Anchors
What are Anchors?
Anchors are fasteners that create holding power in base materials where a standard screw or bolt would not grip on its own. Used in concrete, block, brick, drywall, plaster, wood, steel, and composites, anchors convert a drilled hole or expansion action into reliable pull-out and shear capacity.
What are anchors used for?
- Securing fixtures, rails, machinery, cabinets, and infrastructure to concrete and masonry
- Hanging equipment or hardware on drywall and hollow walls without framing contact
- Mounting to steel plate or structural members where a thread needs to be created
- Bonding studs and threaded rod with adhesives for high capacity or near-edge installs
Which type of anchor do I need?
- Concrete and masonry: wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, drop-in anchors, screw anchors
- Drywall and plaster: toggle bolts, hollow-wall anchors, self-drilling drywall anchors
- Wood and light masonry: lag shields and specialty expansion anchors
- Steel: thread-forming and thread-cutting anchors for plate and structural members
- Adhesive: bonded anchors for high loads, reduced edge distance, or when vibration is severe
How do I size an anchor? (inch and metric)
- Match the anchor diameter to the required load and fixture hole, for example 1/4 in or M8
- Select length based on fixture thickness plus embedment depth required by the anchor style
- Use the specified drill bit size and hole depth so expansion or thread engagement works correctly
- Consider edge distance and spacing to avoid concrete breakout or wall damage
Materials and finishes for anchors
Carbon steel, zinc plated
Economical choice for dry, indoor environments.
Hot dip galvanized steel
Thick zinc layer suited to outdoor structural work in concrete and masonry.
Stainless steel 304 and 316
Corrosion resistance for wet, coastal, or chemically aggressive settings. Choose 316 near saltwater.
Adhesives and capsules
Formulated resins that bond studs or threaded rod into drilled holes for high tensile loads and reduced edge distance.
Installation tips for reliable anchoring
- Use the correct drill bit type and diameter for the base material and anchor
- Clean holes of dust with brushing and blowing before setting expansion or adhesive anchors
- Tighten to the recommended torque so expansion components seat properly
- Respect cure times for adhesives and verify embedment depth for mechanical anchors
Anchors vs screws into base material what should I know?
Anchors are designed to create holding power where the base material alone will not. In concrete and masonry, expansion anchors or adhesive systems carry the load. In drywall and hollow walls, toggling or spreading mechanisms support the fixture without a stud. In steel, thread-forming anchors create the threads needed for a secure connection.
FAQs about Anchors
Add fixture thickness to the required embedment depth for the anchor type and include any washer or shim thickness. Ensure sufficient hole depth for dust and expansion.
Follow the anchor specification. Wedge and sleeve anchors typically use a bit equal to anchor diameter; screw anchors and drop-ins can require specific sizes.
Yes. Common diameters include 1/4 in, 3/8 in, 1/2 in and metric sizes such as M6, M8, M10, and M12. Select to match fixture holes and load needs.
Zinc plated works for dry interiors. For outdoor or wet environments choose hot dip galvanized or stainless steel, or use adhesive systems with compatible hardware.
Very important. Dust left in the hole can reduce holding power. Brush and blow out holes before setting expansion or adhesive anchors.
It is how far the anchor grips into the base material. Correct embedment ensures the rated pull-out capacity and prevents breakout.
They can be removed but are not reusable. Concrete screw anchors can be removed and sometimes reused if threads remain intact, per manufacturer guidance.
Sleeve anchors and toggling solutions distribute load in hollow sections. Adhesive with screen sleeves can also be used in some cases.
Yes. Keep anchors a safe distance from edges and from each other to prevent cracking or breakout and to achieve full strength.