor is properly installed at minimum embedment shown. A safety factor of 4:1 (or 25%) is generally accepted as a safe working load. For example, if the ultimate shear load for a 1/2" diameter wedge anchor in 4000 psi concrete is 9377 lb., then the safe working load for that anchor is 2,344 lb. It is also important to remember that this value is the holding value for one wedge anchor. If eight wedge anchors will be used to anchor a fixture, the combined holding value would be 18,752 lb. (2,344 lb. X 8 anchors).
Q: Is the Trubolt available with a Stainless steel clip?
A: Trubolt+ wedge anchors feature a stainless steel expansion clip, threaded stud body, nut and washer. Trubolt+ Wedge anchors consist of a high-strength threaded stud body, expansion clip, nut and washer. Anchor bodies are made of plated carbon steel. The expansion clip consists of a split cylindrical ring with undercutting grooves.
Q: How do I know the length of a Trubolt after it is installed into concrete?
A: The exposed end of the anchor is stamped with a letter to identify anchor length. Each letter designates an overall length of the anchor. By subtracting the length of the anchor above the surface subtracting that from the overall length will equal the embedment depth of the trubolt wedge anchor.
Q: What are the features of the Trubolt wedge anchor?
A: A Trubolt wedge anchor is 2006 International Building Code (IBC) Compliant. It has a versatile, fully threaded design in standard sizes up to 3/4" diameter and 10" length. The anchor diameter equals hole diameter. It is available in standard carbon and stainless. 360° contact with concrete assures full expansion for reliable working loads. It is non bottom-bearing, and may be used in hole depth exceeding anchor length. It can be installed through the work fixture, eliminating hole spotting. It has inspectable torque values, indicating proper installation.
Q: Why do some wedge anchors come fully threaded?
A: Some concrete wedge anchors are fully threaded because a fully threaded design eliminate subsurface obstruction problems and accommodates various material thicknesses at the same embedment.
Q: What is the difference between a Strong-Bolt and a Thunderstud wedge anchor?
A: A Strong-Bolt™ is a wedge anchor specifically designed for optimum performance in both cracked and uncracked concrete - a requirement that the 2006 IBC places on post-installed anchors. Rigorously tested according to the latest industry-wide criteria, the Strong-Bolt anchor is proven to offer increased reliability in the most adverse conditions, including performance in cracked concrete under static and seismic loading. The proprietary tri-segmented clip has dual undercutting embossments on each segment, which enables secondary or "follow-up" expansion if a crack forms and intersects the anchor location. This significantly increases the ability of the Strong-Bolt wedge anchor to carry load if the hole opens slightly due to a crack. The Strong-Bolt anchor sets like a standard wedge anchor and is available in Imperial fractional sizes. The ThunderStud® wedge anchor consists of two pieces permanently preassembled into a single unit. The carbon steel rod is threaded for a portion of its length. The extreme end of the threaded portion of the wedge anchor is rounded to protect the threads from damage while the anchor is being driven into the hole drilled in the concrete. The other end of the wedge anchor rod has a necked down diameter, which runs for a short distance, at the end of which it tapers outwardly to the full diameter of the rod. A precision-formed universal clip made of carbon steel is permanently assembled around the necked down diameter to complete the anchor. Each package contains the correct number of nuts and washers. ThunderStud wedge anchors are made in America.
Q: How do I install Thunderstud wedge anchors?
A: Installing a wedge anchor can be accomplished in three steps:
1.Drill a hole in the concrete using a hammer drill and a carbide tipped masonry drill bit conforming to ANSI B94, 12-77, the same diameter as the ThunderStud® wedge anchor. If the fixture being fastened is in place and being used as a template to locate the hole for the ThunderStud® anchor, the mounting hole in the fixture should afford clearance for the universal wedge clip on the stud.
2. Clear the hole of all debris, then place the ThunderStud® wedge anchor through the hole in the fixture or directly into the concrete, and hammer it into the drilled hole, ensuring that they are installed to the desired depth.
3. Turn the nut by hand until the unit is "snugged up". Tighten the nut with a torque wrench to ensure they are tightened to the required torque value.
Q: How long of a wedge anchor do I need to use in my application?
A: To determine minimum anchor length required, simply add minimum embedment, plus fixture thickness, plus the thickness of the nut and washer. The ThunderStud® wedge anchor requires no maximum hole depth. The depth of the hole in the concrete should be the depth of embedment of the wedge anchor plus 1/2”.
