Anchors for Concrete, Block, & Brick
What are Anchors for Concrete, Block, and Brick?
These anchors create holding power in solid concrete and masonry where a regular screw or bolt would not grip. By expanding in a drilled hole or cutting threads in the base material, they provide reliable pull-out and shear capacity for fixtures, rails, machinery, and safety-critical installs.
Which anchor type should I use for concrete and masonry?
- Wedge anchors: high load capacity in solid, cured concrete
- Sleeve anchors: versatile choice for concrete, brick, and block
- Drop-in anchors: flush-mount internal threads for overhead or finished surfaces
- Concrete screw anchors: fast installation by cutting threads in the hole
- Strike and hammer drive anchors: quick set for light to medium loads
- Threaded anchors: mechanical expansion with built-in machine threads
How to choose the right anchor by base material
- Solid concrete: wedge, drop-in, or concrete screw anchors
- Hollow block and brick: sleeve anchors or toggling solutions rated for hollow sections
- Green or wet concrete: anchors designed for early-age installs as specified
How do I size concrete anchors (inch and metric)?
- Select diameter for the required load and the fixture hole, for example 1/4 in, 3/8 in, 1/2 in, or M6, M8, M10, M12
- Anchor length equals fixture thickness plus required embedment for the anchor style
- Use the specified drill bit size and hole depth so expansion or thread engagement works correctly
- Respect minimum edge distance and spacing to prevent cracking or breakout
Materials and finishes that match the environment
Carbon steel zinc plated
Cost-effective for dry interiors with light corrosion exposure.
Hot dip galvanized steel
Thick zinc coating for outdoor structural work in concrete and masonry.
Stainless steel 304 and 316
Corrosion resistance for washdown, coastal, and chemical areas. Choose 316 near saltwater.
How to install concrete and masonry anchors
- Drill the correct hole diameter and depth for the anchor style
- Brush and blow out dust so expansion and adhesion are not reduced
- Insert and set the anchor as specified, then tighten to the recommended torque
- For overhead or flush applications, use drop-in anchors and set with the proper tool
When should I choose adhesive anchors instead of mechanical?
Use adhesive when you need high tensile capacity, reduced edge distance, or you are anchoring near cracks or reinforcements. Follow the adhesive’s hole cleaning and cure-time requirements and pair with stainless or galvanized studs as the environment dictates.
Common applications for concrete, block, and brick anchors
- Handrails, guardrails, and safety hardware
- Equipment bases, racks, and machinery
- Conduit, pipe supports, and strut systems
- Overhead attachments and fixtures where a flush finish is required
FAQs about Anchors for Concrete, Block, and Brick
Wedge anchors expand a clip against solid concrete for high loads. Sleeve anchors expand along a sleeve and work in concrete, brick, or block. Concrete screw anchors cut threads in the hole and install quickly.
Add the fixture thickness to the minimum embedment for the anchor style and include any washer or shim thickness. Ensure the hole is deeper than the embedment to capture dust.
Follow the anchor specification. Many wedge and sleeve anchors use a bit equal to the anchor diameter, while screw anchors and drop-ins have specific sizes listed by the manufacturer.
Sleeve anchors and toggling solutions are commonly used in hollow sections. Drop-in and wedge anchors require solid concrete.
Use hot dip galvanized for outdoor structural work and stainless for wet, coastal, or chemical environments. Zinc plated is for dry interior spaces.
Very important. Dust left in the hole can reduce holding power. Brush and blow out holes before setting the anchor
It is how far the anchor engages the base material. Correct embedment ensures rated pull-out strength and helps prevent concrete breakout.
They can be removed but are not reusable. Concrete screw anchors are removable and may be reused if threads remain intact per guidance.
Yes. Common metric diameters include M6, M8, M10, and M12 with lengths chosen to meet embedment and fixture thickness.
Keep anchors the specified distance from edges and from each other to protect the base material and to reach full capacity.