Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will a zinc plated wedge anchor be good enough for anchoring a desk in my warehouse?
A: Standard zinc plated wedge anchors should work well in dry environments that are not caustic. If an environment has chemicals or other considerations present, then a stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized wedge anchor may need to be used.
Q: Can I install a wedge anchor in brick?
A: No, there are number of concrete anchors that can be used in brick or block but wedge anchors are not one of them. Wedge anchors can only be used in solid concrete and in a variety of applications ranging from light to heavy duty. Some common applications for wedge anchors are: fastening pallet racks to concrete, installing railings, mounting machinery to floors and attaching framing to concrete foundations (just to name a few).
Q: What will happen if I install wedge anchors too close together?
A: If wedge anchors are installed too close together, there are a number of things that can result. These include: the holding values will be diminished, the anchor may fail and pull out of the concrete, and the concrete may be damaged. Before drilling holes for wedge anchors, be sure to consider that a wedge anchor should not be placed any less than 5 anchor diameters from an unsupported edge and never closer than 10 anchor diameters away from another wedge anchor.
Q: How is the holding value of a wedge anchor determined?
A: Wedge anchors have excellent holding values. These holding values are dependent upon the quality and/or strength of the concrete that the wedge anchor is being installed into. Holding values are also based on the depth of embedment. The deeper the wedge anchor is installed into concrete, the greater the holding values.
Q: Are wedge anchors limited by the fact that they can only be used in solid concrete?
A: Although wedge anchors can only be used in solid concrete, they are still very versatile and are available in a wide range of lengths, diameters, materials and finishes. This, combined with their exceptional holding values, make wedge anchors an excellent choice for fastening to solid concrete.
Q: Can I use wedge anchors to anchor an earthquake damage control camera? The anchors will need to withstand a good amount of shaking.
A: No, a wedge anchor is a mechanical anchor and is not designed for highly vibratory loads. Most people would use an Epoxy anchoring system for this type of application.
Q: What is a static load? Can wedge anchors be used to anchor a static load?
A: Static loads are those that are steady and constant. Wedge anchors are an excellent choice for static load applications.
Q: How much do I tighten the nut on a 1" x 6" concrete wedge anchor?
A: Expand the anchor by tightening the nut 3-5 turns past the hand tight position or to the specified torque requirement.
Q: If I tighten a wedge anchor too much in the concrete, will the clip on the end of the anchor break in half?
A: No, the clip on a wedge anchor is a one-piece clip that ensures uniform holding capacity and increases as tension is applied. The concrete is more likely to fail than the wedge anchor.
Q: How do the wedge anchor holding values listed on your site compare to current wedge anchor code reports?
A: The wedge anchor tables list values based upon results from the most recent testing and may not reflect those in current code reports. Where code justifications apply, consult current reports for applicable wedge anchor load values.
Q: Can I use a regular drill bit instead of a carbide tipped drill bit to drill a hole into concrete?
A: No, when drilling into concrete the use of a hammer drill and a carbide tipped drill bit is essential for making a quality hole with little effort. The means by which concrete is most efficiently drilled is through first breaking up the concrete then removing the dust from the hole. Breaking of the concrete is accomplished with the hammer motion of the hammer drill and carbide tipped bit. Dust removal is critical because the hole can only be drilled as fast as the dust is removed. Dust removal is done by the flutes in the carbide bit used for drilling concrete.
Q: What is the meaning of tension on the wedge anchor holding values chart?
A: Tension refers to the internal stresses induced in the anchor as a result of applied torque and does not refer to anchor capacity.
Q: Are wedge anchors acceptable for use outdoors?
A: When using wedge anchors outdoors, it is not uncommon for some corrosion to occur. Stainless steel wedge anchors may even corrode in some specific types of applications. Small amounts of corrosion may not affect the anchors' holding values. If a large amount of corrosion is suspected, it is imperative that the wedge anchors be inspected and replaced by a professional if needed. Wedge anchors will corrode and may lost some load carrying capacity if they are installed in corrosive areas and exposed to many different types of corrosive materials. The areas and materials which may create a corrosive environment range from pressure treated wood (ACQ), salt water, ocean salt air, fertilizers and exposure to two dissimilar metals. There are numerous variables that make it impossible to predict if or when corrosion may occur in the environment in which the wedge anchors are placed. It is essential that periodic inspections and regular maintenance be scheduled on wegdge anchors used outdoors.
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