How to Choose Wedge Anchors

When securing fixtures to concrete, wedge anchors offer the perfect combination of performance and convenience. They come in several materials and are designed to hold up to both light and heavy loads.

They're available in carbon steel and zinc-plated versions, as well as in 304 or 316 stainless steel. However, their proper use depends on the application.

Material

Wedge anchors are one of the strongest fasteners for concrete applications. They come in a variety of sizes and diameters to accommodate different applications.

They are made of two detached pieces that are permanently pre-assembled into a single unit. The first piece is a carbon steel rod that's threaded on one end for a portion of its length. The other end of the anchor consists of a necked-down diameter or conical space that tapers outward to the rod's total diameter.

Once the anchor is installed into the concrete, the metal wedge expands and embeds into the concrete. This wedging action is responsible for the anchor's holding power and consistent hold values.

Diameter

A wedge anchor is a one piece expansion bolt that creates an effective fastening solution in stone and solid concrete. It comes in a variety of steels and finishes, including zinc plating for moderate corrosion resistance, hot dip galvanized for exterior applications, and stainless steel for the most extreme corrosion resistance.

For the best results, choose a wedge anchor that is slightly larger than the object you're fastening to the wall or concrete. This will give you extra space to thread the nut and washer.

Once you've found the correct size, drill a hole in the concrete and insert the wedge anchor. You should not install it too deep into the concrete, however, as this can cause damage to the anchor. It also increases the amount of pressure exerted on the concrete.

Threads

Wedge anchors are a type of concrete anchor that are made from a threaded stud bolt and an expansion clip. They come in a variety of thread sizes and materials to meet different needs.

Wedge Anchors can be a good option for attaching electrical boxes to concrete or other masonry material. They are also great for securing furring strips and doors to concrete.

They are usually made from zinc plated carbon steel, hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel. They are also available in a variety of lengths and diameters.

They can be used for a variety of applications, but it is important to choose the right one for your needs. It is best to take the time to research different options before purchasing them.

Hole Tolerance

The hole tolerance of a wedge anchor is crucial for it to achieve its holding values. The hole must be drilled using a carbide tipped bit in the hammer and rotation mode of a hammer drill to ensure proper size, consistency and the correct diameter.

Drilled hole locations and sizes can vary due to several manufacturing variables including tool sharpness, accuracy, tool and machine rigidity, machine spindle bearings wear, material thermal expansion and material density variations.

Tolerances are the difference between a nominal measurement and a real measured value. They are required to meet engineering requirements for a component's fit and can be used to compensate for the variability of manufacturing tools and processes.

Weight

Wedge anchors are used in a wide variety of applications, including hanging signage, setting windows and doors, anchoring heavy loads, and installing electronics or machinery. They are available in different materials, ranging from zinc plated low-grade carbon steel to hot dipped galvanized and stainless steel.

To choose the right wedge anchor for your needs, take into consideration the thickness of what you are fastening as well as the minimum embedment depth. Adding these together will give you the minimum length of wedge anchor to use.