QA

How To Use Tapcon Screws

Do I need a hammer 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 use a regular drill for Tapcon?

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 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 do Tapcons break?

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Will Tapcons hold 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.

Why are my Tapcons not grabbing?

The hole needs to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the fastener so that the threads of the Tapcon have something to grab into. If the masonry bit you use is too small you won’t be able to drive the Tapcon in at all. If the masonry bit is too large, the Tapcon will not hold.

Are Tapcon screws any good?

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.

How do I keep my Tapcons from breaking?

The correct setting for driving a tapcon concrete screw without breaking or shearing off is determined by using the lightest setting and then moving up until the tapcon concrete screw is set tight against the fixture being fastened. It is very important that the tapcon is not over torqued.

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.

Are Tapcon screws better than anchors?

Wedge anchors are pretty reliable & easy to install, if you stay well above the manufacturers’ edge distances. Tapcons are also easy to install & reliable. If the hole size is right, I doubt that you will overdrive many because the shaft will fail before the threads will strip.

Are Blue Tapcons stainless steel?

Blue Climaseal™ 410 Stainless Steel Brick, Block, Concrete and Masonry Anchor.

Who owns Tapcon?

RED HEAD® > Products > Screw Anchors > Tapcon.

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 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.

What grade are Tapcon screws?

The stainless steel Tapcon® is manufactured from a 410 stainless steel that is coated with silver Climaseal®. The standard large diameter Tapcon® or LDT has an anchor body made from Grade 5 hardened carbon steel that is zinc plated.