How to Install a Hilti HLC Sleeve Anchor
Published by Robert Carlisle on Jan 31st 2009
Sleeve anchors are designed for fastening items to concrete, brick or block base material. The HLC sleeve anchor is the brand name for the sleeve anchor that is manufactured by Hilti, Incorporated. Sleeve anchors are one of the most versatile concrete anchors because it can be used in a variety of base materials and is available in four different head styles for specific types of applications. The 1/4" HLC sleeve anchors come with an acorn nut, flat slotted or round slotted head. The 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2" HLC sleeve anchor all come with a hex nut. The 3/8" sleeve anchor also comes with a flat Phillips head. The specialty heads that are available in the 1/4" and 3/8" are designed for specific applications such as fastening down thresholds to concrete or attaching a metal doorframe to a block wall.
The length of an HLC sleeve anchor is measured from under the head to the end of the anchor. A sleeve anchor's diameter is designated as the outside diameter of the sleeve anchor. The thread size that is inside of the sleeve is smaller: a 3/8" anchor has a 5/16" diameter threaded bolt. The Hilti HLC sleeve anchor is only available in diameters ranging from 1/4" to 1/2" while companies such as Concrete Fastening Systems, Inc. also have sleeve anchors in 5/8" and 3/4" diameters. Each diameter requires the hole in the base material is drilled a minimum distance. See sleeve anchor minimum embedments.
Outlined below are step by step instructions on how to install a Hilti HLC sleeve anchor into base material:
1. Drill the correct diameter hole in the base material using a hammer drill. For hollow masonry applications, switch the hammer drill to the drill only mode before penetrating the back side of masonry. Doing so may decrease the chances of a blowout.
2. Clean the hole of all debris using a wire brush, vacuum or compressed air.
3. Insert the HLC sleeve anchor through the fixture and into the base material by tapping lightly with a hammer until the nut & washer is flush with the fixture.
4. Set the anchor by tightening the anchor to the torque values recommended by Hilti, Inc. Make sure that the sleeve anchor is not over-torqued since this will reduce shear and pullout values.
The Hilti HLC sleeve anchor is a versatile concrete fastener that can be used in a variety of base materials and applications. Before using sleeve anchors in any application, it is important to determine the correct diameter and length of anchor that should be used. Carefully choosing the correct sleeve anchor and following the directions in this article will help ensure that a sleeve anchor is installed properly and safely.
