Masonry anchors are a reliable way to attach objects to masonry surfaces. Whether you’re looking to hang framed artwork, shelves, or a heavy-duty fixture - there’s an anchor for it. This blog post dives into the available selection of masonry fasteners, and explores how each distinct type can be applied to various applications.
Mechanical Expansion Anchors
Mechanical expansion anchors are among the most common types of masonry anchors. They have an expanding sleeve that tightens and grips the masonry, so they are perfect for applications on solid materials such as brick, stone, and concrete. Some popular mechanical expansion anchors include:
Wedge Anchors
Wedge Anchors are a type of heavy-duty mechanical expansion anchor designed for use in solid masonry materials such as concrete, brick, and stone. To ensure a reliable and sturdy hold, each anchor is composed of a threaded rod, an expansion wedge mechanism, and a securely-tightened nut. The installation process is simple; drill a hole into the desired masonry material, then insert the anchor until the washer and nut are flush with its surface.
As you tighten the nut properly, it triggers the wedge-shaped component to expand within the drilled hole for optimal support. Due to its high load capacity, wedge anchors are commonly used in applications that demand robust and secure fastening, such as anchoring structural support beams, heavy machinery, railing systems, and safety barriers to masonry surfaces.
Sleeve Anchors
Sleeve Anchors are versatile mechanical expansion anchors designed for use in various masonry materials. They consist of a threaded bolt or rod, an expansion sleeve, and a nut or washer. When installed, the sleeve expands as the bolt is tightened in order to create a secure hold within the masonry material.
Sleeve anchors can be easily adjusted and are compatible with a wide range of fixture thicknesses which make them suitable for numerous applications. They are commonly used for attaching handrails, shelving, signage, and brackets to masonry surfaces. They are a reliable and adjustable fastening solution for both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts.
Drop-in Anchors
Drop-in Anchors are a type of flush-mount expansion anchor designed for use in solid masonry materials, such as concrete. The internally-threaded anchors are the ideal solution for masonry installation. They are constructed with a cylindrical metal shell that features an inserted cone-shaped plug at the bottom.
Placed into a pre-drilled hole and secured by striking it with a setting tool, these reliable anchors provide strength and stability to your project's foundation.This causes the anchor to expand and create an unwavering hold within the hole. They are commonly used for securing structural elements, railings, piping systems, and heavy-duty brackets to masonry surfaces, and they are a strong and stable fastening solution for various construction projects.
Lag-Shield Anchors
The Lag-Shield Anchor, more commonly known as the lag screw shield, is an invaluable masonry anchor that is effective for fixed installations in a multitude of materials. From concrete to brick and block surfaces, this type of anchor aids medium to heavyweight applications such as fastening wood or metal structures onto masonry substrates.
The lag shield anchor consists of two main parts: the lag shield and the lag screw.
The lag shield is a cylindrical, hollow, metal sleeve with a tapered outer surface, designed to fit into a pre-drilled hole in the masonry material. The interior of the lag shield is threaded to accommodate a lag screw. As the lag screw is tightened, it pulls against the lag shield, and causes the shield to expand within the masonry material.
The expansion creates a secure bond between the anchor and the masonry, and provides a strong and stable attachment point for the object being mounted.
Titen HD Masonry Anchors
For reliable fastening in both cracked and uncracked concrete, as well as masonry, Titen HD Masonry Anchors are the ideal choice. With an impressive performance and low installation torque, these screw anchors stand out for providing a secure anchor for multiple applications - dry interior environments or temporary outdoor uses. Enjoy outstanding performance with no worry of corrosion when you choose Titen HD Masonry Anchors.
Chemical/Resin Anchors
Chemical Masonry Anchors, or Resin Anchors, are a powerful and dependable fastening system that uses chemical bonding agents to form an anchor-masonry connection. Unlike mechanical anchors which require expansion for security, these advanced adhesive anchors generate secure bonds with concrete blocks and bricks by relying on strong chemical adhesives. Ideal for both solid as well as hollow materials alike, these reliable resin solutions create long-lasting connections in a variety of surfaces.
