Purchase Wedge Anchors

Wedge anchors can be purchased online at or at the local hardware and big box store.  Many factors must be considered before purchasing a wedge anchor to ensure that the appropriate wedge anchor is chosen for a specific application.  

Type of Application
Wedge anchors can only be used in solid concrete and cannot be used in construction materials such as brick or block.  The wedge anchor is designed for static applications and is never used in dynamic, vibratory or shock loading applications.

How Wedge Anchors Work
Wedge anchors are designed to go into a pre-drilled hole in concrete and not come out.  The wedge anchor is expanded in the hole by turning the nut to the proper torque value, expanding the anchor to a size larger than the diameter of the hole in order to prevent it from releasing.

Environment Considerations

• Indoor - Indoor dry environments require zinc plated wedge anchors

• Outdoors Moist - Outdoor applications where moisture is present require the hot-dipped galvanized wedge anchor

• Outdoor Wet - Outdoor applications that are wet should use the 303/304 stainless steel wedge anchor

• Outdoors Submerged - Submersion in liquid such as salt water or other caustic materials require the 316 stainless steel wedge anchor

Diameter of Wedge Anchor
The diameter of wedge anchor chosen for any particular applications depends on a number of different factors.  The diameter of wedge anchor chosen depends on the holding values, which are determined by the weight of the object being fastened.  Wedge anchors range in diameters from 1/4” for light duty applications to 1-1/4” diameter for heavy loading applications.  Another determining factor is the diameter of the hole in the fixture being fastened; the wedge anchor chosen must be able to fit through the hole in the fixture.  If there is a recommended diameter of wedge anchor to use for the product fastened, then that diameter should be installed.

Length of Wedge Anchor
Adding the thickness of the material being fastened plus the minimum embedment for the diameter of wedge anchor chosen plus space for the nut and washer will determine the minimum length of the wedge to use.  Deeper embedment into the concrete will increase the holding values of the wedge anchor.

Minimum Embedment
Each diameter of wedge anchor has a minimum embedment that the wedge anchor must be installed in order to obtain minimum holding values.

Diameter of Wedge Anchor	Minimum Embedment
1/4”	1-1/8”
5/16”	1-1/8”
3/8”	1-1/2”
1/2”	2-1/4”
5/8”	2-3/4”
3/4”	3-1/4”
7/8”	3-7/8”
1”	4-1/2”
1-1/4”	5-1/2”

Hole Size
The diameter of the hole to be drilled in the concrete is equal to the diameter of wedge anchor being used. For example, if a 3/8” wedge anchor is being installed then a 3/8” hole must be drilled.

Depth of Hole
The hole in the concrete must be drilled a minimum of 1/2 ” deeper than the wedge anchor will penetrate the concrete.  This provides extra space for dust or debris to fall during the installation process.

Drill the Hole
The hole that is drilled for a wedge anchor must be drilled using a hammer drill with a carbide tipped bit that meets ANSI standards.  A carbide bit that meets ANSI standards ensures matched tolerance between the wedge anchor dimensions and the hole dimensions.  When installing wedge anchors, hole tolerance is critical for obtaining proper holding values.

Wedge Anchor Installation Video 

Installation Instructions

1. With a hammer drill in the hammer mode, drill a hole in the concrete using an ANSI standard, correct diameter carbide tipped bit for the diameter of wedge anchor being installed.
2. Drill hole in concrete a minimum of 1/2” deeper than the wedge anchor will penetrate the concrete.  Make sure that the hole is deep enough for the wedge anchor to be embedded into the concrete the minimum embedment distance for the diameter of wedge anchor being installed.
3. Clean the hole of all dust and debris by using a wire brush, vacuum or compressed air.
4. Place nut on the threaded end of the wedge anchor so that the nut is flush with the end of the stud.  This will protect the threads from damage when struck by a hammer during installation.
5. Insert wedge anchor, clipped end first, into the hole and strike the wedge anchor and nut with a hammer until a minimum of 3 to 5 threads are below the surface of the base material or of the surface of the item being fastened.
6. Tighten the nut finger tight.
7. With a wrench, turn the nut clockwise 2 or 3 times or to the torque value required for the diameter of wedge anchor being installed.

Purchase Wedge Anchors

Wedge anchors can be purchased online at or at the local hardware and big box store.  Many factors must be considered before purchasing a wedge anchor to ensure that the appropriate wedge anchor is chosen for a specific application.  

Type of Application
Wedge anchors can only be used in solid concrete and cannot be used in construction materials such as brick or block.  The wedge anchor is designed for static applications and is never used in dynamic, vibratory or shock loading applications.

How Wedge Anchors Work
Wedge anchors are designed to go into a pre-drilled hole in concrete and not come out.  The wedge anchor is expanded in the hole by turning the nut to the proper torque value, expanding the anchor to a size larger than the diameter of the hole in order to prevent it from releasing.

Environment Considerations