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Stainless Steel Wedge Anchors

Wedge Purchase Wedge Anchors

Stainless Steel Wedge Anchors are wedge anchors that are manufactured from stainless steel for use in applications where moisture or chemicals are present.  

There are two different grades of stainless steel wedge anchors that can be purchased online.

The 303/304 stainless steel wedge anchor are frequently used in outdoor applications which have moisture present. The 316 stainless steel wedge anchors are used in applications where chemicals are present or when the anchor is submerged in water.  The stainless steel wedge anchors are packaged with nuts and washers made from the same stainless steel as the wedge anchor.

Applications
Stainless steel wedge anchors can only be used in solid concrete.  They should never be used in other masonry materials such as brick or block.

Diameters
Stainless steel wedge anchors in the 303/304 and 316 stainless steel are available in nine diameters: 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 7/8”, 1 and 1-1/4”.

Lengths
Each diameter of stainless steel wedge anchors is manufactured in a number of standard lengths ranging from 1-3/4” to 12”.  Concrete Fasteners, Inc. will supply extra length wedge anchors up to 24” when a special order is placed by calling 800-966-9617.

Application Size Determination
The diameter and length of stainless steel wedge anchor to use for any particular applications is determined by the holding values required and the diameter of the hole in the fixture being fastened.  The load applied to stainless steel wedge anchors should be a dead load and not a vibratory or shock load.

Diameter  – Determined by the loading requirements of the application, such as if the load applied to the stainless steel wedge anchor will be a shear load or a pullout load. Other factors to consider are how heavy of a load is being applied, if  an engineer specified the type, size and length of stainless steel wedge anchor to use and the diameter of the hole in the material being fastened, which will also determine what size stainless steel wedge anchor to use.
Length – The minimum length of stainless steel wedge anchor to use is equal to the thickness of the material being fastened, plus the minimum embedment for the diameter of stainless steel wedge anchor being installed plus the thickness of the nut and washer. Embedment deeper than minimum embedment will create better holding values in most cases.  Wedge Anchor Minimum embedment information.

Hole in Fixture
If the stainless steel wedge anchors will be inserted through a hole in the fixture     the hole in the fixture must be larger in diameter than the diameter of stainless steel wedge anchor being installed.

Hole Diameter
The hole diameter to be drilled in the concrete for any diameter of stainless steel wedge anchors is equal to the diameter of the stainless steel wedge anchor being installed.  If a 5/8” stainless steel wedge anchor is being installed, then a 5/8” hole must be drilled in the concrete. The hole diameter equals anchor diameter.

Hole Depth
The hole in the concrete must be drilled a minimum of 1/2” deeper than the stainless steel wedge anchor will be embedded into the concrete.  This extra space insures that the anchor will not bottom out in the hole before it reaches the desired embedment depth.

Drilling the Hole
A hammer drill in the hammer mode is required for drilling the hole into the concrete for the installation of the stainless steel wedge anchor. A carbide tipped bit that meets ANSI standards must be used in the hammer to insure proper hole tolerance.   Hole tolerance is critical when installing stainless steel wedge anchors. The only way to insure proper hole tolerance is by using a hammer drill with a ANSI standard bit.

Installation
The installation of a stainless steel wedge anchor is a 6-step process:
  1. With a hammer drill in the hammer mode, drill the correct diameter hole for the diameter of stainless steel wedge anchor being installed.  Make sure that the drill bit is carbide tipped and meets ANSI standards.
  2. Drill the hole in the concrete to a depth of 1/2” deeper than the stainless steel wedge anchor will penetrate the concrete.
  3. Using a wire brush, compressed air or vacuum clean out the hole of all dust and debris.
  4. Thread nut on to end of the stainless steel wedge anchor so that the top of nut is flush with the end of the wedge anchor. This protects the threads from damage during installation.
  5. Insert stainless steel wedge anchor into the predrilled hole in the concrete. With a hammer, strike the stainless steel wedge anchor until a minimum of 3 to 5 threads are below the surface of either the concrete or the material being fastened.
  6. Tighten the nut with fingers. With a wrench, turn the nut 2 to 3 turns or until the proper torque value for the diameter of stainless steel wedge anchor is reached.


 

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.