It is necessary to consider many factors into consideration when determining which type of concrete anchor is best for each unique job. No matter what the application, it is a cost-effective measure to purchase the most effective anchor by first considering the type, configuration and style of fastener available.
- A summary of the key features about the different types of anchors is provided below:
Types of Concrete Fasteners
- Refers to the material that the fabricator makes the concrete anchor from: carbon steel that is zinc plated, stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized and Zamac
- Carbon steel zinc plated anchors are suitable for indoor applications or in areas without the presence of moisture
- Stainless steel concrete anchors are available in different grades of stainless steel (410, 303, 304 and 316) and can be used in moist areas or submerged in water
- The configurations of concrete fasteners relate to how the anchor mechanically obtains friction to the base material and in the case of the female anchor, the type of bolt required to set or be placed into the anchor
Fastener Coating Options
There are three standard coatings for concrete fasteners. Zinc plated fasteners usually include wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, strike anchors, Tapcons, split drive anchors, hammer drive anchors, nylon nail-its, and drop-in anchors. Wedge anchors also come in hot-dipped galvanized coating as well. Additionally, Zamac coating is usually reserved for hammer drive anchors and machine screw anchors. It is also used for screw anchors, lag shields, single expansion anchors, and double expansion anchors.
Configurations of Concrete Fasteners
- Concrete fasteners that utilize a mechanical means to achieve friction come in different configurations
- The basic means for achieving friction is to insert the anchor into a hole in the base material and to expand it so that it is larger than the hole
- This expansion occurs in one of two ways: by the anchor itself or by an outside source such as a bolt, lag screw or setting tool.
Styles of Concrete Fasteners
Male anchors include edge anchors, sleeve anchors, strike anchors, Tapcons, split drive and hammer drive anchors. These type of anchors require the use of a nut and a washer to fasten the fixture to concrete. You can also insert them through the fixture into the base material with the fixture in place.
Female anchors include drop-in anchors, machine screw anchors, lag shields, single expansion anchors, and double expansion joints. Female anchors require one to place a bolt through the fixture and into the concrete anchor. One must also set it in place first. You then must move the fixture into place before you can insert the bolt.
Expansion types
In the fastener world, there are two types of expansion to consider, anchor expansion and outside source expansion. These expansion types refer to which is expanding, the anchor of what you are anchoring too. The available anchor expansion fasteners include wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, strike anchors, split drive anchors, and hammer drive anchors. Outside source anchors include drop-in anchors, machine screw anchors, lag shield anchors, single expansion and double expansion anchors.
About Concrete Fastening Systems Inc.
Concrete Fastening Systems, Inc. has been selling concrete fasteners for over 35 years. They sell from a fully stocked warehouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Free, same-day shipping in every length and also diameter is available by ordering at www.confast.com. The company will then deliver the product within 1-3 business days.
