Concrete screws are a quick and easy way to fasten to concrete, brick or masonry substrates without the need for hammering

1. Versatility

Concrete screw anchors are useful in many projects. They can be used in both cracked and non-cracked concrete and for dynamic loading such as seismic, fatigue and shock.

A quality concrete screw anchor is important for project efficiencies and will help you avoid issues during or post-installation such as damage or the need to replace screws. A proper installation will also ensure a strong, lasting bond with the concrete.

For best results, use a drill bit that is a little more coarse than your normal drilling bits. This will prevent the hole from being too large for the fastener and will make it easier to drive. Keep a variety of screw lengths on hand. Select a length that will penetrate at least 1 inch into the concrete.

2. Removable

Concrete screws are one of the fastest and easiest methods of installing fasteners into concrete. They are designed for heavy loads and can be used in both cracked and non-cracked concrete. They can be installed in just three steps. All you need to do is drill a hole, clean it and then drive in the screw.

These masonry screws are case hardened to improve their thread strength and have a diamond-shaped nail-type point which cuts its own threads into masonry substrates, such as concrete, mortar joints, brick and concrete block. They are most commonly used to attach light duty items into concrete and masonry such as electrical boxes, beams and insulation. These heavy-duty concrete anchors can also be removed and reused in some applications.

3. No Expansion

Concrete screws, also known as Masonry anchors are a fast and cost effective solution for fastening items to concrete and masonry. They are driven into a pre-drilled hole and are available with a variety of head styles including hex, star, flat and phillips.

They offer much quicker install times than traditional expanding anchors as they don't require the use of a hammer and can be installed with a drill driver or wrench. This reduces install time and provides a neater appearance.

They are a great choice for fixing to damaged, soft or crumbling substrate as they do not put excessive stress on the substrate which could compromise its structural integrity. They are also a great alternative to resin or chemical anchors when fixing into cracked concrete.

4. No Adhesive

Like other masonry anchors, concrete screws (also called Tapcon screws) require a pre-drilled hole in the base material. Then they’re driven into the hole with a drill and regular hex or Phillips screwdriver. You should always wear a dust mask to avoid airborne cement dust during installation.

They’re ideally suited for light duty applications in masonry, brick and concrete block. And, they’re a great alternative to wedge anchors or lag shields.

In a recent study, axial pullout tests were conducted in human trabecular bone specimens with and without augmentation with brushite cement. The results showed that the presence of the adhesive significantly improved the axial pullout resistance compared to the control, non-augmented specimens. This improvement was attributed to the bonding between the adhesive and the screw thread.

5. Easy to Install

Whether fixing a light fixture to concrete, brick or masonry block, a concrete screw will provide a fast and easy method of installation. To install a concrete screw simply drill a hole with a carbide bit meeting ANSI standards a minimum of 1/2” deeper than the concrete screw will penetrate.

Once the hole is drilled use a wire brush, compressed air or vacuum to clear the hole of debris and dirt. Next, insert the screw through your fixture and into the hole, then turn the screw clockwise to set the anchor.