Wedge Anchors

Applications for Concrete Wedge Bolts

Wedge bolt anchors, sometimes just called wedge anchors, are used in a variety of concrete applications, including hanging signage, setting windows and doors, anchoring heavy loads and even installing electronics or machinery.

For concrete, wedge bolts are your best option for any type of heavy use. Wedge anchors can only be used in concrete and will damage other masonry materials from hollow walls to bricks. That’s because they feature an expansion clip. If you’re not working on a solid material such as concrete, the tolerance at this clip decreases steadily and will cause damage to your masonry or anchored items.

Are you wondering how to use wedge anchors? Wedge anchors have specific uses but their installation is straightforward.
First you’ll need to drill a hole in your concrete, usually with a hammer drill and a carbide bit. Use a bit that has the same diameter as your anchor. One thing unique about this is you’ll actually need to drill deeper than the wedge, typically about 1/2”, to provide room for debris that will occur during installation.

Clean out the hole with a wire brush or some compressed air, and make sure it’s completely free of debris so you can safely install the wedge anchor bolt.

Next you’ll want to put the washer and nut on the anchor. The nut should be threaded so its top is level with the top of your anchor. Insert the wedge bolt anchor directly into the hole, clip-end first. Take your hammer and knock the anchor in until the washer and nut are snug with the material. You need at least half a dozen threads below the concrete surface in order to set the wedge.

To finish installing your wedge bolts, tighten the nut. Get it tight with your hands, and then take a few turns with a wrench to help it reach the desired installation torque. This motion pulls your wedge anchor up and sets the clip between the steel stud and the concrete.

If you’re installing multiple concrete wedge bolts, they need plenty of spacing. All Points Fasteners recommends you use the diameter of your anchor as a guide and leave a dozen anchor diameters between each installed anchor.

A downside for some is you typically won’t be able to remove concrete wedge bolts without damaging the concrete. You can saw off the anchor at the surface of the concrete to minimize damage when removing the bolt, but you won’t be able to completely negate it.

All Points Fasteners has a full stock of wedge anchors in multiple sizes and varying case quantities. We’ll help you find the right match for your job and may even have free samples for you to try before you complete your order.