There are various types of masonry anchors. Let’s walk you through the best ones.
Lag Shield
This variation is used in combination with a lag screw. Together, they create a wedge in the concrete. They are composed of two parts of a shield, welded together to allow them to expand when a screw is driven into it.
To set it up, insert the anchor into a hole with the correct diameter. Put the screw in the shield. The shield’s expansion will result in tight anchoring in the concrete. These anchors come in different sizes, depending on the target material’s density.
Drop in
An anchor type used mostly in works requiring high strength, using a liquid, poured concrete. They work by having a bolt inserted into them after being wedged in the concrete. Some types of this variation have an additional blockade, stopping the anchor from dropping too far into concrete.
If you want to use it, you’ll need to drill a hole that matches the Drop in’s diameter. Next, put the anchor into the hole and insert the setting tool into it. Finally, hit the tool with a hammer to make the lower part of the Drop-In deform. It creates a permanent wedge.
Sammys Hanging
As their name suggests, they are mostly used for installations hanging from the walls. They’re equipped with a threaded hole for receiving threaded rods. These tools find their use in HVAC projects with hanging tubes.
To install them, drill a hole into the target material and insert the anchor into it using a wrench. After driving the silver part in, remove the wrench and thread the hole with a threaded rod. As with Tapcon, Sammys is a company name with many types of these anchors existing.
Masonry Concrete Screws
Also known under the name Tapcons, they might be the most popular variation of masonry anchors. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive blue color. They are commonly used in fastening metal or wooden additions to concrete material.
These screws come with Phillips flat heads and hex heads, making the installation process easier. To use these concrete screws, you’ll need to drill a hole through the masonry material and the addition being fastened. Drive the screw through the hole, attaching the two materials together. Choosing a long enough screw is important, ensuring a firm fastening.
Toggle Wing
They are used mostly in the case of walls with no filling, such as walls made from cinder blocks. Although they can also be used in drywall, it is much riskier. It comes with the possibility of the anchor ripping through the material when high enough force is used. That is also why this type is made for a lower load.
These tools work by having a hole drilled through a hollow wall. Once the wing part goes through the hole, it will expand in the hollow area of the wall. Then, you’ll need to screw the drill using a Phillips or a flat screwdriver. It will result in the wing pushing against the wall and ensuring a tight hold.
Hammer Driven Pin
This type is used mostly when installing a plywood board into a concrete wall. They come with a lip that prevents them from being drilled too far into the material by accident. Like with Masonry Concrete Screws, simply drill a hole through the plywood and concrete. Insert the anchor into the hole. Use a hammer to push the visible pin down the anchor, expanding both sides of the fastener and creating a wedge.
Sleeve
They are considered a weaker version of the Wedge Anchors and are used primarily in concrete blocks and bricks. Because of their weight limits, they’re perfect for lighter constructions. There are two subtypes of these tools: the Nut Drive and the Phillips/Slotted Combo Driven Flat Head.
You’ll need to drill a hole and put this tightener into it to use the former. After that, place the washer and the nut on the visible part of the anchor and screw it tightly. If you’re working with the latter version, do the same but with a Phillips screwdriver.
Double Expansion Shield
Like the variation above, this one is used mainly for blocks and bricks of concrete. They work by inserting a drill into them, which causes the tightener to expand slightly.
There is a limit to the expansion, preventing the target material from being cracked or deformed. To install these tools, you’ll need to drill a hole and put them into it. Fastening the screw into the anchor will result in a tight wedge.
Wedge
Considered to be one of the strongest types of brick screws and can therefore be comfortably used on concrete walls. They look similar to the sleeve anchor and work similarly, although their sleeve is much shorter.
To use these tools, you must drill a hole with a diameter equal to the anchor’s diameter. Then, put the fastener inside the hole and put the washer on the anchor with the fastener on it. By doing this, you’ll pull the anchor up. It results in the wedge skirt making its way into the target material.
