QA

How To Install Tapcon Screws

Do you need a hammer drill for Tapcon screws?

The hole must be drilled using a hammer drill with a carbide tipped bit meeting ANSI standards. A bit that meets ANSI standards will ensure that the hole diameter will meet the requirements of the Tapcon®.

Do you need a drill bit for Tapcon screws?

The Tapcon drill bit that is used depends on the diameter of the Tapcon screw being installed. The 3/16” Tapcon requires the use of 5/32” diameter bit, and the 1/4” Tapcon requires a 3/16” diameter bit.

Do I need to drill a pilot hole for concrete screws?

Unlike self-drilling screws which do not need pilot holes due to their drill bit end, self-tapping screws like concrete screws do require the user to mark a spot for the pilot hole. Match the head of the concrete screw to a drill bit and slowly drive it into the material in question, maintaining a steady pressure.

Why are Tapcon screws blue?

Tapcon’s unmatched performance in concrete, block and brick applications make them an excellent alternative to expansion anchors, plugs and lag shields. Blue corrosion resistant coating enables them to withstand the harshest conditions.

How far apart should Tapcon screws be placed?

First, the minimum recommended distance between any two anchors is 10x the anchor diameter (2 1/2 inches for 1/4 inch anchors), at the risk of weakening the holding strength of each.

What size Tapcons 2×4 bottom plate?

The 2×4 is 1-1/2″ thick. Adding the 1-1/2″ of the 2×4 plus a minimum of 1″ embedment= 2-1/2″. This would be the minimum length of screw that can be used. The maximum length would be 1-1/2″ + 1-3/4″= 3-1/4″, the maximum length of screw that can be used.

How much weight will a Tapcon screw hold?

*A safety factor of 4:1 or 25% of ultimate pullout/shear value is generally accepted as a safe working load. 340 lbs.

How much weight can a concrete anchor hold?

Anchor Types Overview Masonry and concrete anchor types are considered light-duty, medium-duty or heavy-duty, based on how much weight they can support. Light-duty anchors are good for wall hangings that weigh up to 50 pounds. Medium-duty anchors are good for wall hangings that weigh up to 200 pounds.

Will Tapcon screws work in cinder block?

Insert the anchor into the pre-drilled pilot hole in the cinder block and expand as needed. Concrete screws and tapcon need a hole to be drilled in the masonry that is smaller than the designated diameter. All masonry screws’ packaging will show the best size of drilled hole to use.

What size Tapcon do I need?

The Tapcon® screw requires the correct diameter of hole to be drilled for the diameter of the Tapcon® screw being installed. The 1/4” requires a 3/16” hole, and the 3/16” requires a 5/32” hole to be drilled into the base material.

Why do you need a hammer drill for concrete?

Hammering helps to pulverize the concrete, while the rotation forms the hole. If you anticipate drilling many holes in concrete, it may be beneficial to purchase a hammer drill.

Can I use Tapcon screws in brick?

The Tapcon concrete screw is suitable for use in a variety of base material, including brick and the mortar joints between the brick.

How do you anchor screws in brick?

Install the masonry screw in brick by selecting a carbide bit with the correct diameter for that screw. Drill a pilot hole with a hammer drill with the carbide bit. Insert the masonry screw anchor into the hole in the brick and turned clockwise. This will tap threads into the brick and hold the screw securely.

Why do my Tapcons keep breaking?

The depth of the hole for a Tapcon® should be a minimum of 1/2″ deeper into the base material than the screw will penetrate. If the Tapcon® screw bottoms out in the hole before it is fully inserted and too much torque is applied, the Tapcon® may break or shear off.

How much weight can a 1/4 Tapcon hold?

Technical Specifications for Tapcon Concrete Screws Size Minimum Embedment Shear (lbs.) 3/16” 1” 400 1/4” 1” 620.

Who owns Tapcon?

RED HEAD® > Products > Screw Anchors > Tapcon.

How deep should Tapcons be in concrete?

The minimum depth of embedment for the Tapcon screw is 1 inch, and the maximum embedment is 1-3/4 inch. The depth of the hole should be drilled to allow a minimum space at the bottom of the hole of 1/2 inch. The minimum depth of the hole equals 1 inch plus 1/2 inch or 1-1/2” inches.

How much deeper than the anchor being installed should the hole be drilled?

How to drill hole: When drilling a hole into concrete, brick or block base material, the hole must be drilled 1/2″ deeper than the concrete anchor will penetrate. Why: The extra depth of the hole will ensure that the anchor does not bottom out and will allow space for dust from the drilling process.

How far should anchor bolts be spaced?

Bolts shall be embedded at least 7 inches (178 mm) into concrete or masonry, and spaced not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) apart.

Can I use Tapcon screws in pressure treated wood?

Original Tapcon® concrete screws are sometimes referred to as “blue screws”. This means that Tapcons will resist rusting much better than most of the generic screws on the market today. The Tapcon® is also recommended for use in ACQ pressure-treated lumber while most generic concrete screws are not.