QA

Quick Answer: How To Use A Tapcon

Do I need to pre drill for Tapcon screws?

Before a Tapcon masonry screw can be installed, a hole must be drilled into the masonry. Use a hammer drill to ensure that the hole has the proper tolerance. The hammer motion breaks up the masonry material and the rotation removes the dust from the hole.

Can you screw directly into concrete?

Can you screw directly into concrete? Concrete screws are a quick and convenient way to fasten to concrete. The best thing about these screws is that you can screw directly into concrete without any need for hammering or an anchor or shield to install. All you have to do is drill a hole and drive in the screw.

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 will a Tapcon 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 do you get Tapcons off?

Tapcon® Concrete Screws: Tapcons are removable because they are threaded screws that tap threads into the concrete, brick or block. By simply turning the screw counter-clockwise, these concrete screws will thread its way out of the base material.

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.

Do you have to use Tapcon drill bit?

Standards. Any carbide tipped masonry bit that is manufactured to meet ANSI standard B212-15-1994 can be used for drilling holes in masonry that Tapcon masonry anchors are installed in. If the installation toolkit is being used then the special Tapcon bit must be used.

Why can’t I drill through concrete?

Drilling into concrete is difficult because concrete is dense, is hard, and has embedded aggregate stones that can be obstacles to the drill bit. Drilling can quickly dull drill bits. When the bit encounters aggregate, the bit drags even more.

How long should Tapcon screws be?

The proper length could be either the 2-3/4″ or the 3-1/4″ length concrete screw. The 3-1/4″ screw would be right at maximum embedment and depending on the abrasiveness of the base material, may be too long.

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.

Should Tapcons be in the brick or the mortar?

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

Do you need a hammer drill for Tapcons?

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®.

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.

How good are Tapcons?

They are also a very unique (and of course proprietary) product that allows for extremely fast and reliable anchoring of materials to masonry products. If you drill the hole correctly – deep enough and with the correct diameter bit – these fasteners will simply work every time.

Are Tapcons strong?

Stainless Steel Tapcons are reliable, strong, and have outstanding corrosion resistance. These screws are ideal for using to attach fixtures and lumbers to all types of masonry bases, including concrete, brick, and block.

How strong is a 1/4 Tapcon?

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

What size hole do I drill for a 3/8 concrete anchor?

Drill hole into the concrete using a carbide tipped bit. Bit size = 3/8” (same as anchor diameter) Drill the hole at least 1/2″ deeper than the length of the anchor. 2. Clean out the hole using a wire brush, compressed air, vacuum, blow out bulb or other method.

Can Tapcons be used 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.

Can you remove and install Tapcon screws?

Masonry screws are removable and reusable The removal and reinstalling process may cause the tapped threads in the base material to deteriorate, which affects the holding values of the masonry screw. Removing the masonry screw can be accomplished by simply turning the head of the screw counterclockwise.

How do you cut Tapcon screws?

Chisel out the area surrounding the screw with a hammer and chisel. Work until the screw is completely uncovered and grip it with vise grips. Carefully turn the screw out while gripping it. Repeat this procedure for any other screws that are severely impacted and you cannot remove it with only a drill.

Who owns Tapcon?

RED HEAD® > Products > Screw Anchors > Tapcon.

What are white Tapcon screws used for?

White Ultrashield Tapcon concrete screw anchors are perfect for hurricane protection and any exterior projects that need a white color match including shutters, door and window frames, screened enclosures, and many other applications that require anchoring into masonry.