Q: What are some of the features of the Kwik Bolt 3 long thread hot dipped galvanized wedge anchor?
A: The KB3 HDG wedge anchor features:
- Rounded end for easy installation
- Dog point impact section to prevent thread damage during installation
- Anchor size is same as drill bit size
- Standard thread bolts for high shear applications
- Long thread bolts for greater flexibility
- The Kwik bolt 3 is also available in carbon
Q: Where can I buy wedge anchors?
A: Concrete anchors and fasteners can be found at many different retail establishments including big box stores, hardware stores, contractor supply companies as well as other specialty shops.
Big box stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe's, have a small section of their huge stores dedicated to a couple of the most popular sized concrete fasteners that they predict customers may need. The selection available in terms of variety, style and size is limited. Per piece cost to the end user is also higher when anchors are purchased in small or individual quantities. If you only need a small number of concrete anchors, buying fasteners in a big box store may be your best option.
Typical local hardware stores, such as Ace Hardware, stock a small selection of anchors in certain quantities. Each individual store's inventory may differ, with some having a larger selection than others. Most of these concrete anchors will be zinc plated with a couple of sizes available in the galvanized style. Depending on the individual store, a customer may be able to find a store employee with some level of knowledge of concrete fasteners and their uses. Buy from your local hardware store when you need a small quantity of concrete anchors in a short amount of time.
Contractor supply companies such as White Cap sell concrete anchors to construction and industrial contractors. The knowledge level of these salespeople is in most cases higher than those at your local hardware or big box store. In most cases, however, they only have knowledge of the specific brand(s) they stock. Most of these fasteners will be sold in box quantities with some flexibility of breaking boxes depending on the individual store's policy. The quantities stocked at these locations are usually larger as they stock to provide and service their main customer base. This customer base usually needs concrete anchors in large quantities. This requires a larger inventory of each item in a larger variety. In most cases, the typical contractor supply store will have a couple of boxes of the most popular concrete anchors in stock.
Customers also have another option when buying concrete fasteners. Customers can chose to buy direct online. Concrete Fastening Systems is the place to buy concrete anchors online. This is the perfect choice if you don't need the anchors today and also don't need individual pieces. Concrete Fastening Systems specializes in stocking and selling concrete fasteners of all types. This includes anchors of varying diameters and lengths and those that are zinc plated, made of stainless steel and also of the galvanized style. Stocking all of these types of anchors is important when the specific anchor needed for an application is critical. At Concrete Fastening Systems, we have over 35 years of experience and worldwide knowledge of fasteners. We have developed this expertise through directly selling concrete anchors to all 50 states and to major continents around the world, buying direct from American manufacturers as well as importing from a number of different countries around the globe. Buying online from www.concretefasteners.com provides customers and end users with many benefits including: Cutting out the distributor, savings as high as 70% on some items and
lower prices from buying wedge anchors direct.
Q: Do I have to use a hammer drill when installing a wedge anchor or can I use a standard drill?
A: The quality if the hole in the concrete is critical for proper setting of the wedge anchor. A hammer drill will give the best quality hole. There are two basic types of hammer drills. One type is the hammer drill that has a standard Jacobs’s style chuck i.e. a chuck where the chuck key is used to tighten the chuck against the bit. The second type is the keyless chuck that does not require a chuck key. These are commonly referred to as SDS carbide bit , SDS+, SDS Max and Spline. Each one of these keyless chuck bits fit into different types of hammer drills. The SDS and SDS+ fit into the same chuck and the SDS Max fits into larger drills. The spline carbide bit is used with another style of hammer drill. It is very important that the proper bit is matched up with the proper drill because the bits are not interchangeable and will not work in a drill that is not designed for the specific style of bit. All safety precautions designated by the drill manufacturer should be read and carefully followed. The instruction manual or owner's manual is very important to use during the entire installation process. Safety goggles and earplugs should also be worn when using hammer drills.
Q: What are the advantages to buying concrete wedge anchors at www.concretefasteners.com ?
A: There are numerous benefits gained from purchasing your concrete anchors and fasteners online at www.concretefasteners.com. Not only is buying online quick and convenient, customers can also save money, all items are in stock and ship the same day.
Q: Is it dangerous to drill a hole with a hammer drill in concrete for a wedge anchor?
