- Countersink screws: This type of screw is preferred when the craftsperson wants a smooth, flat surface. When fully inserted, a countersink screw should be flush with the material’s surface. ...
- Non-countersink screws: Available in a wide range of sizes and styles, non-countersink screws have heads that sit directly on the material’s surface. Most screws are non-countersink screws.
What is the best anchor for concrete?
- Plastic anchors, or conical anchors, insert directly into the pre-drilled hole. ...
- Hammer-set concrete anchors are light-duty anchors that DIYers can use to secure wood and other materials to concrete. ...
- Machine screw anchors, or concrete wedges, consist of threaded bolts with flared bases running through a sleeve. ...
How do you put a screw into concrete?
Screwdriver Use
- Pick the right screwdriver size for the screw, and ensure the blade thickness fits in the slot. ...
- Although you can get a ratcheting screwdriver, never use pliers on a manual screwdriver to offer more torque. ...
- I never think nice screwdrivers can be used as a pry, punch, or lever. ...
- Only ever use insulated screwdrivers for electrical work. ...
What tools are needed for concrete?
Top 14 List of Concrete Tools
- Come-Along Rake. It is well known that concrete is thick and dense, so you should not be even thinking of moving it around with your hands.
- Shovel. Certainly, you have heard of a shovel before; it is one of the most obvious things that would have to be on this list.
- Screed. ...
- Wheelbarrows. ...
- Circular Saws. ...
- Bull Float. ...
- Compactor. ...
- Mixers. ...
- Finishing Trowel. ...
How to choose the best concrete fastener?
Choose concrete fasteners by assessing the base material, considering the weight of the objects being fastened to the concrete, and determining the environment and style of fasteners that are best. Steps. Method 1. Method 1 of 4: Examining the Base Material When Choosing Concrete Fasteners
Can I screw directly into concrete?
Concrete screws are a quick and convenient way to fasten to concrete. The best thing about these screws is that you can screw directly into concrete without any need for hammering or an anchor or shield to install. All you have to do is drill a hole and drive in the screw.
How do you anchor a screw into concrete?
0:032:43How To Screw Into Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm gonna be using this triple grip screw and anchor kit I picked this up from Home Depot for aboutMoreI'm gonna be using this triple grip screw and anchor kit I picked this up from Home Depot for about twelve dollars and this kit is nice because it includes a masonry bit that's the right size for the
Do I need to pre drill for concrete screws?
Unlike self-drilling screws which do not need pilot holes due to their drill bit end, self-tapping screws like concrete screws do require the user to mark a spot for the pilot hole.
Can I drill into concrete without a hammer drill?
There are two effective methods of drilling into concrete without a hammer drill. The first method is to use a masonry bit with a regular drill for smaller holes and the second option is to use diamond or carbide core bits to drill large diameter holes.
Do you need a special drill bit for concrete?
Carbide tip bits are popular for masonry, concrete and tile drilling. Solid carbide: For maximum duty drilling into the hardest materials, it pays to invest in solid carbide bits. This means the entire bit has carbide construction, not just the tip.
Are Tapcon screws self tapping?
There are many brand names of concrete screws on the market today. The original self-tapping and the most widely recognized one is called Tapcon, which is derived from Tapping Concrete.
Do Tapcon screws need pilot holes?
Installing Tapcons Without a Hammer Drill The tapcon screw has nothing to do with the drill. Since tapcon screws require a pilot hole, whether you use a hammer drill or not is merely a matter of how well you want to drill holes in masonry.
How deep should Tapcons be in concrete?
The minimum depth of embedment for the Tapcon screw is 1 inch, and the maximum embedment is 1-3/4 inch. The depth of the hole should be drilled to allow a minimum space at the bottom of the hole of 1/2 inch. The minimum depth of the hole equals 1 inch plus 1/2 inch or 1-1/2” inches.
Can you drill into concrete with a regular drill?
