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Wedge anchors are fasteners used to secure objects to concrete or masonry structures. They consist of a metal bolt and sleeve, and are selected based on load and surface conditions. Installation requires drilling a hole, cleaning the surface, tapping the anchor into place, and rotating the base to wedge it securely.
A wedge anchor is a special type of fastener used to secure objects to concrete or masonry structures. They can be used to attach an artwork to a brick wall, hang ductwork or plumbing pipes from the ceiling, or secure an object to the floor. Wedge anchors may also be known as anchor bolts or expansion bolts in some areas.
The standard wedge anchor consists of two components that are joined together by the manufacturer. A standard metal bolt forms the basis of the wedge anchor and is surrounded by a metal or thermoplastic sleeve. Once an installer drives the bolt into a masonry wall or floor, the base of the anchor slides up within the sleeve. A rounded or tapered point at the end of the base pushes the walls of the sleeve outward, where they grip inside the concrete or stone wall to form a secure grip.
Installers must carefully select each wedge anchor based on a number of factors. They must consider the load that the anchor will have to carry, as well as the composition and condition of the surface on which it will be installed. For example, crumbling concrete and older walls require a stronger wedge anchor than new walls. Everything from the length, thickness and material of the anchor bolt can affect the safety of the installation. While standard steel will work in most applications, galvanized or stainless steel may be required in areas subject to frequent moisture or chemical exposure.
Before installing a wedge anchor, contractors should drill a hole slightly longer than the anchor itself. This requires a hammer drill or other tool designed for drilling through masonry. The stone or concrete surface must be completely clean and free of debris before installation. This includes removing loose concrete and vacuuming or blowing the dust.
Next, the entire unit should be inserted into the pre-drilled hole and tapped into place using a mallet or mallet. Once the face of the wedge anchor is flush with the surrounding surface, installers use a drill or screwdriver to rotate the base of the anchor. As the base rotates and retracts within the sleeve, the walls of the sleeve wedge against the walls of the bore. Heavy duty applications require installers to use a torque wrench to ensure the anchor has been installed correctly and sufficient force has been applied to ensure safety of the finished project.
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