Chemical Masonry Anchors consist of two main components: the anchor rod and the chemical adhesive. The anchor rod can be an epoxy-coated threaded rod, rebar, or a specialized anchor stud. The adhesive is typically an epoxy, polyester, or vinylester resin that comes in cartridges, capsules, and bulk containers to be easily applied with a caulking gun or manual dispenser.
Screw Anchors
Screw Anchors are sometimes referred to as Self-Tapping Screws or Self-Drilling Anchors because they feature a threaded design that allows them to be screwed directly into masonry materials without the need for a pre-drilled hole. They provide a secure hold in both solid and hollow masonry materials and can be easily removed if necessary.
Some popular screw anchors include:
Tapcon® Screws
Tapcon® screws are specially designed masonry fasteners that offer a quick and secure method for attaching objects to concrete, brick, and block surfaces. These self-tapping screws feature a unique thread design that allows them to be directly screwed into pre-drilled holes in masonry materials without the need for additional anchors or expansion mechanisms. The patented Advanced Threadform Technology® provides more holding power with lower installation torque for easier installation.
Common uses for Tapcon screws include attaching fixtures, electrical boxes, signage, brackets, and equipment to masonry surfaces, which makes them a popular choice among contractors for their ease of installation and reliable holding power.
Self-Drilling Anchors
Self-Drilling Anchors are user-friendly and incredibly versatile fasteners that are perfect for use on hollow or solid wall materials like masonry blocks and drywall. The sharp tip eliminates the need for pre-drilling to make installation effortless and convenient. The anchor expands to provide an extra secure hold so that your object remains firmly in place.
Self-Drilling Anchors are ideal for lighter-duty applications, such as hanging picture frames, curtains, mirrors, shelves, and decorative elements on walls where traditional fastening methods may not be suitable.
Hammer-Set Anchors
Hammer-Set Anchors, also known as drive pins or Nail-in Anchors are a convenient and efficient fastening solution for attaching objects to masonry and concrete surfaces. They consist of a metal pin or nail that is driven into a pre-drilled hole using a hammer. Once installed, the nail or pin expands within the hole to create a secure hold in the masonry material.
Hammer-Set Anchors are commonly used for lighter-duty applications, such as attaching electrical boxes, conduit clamps, cable trays, and lightweight fixtures to masonry walls.
Hollow Wall Anchors
Hollow Wall Anchors, specifically designed for use in hollow or cavity wall materials, provide a secure and stable attachment point for various objects. They function by expanding behind the wall material, and creating a solid grip without exerting undue pressure on the masonry or drywall. They are suitable for hollow masonry walls, such as cinder blocks and hollow concrete blocks, as well as drywall, hollow wall anchors are ideal for attaching shelving, cabinets, fixtures, and other lightweight to medium-weight items.
Toggle Bolts
Toggle Bolts consist of a threaded bolt and a spring-loaded toggle mechanism. When the bolt is tightened, the toggle mechanism expands behind the masonry for a secure hold. Toggle Bolts are ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as hanging heavy mirrors, artwork, or shelves in hollow masonry walls.
Molly Bolts
Molly Bolts, also known as hollow wall drive anchors, are a type of hollow wall anchor designed for securing objects to hollow or cavity wall materials such as drywall and hollow masonry blocks. They feature an expanding metal sleeve that grips the back of the wall when the bolt is tightened. Molly Bolts provide a strong and stable attachment point, which makes them ideal for hanging lightweight to medium-weight items, such as picture frames, curtains, and shelves, on hollow wall surfaces.
Plastic Wall Plugs
Cost-effective and reliable, Plastic Wall Plugs or Anchors are an easy solution for attaching lightweight articles to masonry surfaces. They are basically a plastic sleeve that is inserted into the pre-drilled holes in the wall, and then a screw secures it firmly in its place.
Fastener Systems Carries Masonry Fasteners for Every Purpose
If you're a contractor, builder, or DIY enthusiast looking for high-quality masonry anchors, Fastener Systems has got you covered. Our extensive selection of fasteners includes a range of options from drywall and hollow blocks to concrete. Whether you have a simple question or need help finding a particular tool or fastener, our dedicated customer service team is always here to assist.
Contact us today to place your order!