Can you use a regular drill to drill into concrete? Regular drills can be used for drilling into concrete. However, this may not be an efficient way and you'll likely end up breaking a drill bit or two. Instead, opt for a hammer drill to save time and energy.
How do you screw into a concrete wall without a drill?
Besides using a hammer drill, there are five other viable methods for making a hole in a concrete wall without one.Regular Drill and Masonry Bit. If you don't have a hammer drill, the next best option is to use a regular drill. ... Chisel and Hammer. ... Sledge Hammer. ... Rotary Tool. ... Concrete Saw.
How do you secure something to concrete?
Concrete screws provide a quick, easy and incredibly strong way to fasten to concrete. And best of all, there's no hammering required or anchor or shield to install. All you do is drill a hole and drive in the screw. That's it.
Can I use plastic anchors in concrete?
Here are a few types of concrete anchors: Plastic anchors, or conical anchors, insert directly into the pre-drilled hole. They might require a few light taps with a hammer, but they're designed to sit flush with the masonry surface (though they also work for drywall and plaster).
What are concrete screws used for?
Concrete screws are very versatile and are ideal for use in both light and medium duty fastening applications. These screws come in a variety of sizes and styles that are easy and fast to install. After installation, concrete screws can be removed without disturbing the base material. These screws can also be installed close to an edge. The different lengths can be used in applications when the fastening material has a thickness of up to 5". This wide range of lengths allows the screws to be used in many applications including studs, plywood, electrical boxes, exterior insulation systems and door bucks.
Why is it important to use concrete screws?
It is important to use the correct type of concrete screw to ensure that the application and installation is executed correctly and safely.
What are concrete screws used for?
Simply put, self tapping screws will tap their own head which means they will need a small hole drilled ahead of a full-sized hole as a guide, otherwise known as a pilot hole. With that in place, you can drive the tapping screw into the material and the threads will dig in to keep the fixing secure.
How deep should a concrete screw be driven?
However, to ensure a secure fixing the screw should be driven in at a minimum of at least one inch deep . It’s essential to make the pilot hole deeper than the length of your concrete screws to ensure that when the concrete screws are cutting threads there is room for any dust coming from the concrete or brick.
What are concrete screw rod hangers?
Concrete screws rod hangers are concrete screws that have been designed specifically for overhead rod applications. Just like other self-tapping screws, concrete screws rod hangers are ideal for concrete fixing and are approved by the European Technical Approval for cracked concrete and non-cracked concrete.
How deep do you drill for concrete screws?
The average depth to drill your concrete screws is typically ¼ inch deeper than the length of your screw. You should not drill your pilot hole any deeper than ¾ inch to avoid shearing off the head of your screw. However, to ensure a secure fixing the screw should be driven in at a minimum of at least one inch deep.
Why are bits smaller than screws?
Bits are always smaller than screws because you will use these to drill the pilot hole, which needs to be smaller than the actual screw in order to allow the concrete screws to cut its own threads as it is driven in. Drill the pilot hole, clean it out and place the concrete screws within.
Do concrete screws need pilot holes?
Unlike self-drilling screws which do not need pilot holes due to their drill bit end, self-tapping screws like concrete screws do require the user to mark a spot for the pilot hole. Once that’s done it’s simply a case of attaching the right drill bit which depends on the size of your screw: Bits are always smaller than screws because you will use ...
Can tapping screws be driven into material?
With that in place, you can drive the tapping screw into the material and the threads will dig in to keep the fixing secure. These handy screws are favoured by contractors, electricians, and plumbers for many applications due to their durability, protection against rust, ease of installation and the secure holding they provide in all instances ...
Concrete and Concrete Fastener Basics
Concrete fastening is more than a science. It’s closer to a craft. Like stone masonry, bricklaying and concrete placing, there are also many variables in working with concrete fasteners. First are the fasteners themselves. Each type has their designed application or purpose. Then, there are the many tools involved in attaching fasteners.
Choosing the Right Concrete Fasteners
Now that you know what concrete materials you’re working with and a few of their properties, it’s time to move on in the fastener selection process. You must mate the right fastener with the type of concrete you’re using and its strength, thickness and the load you’re supporting.
