Damaging the threads on a concrete anchor during installation is a common cause of escalating costs and diminishing longevity of applications. You must be careful not to damage the threads during installation. Awareness of several basic practices will result in protecting the wedge anchor threads, which will increase cost-effectiveness on the job site. Protecting the threads on anchors by correct installation techniques will save both time and money. Here are some steps to protect concrete anchors from damage to improve your bottom line.
Tips to Protect Wedge Anchor Threads
All threads on wedge anchors are national coarse threads for each diameter. Once you have installed a wedge anchor, its threaded end will jut above the surface of the concrete. Protecting this protruded area of the wedge anchor is crucial. If an installation tool, such as a hammer, damages the threads then the nut can no longer be put on or taken off.
- When installing a wedge anchor, the nut must be threaded on the threaded end of the wedge anchor so that the top of the nut is even with the top of the wedge anchor body.
- By taking the time to thread the nut on correctly, you will protect the threads during installation. This will also allow you to both remove the nut and thread it back on.
- Many wedge anchors are manufactured with a bull nose that extends above the threads to provide a surface for the hammer to strike without damaging the threads. Although the bull nose feature works very well, experts advise threading the nut onto the wedge anchor as a precaution. This ensures that the threads are not damaged by the hammer strike.
- You will need to install the larger diameters of wedge anchor with extra caution. Doing this protects them from the hammers that will be need to be heavier.
Tips to Protect Strike Anchor Threads
Strike anchors are designed to be used in solid concrete base material and are best suited for medium to heavy-duty fastening purposes. Drill a hole using a hammer drill and a carbide-tipped bit of the proper size with a hole size that is equal to anchor size. It is important to drill a hole of sufficient depth. You have now set the anchor without having to torque the nut.
- When installing a strike anchor, install the end nut before using the installation tool.
- Driving the strike anchor into the concrete with the nut already on the end will protect the end.
Tips to Protect Drop-in Anchor Threads
You should only use drop-in anchors in solid concrete. A common use for this anchor is for applications that require a flush mounted anchor. The anchor is also good for applications when you must insert and remove a bolt.
- First, drop the anchor in the hole with the threaded open end up towards the surface. Then insert a proper setting tool and hit with a hammer until you fully set the drop-in anchor.
- Remember that minimum embedment for each drop-in anchor diameter equals the length of the anchor.
Purchase all diameters, lengths and steel types of anchors direct from the manufacturer at www.confast.com
