Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know how long of a wedge anchor I need for a specific application?
A: Determining the correct size of wedge anchor needed for an application is a fairly simple process. The required anchor diameter is typically dependent upon the hole in the fixture being fastened. The length of the wedge anchor required can be determined by adding the thickness of the fixture plus the minimum embedment for the anchor plus the thickness of the nut and washer.
Q: If an inspector requires me to use a Hilti Kwik Bolt 3 can I use a Powers Power Stud?
A: No, both the Kwik Bolt 3 and the Powers brand power stud are trade names for wedge anchors. If a certain brand of wedge anchor is specified, that is the anchor that needs to be used to pass inspection.
Q: It is OK to embed a wedge anchor into the concrete deeper than the minimum embedment?
A: Yes, the deeper the wedge anchor is driven into the concrete, the higher the holding values obtained.
Q: Does a wedge anchor have to rest on the bottom of a pre-drilled hole?
A: No, wedge anchors are a non-bottom bearing anchors.
Q: Can I use a wedge anchor bolt to fasten a tent to concrete and then remove the anchor when I'm done with the tent?
A: Wedge anchors are designed not to be removed once installed. Some installers chose to drill the hole a few inches deeper than needed so that they can be hammered into the ground and out of sight once they remove the fixture.
Q: Should I use an impact gun to tighten wedge anchors into concrete?
A: No, turn the nut by hand until snug. Tighten the nut with a wrench (approx. 3-4 turns) to complete fastening. It is important not to over tighten the nut on the anchor. A torque wrench can be used to reach exact torque value requirements.
Q: What size drill bit do I use when I drill a hole for a 1/2" x 8-1/2" galvanized wedge anchor?
A: The drill bit is always the same size as the diameter of the anchor being used.
Q: Do I have to use a hammer drill to drill the hole for a wedge anchor?
A: Yes, the quality of the hole in concrete is critical when using a wedge anchor and the use of a hammer drill will produce the best quality hole.
Q: Can wedge anchors be used to fasten a washing machine to a concrete floor in my home?
A: No, a washing machine is a highly vibratory load that may shake the wedge anchor loose over time. When vibration or sudden impact is part of a load condition- wedge anchors are not recommended.
Q: How far apart do I have to put the wedge anchors from one another?
A: As a rule of thumb, the concrete anchor industry has established a minimum standard of ten (10) anchor diameters for spacing between wedge anchors and five (5) anchor diameters from any unsupported edge. The forces on the wedge anchor are transferred to the concrete that it is installed into.
Q: How do I know how long the wedge anchor is if it is already in concrete and all I can see is the end of the anchor and the nut?
A: The exposed end of a wedge anchor is stamped to identify the length of the anchor. Stampings should be preserved during installation for any subsequent embedment verification.
Q: I have always used the Power Bolt. Will I get much higher holding values from the Hilti Kwik Bolt since it is more expensive?
A: Different brands of wedge anchors offer similar holding values when they are installed under the same conditions and are the same length and diameter.
Q: How do I get a wedge anchor out of a concrete floor?
A: In most cases, wedge anchors can not be removed from concrete once it is installed without damaging the concrete. There are two options if the wedge anchor must be removed.
1.) If the installer knows the wedge anchor will need to be removed, the hole can be drilled deeper than required. This way the wedge anchor can be pounded into the concrete and out of site once the washer and nut have been removed.
2.) The most common option is to cut the portion of the wedge anchor that sticks out of the concrete off with a hack or reciprocating saw.
Q: How do I pick the correct type of wedge anchor?
A: The environment that the wedge anchor will be installed in will determine the type of material and coating that will be needed.
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