The Variety of Names for Concrete Anchors
In most cases, the best-known names for concrete fasteners are the original brand names. The other names used for specific concrete fasteners are those that competing companies created to label their versions of the fasteners. To simplify this confusion, it is important to consult the following list. The generic name of the anchor is followed by a brief description, a list of names that the product is commonly called and common brand names.
Concrete Screws
Concrete screws are a threaded product with either a hex washer or flat Phillips countersunk head. They are designed to tap threads into a pre-drilled hole in a base material of concrete, brick or block.
Commonly called
Tapcon®, concrete screw, self-tapping concrete screw, the original Tapcon, con-
Wedge Anchors
Wedge anchors are a steel stud with one of its ends threaded and the other end having a clip to set wedges between the stud and concrete. They are only for use in solid concrete.
Commonly called
Stud
- Trubolt®
- Kwik-bolt®
- Wedge-All®
Sleeve Anchors
Sleeve anchors are made up of threaded rod beveled on one end, a sleeve that goes over the rod, and a nut and washer which are all assembled into one single piece. Turning the nut pulls the working end of the sleeve anchor up through the sleeve to expand and anchor itself securely in concrete, brick or block.
Commonly called
Sup-r-sleeve, thunderbolt, bolt sleeve anchor,
Drop-In Anchors
Drop in anchors consists of a tubular expansion shield and a solid, cone-shaped expander plug. The shield has four equally spaced slots for a portion of its length. The bottom part may be knurled and the end that is opposite the slotted part is internally threaded. The anchor is set by placing it in a predrilled hole in concrete and by using the proper setting tool.
Commonly called
Drop-in, a female anchor, HDI, Hilti drop-in anchor, concrete drop-in anchor, sup-r-drop, HDI anchor, lip drop in anchor, HDI-L anchor, HDI-P anchor,
- HDI
- Steel Dropin®
- Drop-in®
- Multi-Set®
Split Drive Anchors
Split drive anchors are one piece, tamper-resistant, pre-expanded anchors. These anchors are designed for use in solid base material such as concrete. They are available in a flat countersunk or round head. The anchor is driven into a predrilled hole in concrete and the split part of that anchor is squeezed as the anchor is set. The pressure exerted from the anchor trying to resume its original shape is what gives the split drive anchor its holding values.
Commonly called
Split anchor, flat head split anchor, round head split anchor, split bolt anchor, super-split, spike, drive, CSD, countersunk split drive anchor, concrete, and masonry anchor
- MSD/CSD/DSD
- Drive®
Metal Hit Anchors
Metal hit anchors are precision die-cast, light duty anchor. These anchors consist of a cylindrical zinc alloy body and zinc plated steel pin expander. The shank is split a major portion of its length from the bottom up. The anchor body has a bore, which runs through the head thickness and into the shank for a depth just beyond the point where the slot terminates in the body. The steel pin expander is made of high carbon steel which is properly heat treated and heavily zinc plated for maximum corrosion resistance. The anchor is set by driving the pin into the body of the anchor.
Commonly called
Zamac anchor, strike anchor, nail anchor, roof anchor, hammer drive anchor,
- Hammer-Set
- Zamac Nailin
- Metal Hit Anchor
- Nailon Pin Drive Anchor
Concrete anchors and fasteners are called by numerous names. It is important to keep this in mind when deciding which anchor to use in a specific application and when ordering the correct fastener for the job. If you are aware of all the different names for these products, determining and ordering the correct concrete fastener and/or anchor should be painless.
As with any anchoring project, it is important to keep safety in mind and follow instructions carefully. Always remember to wear safety goggles, handle all tools with extra care and follow all technical specifications. This article is meant to serve only as a basic explanation of concrete fasteners. Always refer to manufacturer's instructions or consult a contracting expert during any anchoring project.
Article Written By:
Mike Pistorino, Vice-President Operations
Concrete Fastening Systems, Inc. has over 40 years of experience selling concrete fasteners. We can ship out one box or a whole pallet of concrete anchors. Our products are of the highest quality... "your satisfaction is guaranteed". We ship all orders the same day the order is received.