Specific Concrete Fasteners and Their Applications
There are hundreds of different concrete fasteners available on the American market. For example, Nitterhouse Masonry & Hardware alone has 290 separate concrete fastener items in our inventory. This vast selection includes light, medium and heavy-duty fasteners.
Concrete Fasteners and Masonry Screws for Inspirational Pieces
If there’s a concrete fastener problem, Nitterhouse Masonry & Hardware has the solution. Whether it’s a toggle bolt for a hollow masonry block wall, a spike anchor for a sill plate or a Tapcon® self-tapping masonry screw for an outdoor patio, Nitterhouse has your right concrete fastener in stock.
Contact Nitterhouse Masonry & Hardware to Find a Dealer
You can easily get the look you desire with product inspiration from Nitterhouse Masonry & Hardware. We’ve served the Central Atlantic states since 1923. Over that time, we’ve built an extensive dealer network to serve you with all your concrete fastener and other masonry-related challenges.
What type of screw heads are used for concrete?
There are two kinds of screw heads for work with concrete -- hex head or flat head Phillips. Hex screws are easier to drive in, but they don't look as nice because the caps are raised and they can't be flush to the surface; so your choice depends on the location of the screw.
How many inches does a screw need to penetrate concrete?
They come in different lengths, and it's important to have several sizes on hand. Concrete is a dense material, so you'll need a screw that can penetrate 1 inch ( 2.5 centimeters) into the concrete; then add an additional inch (2.5 centimeters) more than the thickness of the material you are attaching to the concrete, ...
What is self drilling screw?
Self-drilling screws are basically concrete screws that tap threads into concrete and are the only kind of screws that are strong enough to penetrate concrete. They come in different lengths, and you'll want to have various sizes on hand.
Why is a hammer drill good?
A hammer drill is good for this purpose because you can adjust the depth of the hole so it won't be too shallow or too deep. Advertisement.
Do you drill a pilot hole for concrete screws?
It is necessary to make a pilot hole for concrete screws. You should allow for a little extra depth to your drill hole to ensure that when the concrete screws are cutting threads there is enough room for any dust that might accumulate.
Can a rotary drill be used to drill concrete?
An ordinary rotary drill works just fine to drill into concrete. However, rotary drills take longer to drill into concrete than hammer drills and usually require more physical effort as well. . Cite This! Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Copy.
Can you screw a hole in concrete?
The best thing about these screws is that you can screw directly into concrete without any need for hammering or an anchor or shield to install. All you have to do is drill a hole and drive in the screw. What are concrete screws called? You may hear concrete screws called concrete anchors or fasteners.
How to choose a concrete fastener?
How to choose the right concrete fastener. Choosing the right fastener will depend on the amount of weight you’re fastening, the type of concrete you’re fastening into (porous or solid), and the speed at which you ended to complete the job.
What type of anchors are good for concrete?
Instead of going through a drywall board and then expanding out on the backside, this actually expands in the hole. Poly-set anchors are great for concrete blocks, like you find in homes in Florida.
What gun to use to drive a nail into concrete?
You’ll use either a hammer or a gun to drive this fastener into the concrete. The Ramset gun is essentially a .22 caliber rifle that shoots the specialty nail into the concrete. Top-of-the-line gun drivers allow you to achieve great efficiency when you have to use a high volume of these fasteners on a project.
How to get concrete dust out of a bolt?
Vacuum the concrete dust out of the hole. Be careful not to inhale the concrete dust. With the nut attached to the end of the bolt (this protects the threaded connection from your hammer), drive the fastener into the hole with a hammer. Tighten the top nut with a wrench, which pulls the stud up through your collet.
How to drive a bolt into a hole?
With the nut attached to the end of the bolt (this protects the threaded connection from your hammer), drive the fastener into the hole with a hammer.
What is powder actuated fastener?