A: It is not dangerous to drill a hole in concrete when proper safety precautions are taken. Drilling holes in concrete must be done using a hammer drill and a carbide bit. The concrete is broken up into small pieces by the hammering motion of the drill and the rotation pulls the material out of the hole. Small pieces of concrete can fly out of the hole and may enter the eye. It is always important to wear safety goggles when drilling holes in concrete. Airborne concrete dust may also be created depending on the dryness of the concrete- mouth and dust protection should also be considered when holes are being drilled in the concrete for wedge anchor installation. The use of ear protection is also necessary.
Q: What are differences between the different materials that the wedge anchor are available in?
A: Concrete wedge anchors can be made from carbon steel or stainless steel. The carbon steel wedge anchor can be zinc plated or hot-dip galvanized. Stainless steel wedge anchors are available in 303 or 316 stainless. Zinc plated carbon steel wedge anchors are the most common. The wedge anchor, clip, nut and washer are all made from zinc plated carbon steel. Although the zinc plating offers some corrosion resistance, these wedge anchors are generally used for interior applications only. Also, the zinc plated wedge anchor is not accepted for use in ACQ treated lumber. Hot dip galvanized wedge anchors offer the next level of corrosion resistance. Hot dip galvanized wedge anchors are suited for use in exterior applications where corrosion from water or moisture is a concern. They can also be used in ACQ treated lumber. The wedge anchor, nut and washer are made from carbon steel that is then hot dip galvanized, and the clip is made from 303 stainless steel. Stainless steel wedge anchors offer the highest level of corrosion resistance, and can be used in exterior applications. Wedge anchors made from 303 stainless steel are resistant to many organic and inorganic chemicals, but should not be used in a salt-water environment. The anchor itself is made from 303 stainless steel, while the nut, washer and clip are made of 18-8 stainless steel, which is comparable to 303 stainless steel. Wedge anchors made from 316 stainless steel offer the best corrosion resistance and can be used in the harshest environments, even salt water. All components of this wedge anchor are made from 316 stainless steel.
Q: What diameters is the wedge anchor available in?
A: The wedge anchor is available in nine diameters: 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1" and 1-1/4", and a wide range of lengths. Wedge anchors are also manufactured with different thread lengths. Some manufacturers prefer to offer a fully threaded wedge anchor, while others produce a partially threaded wedge anchor. There are pros and cons to both types of anchors and the question of which anchor is the better choice is still heavily debated among professionals in the industry.
Q: Are wedge anchors removable?
A: No. The wedge anchor is designed to be installed into the concrete base material and not be removed. In most cases the wedge anchor cannot be removed from concrete once it has been installed without damaging the concrete. There are two options if the wedge anchor has to be removed. If the installer knows that the wedge anchor is going to have to be removed before the wedge anchor hole is drilled into the concrete then the hole can be drilled deeper than usual. Drilling the wedge anchor hole deeper will allow the wedge anchor to be pounded into the concrete and out of site once the nut and washer have been removed. The most common option is to cut the portion of the wedge anchor that sticks out of the concrete off with a sawzall.
Q: How are holding values of the wedge anchor determined?
A: Wedge anchors are an excellent choice for anchoring into concrete because of their exceptional holding values. The holding power of the wedge anchor is always dependent upon the quality or strength of the concrete itself. The holding values of the wedge anchor are also based on the depth of embedment - the deeper the embedment, the better the holding values. When comparing technical data for different manufacturers wedge anchors , it is important to determine what values are being given - ultimate load ratings or working load ratings. Either term is acceptable, but it is important that when comparing products to use equivalent values. See wedge anchor holding values.
Q: Is the wedge anchor considered a versatile anchor?
A: Although the wedge anchor can only be used in solid concrete, it is still a versatile anchor. It is available in a wide range of diameters and lengths and offered in zinc, hot-dipped galvanized and stainless steel for a variety of applications. This, combined with its exceptional holding values, make the wedge anchor an excellent choice for most fastening jobs.
Q: Why are the wedge anchors at Lowe’s more expensive than the wedge anchors at www.concretefasteners.com?
A: When you buy a wedge anchor at Lowe’s or any big box store you will pay a premium because of the large amount of overhead that the store has. At www.concretefasteners.com we sell concrete fasteners and have specialized in this product for almost 30 years. We keep our overhead down and have employees that care about the customers and about our company.