What are Hammer Drive Anchors (Drive Pin Anchors)?
Hammer drive anchors, also called drive pin anchors, nail-in anchors, hammer-set anchors, and concrete nail anchors, fasten light-duty fixtures to solid concrete, brick, or filled block. A built-in drive pin expands the anchor body when struck, locking it in a predrilled hole with a low-profile head.
When should I use Hammer Drive Anchors (Drive Pin Anchors)?
- Attaching furring strips, plywood, electrical clips, brackets, and trim
- Fast, one-sided installs where only front access is available
- Solid concrete, brick, or filled block (not recommended for hollow block shells)
- Jobs that do not require removal or frequent adjustment
How Hammer Drive Anchors work
Drill the listed hole size, insert the anchor through the fixture, and strike the drive pin. The pin forces the expansion section outward so the anchor grips the hole wall. No separate setting tool is needed and the head sits near flush.
Parts of a Hammer Drive Anchor
- Anchor body with an expansion section
- Pre-assembled drive pin that sets the anchor when struck
- Mushroom or countersunk head that clamps the fixture
Sizing and fit for Hammer Drive Anchors (inch and metric)
- Common diameters: 3/16 in and 1/4 in (metric examples: M5, M6)
- Select length to cover fixture thickness and meet the minimum embedment for the diameter
- Use the specified carbide drill size and drill slightly deeper than embedment for dust clearance
Materials and finishes
Zinc plated steel
Economical option for dry, indoor locations.
Stainless steel 18-8
Better corrosion resistance for damp or outdoor environments.
Installation tips
- Drill straight, then brush and blow out hole dust
- Seat the head flat on the fixture, then strike the pin until fully set
- Respect edge distance and spacing to avoid cracking concrete or brick
- Avoid use in cracked, weak, or crumbling base material
Hammer Drive Anchors vs wedge and sleeve anchors
Hammer drive anchors install the fastest but are for lighter loads and non-structural use. Wedge anchors and sleeve anchors provide higher capacities and are better for heavier fixtures or structural connections in solid concrete.
FAQs about Hammer Drive Anchors
Quick answers on use, sizing, base materials, and removal.
- What are hammer drive anchors used for?
Light-duty fastening of trim, furring, plywood, clips, and brackets to solid concrete, brick, or filled block.
- Do hammer drive anchors work in hollow block?
They hold best in solid concrete, brick, or filled block. Hollow block shells are not recommended because the anchor may not expand against enough material.
- What drill bit size should I use?
Use the bit size listed for the anchor diameter. Drill slightly deeper than the embedment so dust has room at the tip.
- How strong are hammer drive anchors?
They are intended for light-duty loads. For higher loads, choose a wedge anchor or sleeve anchor sized for your application.
- Can hammer drive anchors be removed?
They are considered permanent. If removal is required, you can back off the fixture and drive the pin flush or cut the head; reuse is not recommended.
- Which material should I pick for outdoor use?
Choose stainless steel 18-8 for better corrosion resistance; use zinc plated only in dry interior spaces.
- Why is hole cleaning important?
Dust left in the hole can prevent full expansion and reduce holding power. Brush and blow out debris before setting the anchor.