Powder-actuated fasteners are commonly used to fasten base plates to a concrete slab. (You wouldn’t solely use this fastener to build a frame on a foundation—for that, there would also be anchor bolts coming up through the foundation for you to bolt the frame to.
What is a hammer set anchor?
Similar to a wedge anchor, a hammer set anchor is a metal device that you set into a pre-drilled hole and hammer in. The difference is that the bolt on a hammer set is not threaded. Hammer set anchors are also known as nail anchors. Their main advantage is speed and ease of use, and they’re best for solid concrete. Don’t use them in mortar.
How to use a masonry bit and hammer drill to drill concrete?
Concrete and concrete block. How to Use: Drill right through the wood and into the concrete with a masonry bit and hammer drill. Use a depth stop to get the correct depth and then blow the dust out of the hole with a turkey baster (don’t use your breath, because the dust will blow back in your face).
How to use a hammer drill to drill a hole in concrete?
How to use: Use a special bit in your hammer drill to drill a pilot hole through the workpiece (if it’s wood) and right into the concrete. Drive the screw with a power screwdriver . Hex heads are easier to drive but the heads will protrude slightly above the surface after tightening.
How to attach a 2x6 ledger board to concrete?
Drill 1/2-in. holes, insert the anchors and tighten the nuts to fasten a 2×6 ledger board to concrete block.
How to drive a hammer set fastener?
Drive the pin on the hammer-set fastener with sharp blows from the hammer. The fastener will slip into the hole and expand at the back to wedge the fastener against the concrete.
What to do if a hole gets too big for a plastic anchor?
If the hole gets a bit large, use a bigger screw to push the plastic against the walls of the hole. Drawbacks: If the concrete is soft or crumbly, the plastic anchor may break free and turn as you turn the screw.
How long is a concrete anchor?
These are extremely strong anchors for attaching framing members to solid concrete. They come in a variety of lengths and from 1/4 in. to 1 in. in diameter.
Can you use a hammer set fastener in mortar?
If the fastener works loose, leave it in place and drill another hole. Don’t use hammer-set fasteners in crumbly concrete or mortar. Use a plastic anchor instead.
What type of screws are used for concrete?
Concrete screws are available with either flat head Phillips or hex heads. In situations where the screw head must be flush to the surface (furring strips under drywall), or where a Phillips head would look nicer, use the Phillips head screws. Otherwise, always pick the hex head screws.
What screws wear out fast?
When you’re using Phillips head screws, keep extra No. 2 (No. 3 for 1/4-in. screws) Phillips head bits on hand. The hardened screws wear out bits quickly.
How to install masonry bit?
Install the masonry bit in your hammer drill and a driver bit in a variable speed drill. Then you won’t have to switch bits constantly. Another option is to buy an installation tool. It allows you to switch quickly from drilling to driving mode and back again, and includes Phillips and hex head bits to drive both 3/16-in. and 1/4-in. screws. We found an installation kit alongside the concrete screws at the home center.
Why do 3/16 screws snap off?
If you’re having trouble with the 3/16-in. screws snapping off because the concrete is too hard, switch to stronger 1/4-in. diameter screws instead. You could also keep some 1/4-in. screws handy in case you strip out the hole for a 3/16-in. screw.
How much does a hammer drill cost?
But in most cases, you’ll need a hammer drill. Corded hammer drills cost $65 to $400, or you can buy a cordless model starting at $230. You can also rent hammer drills for about $35 per day. Precisely sized carbide-tipped bits are often included with packs of screws, or you can purchase one separately.
Can you use a lag shield on a block?
Uh, no. At the very least you should use a lag shield, but even then, you can use that type of anchor only when mounting to one of the three solid sections of the block. Sleeve anchors are a better option because they work in the solid and hollow sections of the block, as well as the mortar joints.
Can you use plastic anchors on concrete?
Where most people mess up is in thinking they can use plastic anchors. Uh, no. At the very least you should use a lag shield, but even then, you can use that type of anchor only when mounting to one of the three solid sections of the block.
