- What are you fastening to?
- How heavy is the object to be fastened?
- Smaller lighter objects can use the 3/16” and 1/4 ” diameter.
- Medium weight items use 3/8”, 1/2 ” and some 5/8” diameter.
- Heavy objects will use the 5/8”, 3/4 ”, 7/8” and 1” diameter.
- A rule of thumb: the heavier the object to be fastened the larger the diameter and the deeper the embedment in the base material.
- Where are the anchors going to be?
- Inside – standard zinc plated anchor is ideal for inside applications
- Outside - zinc will work; stainless steel will give much better corrosive resistance. The wedge
anchor is the only anchor
that comes hot-dipped galvanized and is very suitable for outside applications.
- Around chemicals - stainless steel will give the best protection. The
sleeve anchor and wedge anchor are available in stainless steel.
- Do you want a male or female anchor?
- Female anchors require spotting the hole, a larger diameter hole, some require a setting tool. The bolt can be removed without
disturbing the holding values of the anchor. Female anchors you would have a choice of the type of bolt to be inserted, i.e. Machine threaded,
lag threads, sheet metal threads.
- Male anchors – hole size is anchor size. No spotting of the hole, usually the hole can be drilled through the fixture into
the base material and the male anchor inserted directly into and tightened down. No setting tools.
Use the tables below to choose the best anchor to use for your project.
Information is based on appropriateness for base material.
V = Very suitable M = May be suitable
V = Very suitable M = May be suitable