Concrete Wedge Anchor Installation Instructions
The installation of a concrete wedge anchor is not a complicated process. It is helpful to note that hole diameter is always equal to anchor diameter and that hole tolerance is crucial to the wedge anchor’s performance. To achieve the proper hole, it is important to use a hammer drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit. These bits are specifically designed for use in hammer drills and meet the necessary ANSI standards. The steps involved in the installation of a wedge anchor follow:
- Using the hole of the bottom plate as a template, carefully drill your holes using a hammer drill and carbide-tipped masonry bit. The drill bit diameter should be the same diameter as the wedge anchor.
- Clear the hole of all debris using compressed air, a shop-vac or wire brush.
- Before inserting the wedge anchor into the hole, place the washer and thread the nut a couple of turns. Not fully threading the nut protects the threads of the wedge anchor.
- Insert the wedge anchors into each hole of the fixture.
- Carefully hammer the anchors into each hole ensuring that they are installed to the desired depth.
- Tighten all the nuts using a torque wrench to ensure they are tightened to the required torque value.
Once installed, it can be difficult to determine the overall length of the wedge anchor. To help identify the length of an installed anchor, an identification code has been developed. A letter is stamped on the end of the threaded portion of the wedge anchor to help users determine the length of the wedge anchor after installation. This letter corresponds to the overall length of the anchor (in inches):
| Mark |
From |
Up to, but not including |
Mark |
From |
Up to, but not including |
| A |
1-1/2" |
2" |
N |
8" |
8-1/2" |
| B |
2" |
2-1/2" |
O |
8-1/2" |
9" |
| C |
2-1/2" |
3" |
P |
9" |
9-1/2" |
| D |
3" |
3-1/2" |
Q |
9-1/2" |
10" |
| E |
3-1/2" |
4" |
R |
10" |
11" |
| F |
4" |
4-1/2" |
S |
11" |
12" |
| G |
4-1/2" |
5" |
T |
12" |
13" |
| H |
5" |
5-1/2" |
U |
13" |
14" |
| I |
5-1/2" |
6" |
V |
14" |
15" |
| J |
6" |
6-1/2" |
W |
15" |
16" |
| K |
6-1/2" |
7" |
X |
16" |
17" |
| L |
7" |
7-1/2" |
Y |
17" |
18" |
| M |
7-1/2" |
8" |
|
|
|
Wedge Anchor Installation Video
Wedge Anchor Detailed Installation Directions
The wedge anchor is designed for use in solid concrete applications only. It cannot be used in brick or block. If you are inserting an anchor into brick or block, another type of concrete anchor should be used such as a sleeve anchor.
Before any installation can begin, the hole size required for the anchor in use needs to be determined. The hole size required is always equal to the diameter of the wedge anchor being used. For example, a 3/8" wedge anchor requires a 3/8" hole. To determine the length of the wedge anchor needed, add the thickness of the material to be fastened to the minimum embedment for the diameter of the anchor being used. Take this sum and then add the thickness of the nut and washer. This will give you the length of the wedge anchor you need for your specific application.
When fastening to concrete, a hole needs to be drilled into the base material. A hammer drill must be used as it will create the best quality hole and help reduce problems during wedge anchor installation. Once the bit is chucked into the hammer drill, the depth of the hole to be drilled can easily be set. Set the depth of the hole by using the depth gauge on the hammer drill or by simply wrapping the bit with tape at the required depth.
Before starting to drill the hole, it is important that eye and ear protection are used. Also make sure the hammer drill is in hammer mode. Once these steps are complete, you can begin drilling the hole for your wedge anchor. Continue drilling until the depth gauge on the drill stops or the tape on the bit meets the base material. The hole must be cleaned of all concrete dust to ensure proper fastening. Using a wire brush and a vacuum or compressed air will ensure that the hole is cleaned out properly. Next, place the fixture over the hole making sure that the hole in the fixture is large enough to allow the wedge anchor to be inserted through it. Take the wedge anchor and place the nut on the threaded end to protect the threads when hammering it into the hole. Next, place the anchor through the fixture and into the hole- tapping as needed to make sure the threads are below the surface of the base material. Now, tighten the nut finger tight until it is snug. Finally, take a wrench and turn the nut approximately 3 or 4 full turns. Lastly, test the anchor for security and tightness.
If needed, the exact torque values can be found in the technical information for each diameter. You can also find more technical information about wedge anchors here.
To purchase wedge anchors online now, just click on the size you want and your order will be shipped the same day as received.