How not to damage threads on a wedge anchor during installation

Wedge Purchase Wedge Anchors

     Installing a wedge anchor requires that it be hammered into a hole in solid concrete.  The design of the wedge anchor is such that it can be inserted into the hole and, once expanded, cannot be removed.  The hole tolerance between the anchor diameter and the hole size is very tight. The wedge anchor must be hit by a hammer extremely hard in order for it to slide into the hole.  Both the wedge anchor and the concrete are very strong. Neither is flexible nor has the ability to give much, so the stress on a wedge anchor as it is installed is very high.
     The threaded end of the wedge anchor protrudes from the surface of the concrete once it is installed, and is the area of the wedge anchor that is being struck with a hammer.  Care must be taken not to damage the threads during installation.  If proper care is not taken, the threads will be damaged and the nut will lose the ability to be put on or taken off. All threads on wedge anchors are national coarse threads for each diameter.  The larger the diameter of wedge anchor being installed, then the larger and heavier the hammer must be.
     When installing a wedge anchor, the nut must be threaded on the threaded end of the wedge anchor so that the top of the nut is even with the top of the wedge anchor body.  When threading the nut on correctly, the threads will be protected during installation and allow the nut to be removed and then threaded back on.  Many wedge anchors are manufactured with a bull nose.   This bull nose is a protrusion that extends above the threads with the purpose of having a surface for the hammer to strike without damaging the threads.  Although the bull nose feature works very well, it is advised to thread the nut on to the wedge anchor as a precaution to insure that the threads are not damaged by the hammer strike.
     Purchase all diameters , lenghts and steel types of wedge anchors at www.confast.com.  Each order is shipped complete the same day the order is received from Cleveland, Ohio.


 

Please remember with all fastening jobs to keep safety in mind. Always follow safety instructions on all tools, and refer to manufacturer's installation instructions when available and always remember to wear safety goggles!

Article written by: Michael Pistorino, Concrete Fastener Specialist