How to Install a Flat Head Concrete Screw

Tapcon Purchase Tapcon Anchors

Flat-headed tapcons are designed to be installed in a variety of base materials such as solid concrete, brick, block or mortar joints. The holding value of a flat-headed tapcon depends on a number of factors, including the depth of embedment, the diameter of the tapcon, the quality of the base material, and, in the mortar joints, the quantity of material.  Several factors need to be considered in order to determine which flat-headed tapcon is right for a particular application.

Flat Head Tapcon
The complete name of a flat-headed tapcon is “flat phillips countersunk tapcon”.  The flat-headed tapcon has a phillips drive so that a phillips type screwdriver can be used.  The 3/16” flat headed tapcon utilizes a #2 bit tip and the 1/4” requires a #3 bit tip.

Diameter of Flat Head Tapcon
The two diameters that are available in the flat-headed tapcon are a 3/16” diameter and a 1/4” diameter.

Length of Flat Head Tapcon
The flat-headed tapcon length is measured as an overall length of the screw including the head.  Flat-headed tapcons are manufactured in seven lengths for the 3/16” diameter: 1-1/4”, 1-3/4”, 2-1/4”, 2-3/4”, 3-1/4”, 3-3/4” and 4”. The 1/4” diameter is available in nine lenghts: 1-1/4”, 1-3/4”, 2-1/4”, 2-3/4”, 3-1/4”, 3-3/4” and 4”, 5”, 6”.

Embedment Depth
Minimum embedment depth of a flat-headed tapcon is 1”.
Maximum embedment depth of a flat-headed tapcon is 1-3/4”.

Hole Diameter
The hole diameter that needs to be drilled into the base material is critical because the tolerance between the flat-headed tapcon diameter and hole size is critical.  The hole must be drilled with a hammer type drill and by using carbide tipped drill bit that meets ANSI standards.  The 3/16” diameter hex head tapcon requires a 5/32” hole and the 1/4” diameter flat-headed tapcon requires a 3/16” hole.

Hole Depth
The depth of the hole in the base material needs to be a minimum of 1/4” deeper than the flat-headed tapcon will penetrate.  This will insure space for the dust that is created during the tapping process to fall out of the way, insuring that the flat-headed tapcon will not bottom out in the hole.

Hold Values flat-headed Tapcon

Diameter

Minimum Embedment

2000 PSI Concrete

2000 PSI Concrete

3/16”

1”

600 lbs (tension)

720 lbs (shear)

1/4”

1”

1380 lbs

1200 lbs


Flat Head Tapcon Product Information
Each flat-headed tapcon comes packaged with one correct diameter and length bit per box.

 

 

 

 

Description

Part Number

Bit Length x Diameter

Quantity Per Box

3/16” x 1-1/4

TCF316114

5/32” x 3-1/2”

100

3/16” x 1-3/4”

TCF316134

5/32” x 3-1/2”

100

3/16” x 2-1/4”

TCF316214

5/32” x 4-1/2”

100

3/16” x 2-3/4”

TCF316234

5/32” x 4-1/2”

100

3/16” x 3-1/4”

TCF316314

5/32” x 4-1/2”

100

3/16” x 3-3/4”

TCF316334

5/32” x 5-1/2”

100

3/16” x 4”

TCF3164

5/32” x 5-1/2”

100

1/4” x 1-1/4”

TCF14114

3/16” x 3-1/2”

100

1/4” x 1-3/4”

TCF14134

3/16” x 3-1/2”

100

1/4” x 2-1/4”

TCF14214

3/16” x 4-1/2”

100

1/4” x 2-3/4”

TCF14234

3/16” x 4-1/2”

100

1/4” x 3-1/4”

TCF14314

3/16” x 4-1/2”

100

1/4” x 3-3/4”

TCF14334

3/16” x 5-1/2”

100

1/4” x 4”

TCF144

3/16” x 5-1/2”

100

1/4” x 5”

TCF145

3/16” x 6-1/2”

100

1/4” x 6”

TCF146

3/16” x 7-1/2”

100

Installing Flat Head Tapcon
  • Drill a hole in the base material using a hammer drill and correct diameter bit for the flat-headed tapcon being installed.
  • Depth of hole should be drilled a minimum of 1/4” deeper than flat-headed tapcon would penetrate the base material.
  • Clean the hole of all dust by using a wire brush, vacuum or compressed air.
  • Insert flat-headed tapcon into the predrilled hole in the base material and turn clockwise until head of tapcon is snug against fixture.


 

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