A sleeve anchor, also known as a sleeve bolt or expansion anchor, is a type of fastener used to secure heavy objects to concrete, brick, or other solid materials. It is specifically designed to provide a strong and reliable attachment by expanding and gripping the surrounding material.
Here's how a typical sleeve anchor works:
Drilling the Hole: A hole is drilled into the base material, such as concrete or brick, using a drill bit of the appropriate size. The size of the hole usually corresponds to the diameter of the sleeve anchor.
Inserting the Sleeve Anchor: The sleeve anchor is inserted into the hole, with the threaded end of the anchor protruding from the surface. The anchor consists of a cylindrical metal sleeve with external threads on one end and a head or nut on the other end.
Setting the Anchor: Once the sleeve anchor is inserted into the hole, a wrench or socket is used to tighten the nut or turn the head of the anchor. As the nut or head is tightened, the sleeve anchor is pulled into the hole, causing the sleeve to expand.
Expansion and Gripping: The expansion of the sleeve creates a tight fit against the walls of the hole, providing a secure grip within the base material. This ensures that the anchor remains fixed in place.
Attachment: The object or fixture to be mounted is then placed over the protruding threaded end of the sleeve anchor. A washer and nut are typically used to secure the object in place, tightened against the head of the anchor.
Sleeve anchors are commonly used for heavy-duty applications, such as securing machinery, equipment, shelving, and structural elements to concrete or masonry surfaces. They provide reliable load-bearing capacity and can withstand significant weight and force when properly installed.
It's important to select the appropriate sleeve anchor size, length, and type based on the specific application requirements, the weight of the load, and the characteristics of the base material. Proper installation and following the manufacturer's guidelines are crucial to ensure the integrity and strength of the attachment.