Red Head anchors are the brand name of the concrete wedge anchors
that are manufactured by ITW/Red Head. The Red Head wedge anchor is
designed for use in solid concrete and should not be used in brick,
block or other lightweight porous base material. The Red Head wedge
anchor body is manufactured in four different materials- carbon steel
that is zinc plated, hot-dipped galvanized carbon steel, 304 stainless
steel or 316 stainless steel. These wedge anchors consist of a nut and
washer, an expansion clip that is cylindrical shaped containing a ring
with grooves for undercutting and an anchor body that is threaded with
national coarse threads.
The exposed, threaded end of the Red Head anchor is stamped with a
letter for length identification after the anchor has been placed in
the concrete. This letter stamp makes post-installation inspections
simple since the letter refers to the overall length of the anchor.
Simply subtracting the length of the anchor protruding above the
concrete will provide the inspector with information about the anchor's
depth of embedment. The diameter of anchor being used is the same as the
diameter of the hole that must be drilled into the concrete. This
eliminates the need for hole spotting if the hole in the fixture is
large enough for the anchor to fit through. The clip allows for
360-degree contact with the concrete ensuring reliable working loads and
full expansion of the anchor into the concrete. The full threads of the
wedge anchor are standard and allow for a wide range of material
thicknesses and embedment depths.
When installing a Red Head anchor, a hammer drill must be used
with a carbide bit that meets ANSI standards B212.15-1994. The
installation process for a Red Head can be completed in four simple
steps. These steps are outlined below:
1. Drill a hole into the concrete using a hammer drill and
carbide bit. Make sure the hole exceeds the desired embedment depth. Red
Head wedge anchors have a minimum recommended depth of embedment that
can be found on the manufacturers' charts for minimum embedment depths.
2. Clean out the hole of any debris created during drilling. You
can use a wire brush, vaccum or compressed air or continue drilling
additional depth to accomodate the debris.
3. Insert the washer and nut onto the body of the wedge anchor
and make sure that the nut is flush with the threaded end of the wedge
anchor- this will protect the threads. Using a hammer, drive the anchor
through the fixture and into the hole in the concrete until the nut
& washer contact the surface of the fixture.
4. With a wrench, expand the anchor by turning the nut clock-wise
3-5 turns past the finger tight position or to the specified torque
recommendations of the manufacturer.
Red Head wedge anchors
are manufactured by ITW/Red Head and can only be used in solid concrete.
These anchors can be used in a variety of applications and are also
easy to inspect after installation. It is important that these wedge
anchors be installed properly to ensure safe placement.
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.