The brand name of the screw that is designed to tap threads into brick is called a Tapcon® brick screw.
Other companies have screws that will tap threads into brick, but the
Tapcon® brick screw is the original and is made in America. Purchase brick screws here!
Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel
Brick screws can be purchased in carbon steel that is coated with
a blue Climaseal® coating that helps to resist rust. The Tapcon® brick
screw is sometimes called the blue screw because of the blue coating.
All other manufacturers coat their screw a blue color, but because it is
blue will not mean that it is the genuine Tapcon® brand brick screw.
Stainless steel brick screws have much better rust resistance than the
standard carbon steel brick screw but cost a bit more.
Mortar Joint or Brick
The question sometimes is asked whether the brick screw should be
inserted into the brick itself or into the mortar joint, and which
application affords better holding values. Brick screws will only hold
as well as the base material they are placed into. The holding values
into a mortar joint depend on the quality and quantity of the mortar in
the joint. Between the mortar joint and the brick itself the difference
in the holding values may differ slightly.
Available Diameters
Brick screws come in two diameters for light duty fastening into
brick. The standard diameter of a brick screw is 3/16” or 1/4”. Larger
diameter tapcons are available for heavy-duty applications and require
different considerations.
Available Head Styles
Both the carbon steel and stainless steel brick screws are sold
in a hex slotted washer head in the 3/16” and 1/4” diameter. The flat
countersunk phillips head is available in the 3/16” in stainless steel
and both the 3/16” and 1/4” are sold in the standard carbon steel.
Different Lengths of Brick Screws
The 3/16” and 1/4” brick screw in both head styles come in the
same lengths with the 1/4” diameter being available in 2 longer lengths
than the 3/16” diameter:
|
Diameter of Brick Screw
|
Length of Brick Screw
|
|
3/16”
|
1-1/4”
|
|
3/16”
|
1-3/4”
|
|
3/16”
|
2-1/4”
|
|
3/16”
|
2-3/4
|
|
3/16”
|
3-1/4”
|
|
3/16”
|
3-3/4”
|
|
3/16”
|
4”
|
|
1/4”
|
1-1/4”
|
|
1/4”
|
1-3/4”
|
|
1/4”
|
2-1/4”
|
|
1/4”
|
2-3/4
|
|
1/4”
|
3-1/4”
|
|
1/4”
|
3-3/4”
|
|
1/4”
|
4”
|
|
1/4”
|
5”
|
|
1/4”
|
6”
|
Minimum/Maximum Embedment
The harder the base material, the less embedment is required to
get minimum holding values. The brick screw requires a minimum of 1”
embedment into the brick base material and a maximum embedment of
1-3/4”. Brick can be a very abrasive material and embedment of less
than 1-3/4” may be the best that can be accomplished.
Depth of Hole Needed
When drilling into brick to place a brick screw into, the hole
needs to be drilled slightly deeper than the screw will penetrate into
the brick. The reason for this is as the brick screw taps threads into
the brick, dust is created and this extra space makes room for the dust
to fall into with out interfering with the installation of the brick
screw. It is recommend that the hole be drilled a minimum of 1/4”
deeper than the screw will penetrate the brick.
Diameter of Hole to be drilled
The hole in the brick to be drilled must be smaller than the
designated diameter of the brick screw being installed. The 3/16”
diameter brick screw needs a 5/32” hole and the 1/4” diameter brick
screw needs a 3/16” hole. The hole should be drilled using a hammer
drill and the carbide bit used should meet ANSI standards to insure
proper hole tolerance for the brick screw.
Installation Process
1. With a hammer drill, drill the hole in the brick with the proper diameter ANSI standard carbide bits.
2. Drill the hole into the brick a minimum of 1/4” deeper than the screw will penetrate the brick.
3. Clean the hole of all brick dust using a vacuum, wire brush or compressed air.
4. Move the hole in the fixture over the hole drilled in the brick.
5. Insert brick screw through hole in fixture and into hole drilled in the brick.
6. By hand or with an electric drill, turn the brick screw clockwise until head of screw is tight up against the fixture.
As with any anchoring project, it is important to keep safety in mind and follow instructions carefully. Always remember to wear safety goggles, handle all tools with extra care and follow all technical specifications. This article is meant to serve only as a basic explanation of concrete fasteners. Always refer to manufacturer's instructions or consult a contracting expert during any anchoring project.
Article Written By:
Bob Carlisle, President of Concrete Fasteners
Concrete Fasteners, Inc. has over 40 years of experience selling concrete fasteners. We can ship out one box or a whole pallet of concrete anchors. Our products are of the highest quality... "your satisfaction is guaranteed". We ship all orders the same day the order is received.