Anchors

Mechanical anchors are used to attach objects or structures to materials that cannot reliably support the required load with only standard fasteners or adhesives. Anchor are typically needed due to the limitations of the material's physical properties or structure. For example, concrete is not malleable enough to form a thread with a conventional screw; drywall material is too particulate to support even a moderate load on a single drywall screw; hollow walls will not allow access to both sides to mate a bolt with a load-distributing washer and nut combination.

A variety of construction anchors are available, each having its own specific use and benefit for certain applications. Choosing the correct anchor fastener is essential for the best results.

Internally threaded anchors include drop-in anchors, machine screw anchors and expansion shields. These are typically used in base materials such as solid concrete, concrete block, or brick and stone; and are used in conjunction with machine threaded fasteners such as machine screws, hex cap screws and threaded rods. They require predrilling a hole into the base material and may require a setting tool for installation. Once installed, these anchors are permanently set and cannot be re-used.

Typically used in concrete applications, externally threaded anchors include wedge anchors and concrete screws. Wedge anchors have an exposed machine threaded shaft with a nut and washer. Tightening the nut expands the functional component of the anchor to solidly "wedge" the unit into the base material. Concrete screws are driven into a predrilled hole to solidly secure an object in place. Concrete screws should be limited to light duty applications.

Lag shield anchors, plastic anchors and wood screw anchors are designed to expand when a screw is inserted into the anchor and then tightened. They are used in a variety of base materials including concrete, brick, block, mortar, drywall and tile.

As the name suggests, hollow wall anchors are designed to be inserted into a hole predrilled into a wall and then expand behind the wall when the screw is tightened, securing the anchor in place. Toggle bolts and wings are also considered hollow wall anchors.

Sleeve anchors are used in concrete and masonry but should be considered for lighter duty applications as compared to wedge anchors. They are available in a variety of head styles such as acorn cap, hex nut, round head, flat countersunk head and rod hanger head. Once inserted into a predrilled hole, the anchor expands as the nut or head is tightened, securing the anchor in place.

Hammer drive anchors and split drive anchors, collectively grouped as drive anchors, are for use in concrete, block and brick. They are considered tamper-resistant as once the pin is driven flush with the head of the anchor, the pin forces the anchor to expand thereby permanently securing it in place.

All anchor fasteners available from Aspen Fasteners are usually in stock and ready to ship the same day. Use our attribute filtering system to narrow down your search and find the specific anchor you need.

Mechanical anchors are used to attach objects or structures to materials that cannot reliably support the required load with only standard fasteners or adhesives. Anchor are typically needed due to the limitations of the material's physical properties or structure. For example, concrete is not malleable enough to form a thread with a conventional screw; drywall material is too particulate to support even a moderate load on a single drywall screw; hollow walls will not allow access to both sides to mate a bolt with a load-distributing washer and nut combination.

A variety of construction anchors are available, each having its own specific use and benefit for certain applications. Choosing the correct anchor fastener is essential for the best results.

Internally threaded anchors include drop-in anchors, machine screw anchors and expansion shields. These are typically used in base materials such as solid concrete, concrete block, or brick and stone; and are used in conjunction with machine threaded fasteners such as machine screws, hex cap screws and threaded rods. They require predrilling a hole into the base material and may require a setting tool for installation. Once installed, these anchors are permanently set and cannot be re-used.

Typically used in concrete applications, externally threaded anchors include wedge anchors and concrete screws. Wedge anchors have an exposed machine threaded shaft with a nut and washer. Tightening the nut expands the functional component of the anchor to solidly "wedge" the unit into the base material. Concrete screws are driven into a predrilled hole to solidly secure an object in place. Concrete screws should be limited to light duty applications.

Lag shield anchors, plastic anchors and wood screw anchors are designed to expand when a screw is inserted into the anchor and then tightened. They are used in a variety of base materials including concrete, brick, block, mortar, drywall and tile.

As the name suggests, hollow wall anchors are designed to be inserted into a hole predrilled into a wall and then expand behind the wall when the screw is tightened, securing the anchor in place. Toggle bolts and wings are also considered hollow wall anchors.

Sleeve anchors are used in concrete and masonry but should be considered for lighter duty applications as compared to wedge anchors. They are available in a variety of head styles such as acorn cap, hex nut, round head, flat countersunk head and rod hanger head. Once inserted into a predrilled hole, the anchor expands as the nut or head is tightened, securing the anchor in place.

Hammer drive anchors and split drive anchors, collectively grouped as drive anchors, are for use in concrete, block and brick. They are considered tamper-resistant as once the pin is driven flush with the head of the anchor, the pin forces the anchor to expand thereby permanently securing it in place.

All anchor fasteners available from Aspen Fasteners are usually in stock and ready to ship the same day. Use our attribute filtering system to narrow down your search and find the specific anchor you need.

!