Sleeve Anchors

Medium-Duty Masonry Anchors For Brick & Block

Sleeve anchors are medium-duty masonry anchors that secure themselves in masonry materials via an expansion mechanism. They consist of a threaded stud with an outwardly flared cone-shaped end, an expander sleeve that goes over the stud, and a nut and washer on the opposite end. Tightening of the nut pulls the stud end into the expander sleeve, wedging it outwards and locking the anchor into the base material. They are ideal for brick and block and are measured from the washer to the end of the anchor. They can be used in concrete, but are not as strong as wedge anchors.

Sleeve Anchors are used for anchoring and securing material and equipment to concrete masonry surfaces. Sleeve anchors are inserted into pre-drilled holes, and then they can be expanded for a secure fit, anchoring objects to the concrete, brick, or block. The hole size for installing sleeve anchors should match the anchor's diameter and be 1/2" to 1" deeper than the fixing's expected depth. When inserting the sleeve anchor, position the nut, so it is even with the anchor's top to help prevent thread damage when hammering the sleeve anchor into the pre-drilled hole. Be careful not to overtighten the nut once the sleeve anchor is inserted into the hole. This can compromise the anchor's holding power.

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How to Install Concrete Masonry Sleeve Anchors

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FAQs

How much weight can a sleeve anchor support?

The amount of weight a sleeve anchor can support depends on the anchor's size and the material it is being fastened into. Generally speaking, sleeve anchors fall into the medium-duty territory or up to 200 pounds of weight that can be secured safely. Consult a given anchor's specifications to see if it has enough holding power for your application.

How does a sleeve anchor work?

Sleeve anchors work through the expansion of their sleeves. Tightening of the nut pulls the stud end into the expander sleeve, wedging it outwards and locking the anchor into the base material, wedging itself in place.

What is the difference between a wedge anchor and a sleeve anchor?

Different styles of anchors are made for different applications, and some are made to be versatile. Wedge anchors get their best and most consistent holding power and strength from being installed into solid concrete. Sleeve anchors are more versatile, being able to be installed into concrete, brick, or block. This comes at the cost of a weaker holding value compared to a more dedicated anchor like the wedge anchor.

How long should sleeve anchors be?

The minimum length to use for a sleeve anchor is determined by adding the material's thickness to be fastened to the minimum embedment for the diameter of the anchor being installed. Consult the table below for minimum embedment depths for different diameter sleeve anchors.

Minimum Embedment Depth For Sleeve Anchors

Diameter	5/16"	3/8"	1/2"	5/8"	3/4"
Minimum Embedment Depth	1-7/16"	1-1/2"	2-1/4"	2-3/4"	3-3/8"

How should sleeve anchors fit?

Sleeve anchors should fit snugly in the pre-drilled hole they are inserted into. This will help maximize their holding power.

Are concrete sleeve anchors removable?

No. Like many other anchors, including wedge anchors and hammer pin anchors, sleeve anchors cannot be removed after installing. If they were removable, they would not be nearly as effective in securing heavy loads. If you need to "remove" a sleeve anchor, your best bet would be to remove the nut and washer and tap the anchor beneath your work material's surface. You may need to cut off any protruding part of the anchor if it doesn't sit flush. This way, at least, the anchor is no longer sticking out.