If you don't use the proper concrete fasteners, your concrete project could be faced with pending disaster.

When you are attaching a non-structural item to concrete, it is referred to fastening while bolting structural materials to concrete is called anchoring.

Fastening drywall, concrete block or plaster to your formed concrete isn't as simple as pounding a nail in a piece of wood. There are guidelines that manufacturers follow for their products just so you are not prone to use the wrong size or strength.

Fasteners come in a variety of light, medium or heavy-duty, sizes, types and carry different tensile and shear capacities.

Cement fasteners that are left with incorrect tension may pull away from the concrete. Mounting anything light, such as insulation systems, junction boxes or furring strips normally use a self-drilled fastener that cuts through the concrete for hold.

An improperly sized fastener that is not designed to hold a load can lose tension and begin to loosen, breaking away under too much strain.

Shearing is another aspect to consider when choosing the proper concrete fastener for your job.

When working with a heavier project, such as installing railings, enclosures or hanging heavy shutters, your fasteners have to be able to withstand the elements of the outdoors but also a consistent weight put upon them. Pre-drilled holes are necessary for jobs of this type to better stabilize the structure connected.

For example, if you are pouring a slab for an enclosed patio, cast-in-place cement fasteners are a typical choice and are spotted before the job is done, placing the bolt in the proper position and letting the concrete be poured and set around it.

Post-installed fasteners are installed after the concrete has been poured and dried by drilling a hole and bonding the fastener in place.

If a lighter weight structure is going to be fastened, using adhesive around the fastener instead of a cement type material may be used.

In either case, making sure that your drilled hole is free of dust and dirt is very important to keep the fastener sturdy.

Wedge anchors are yet another type of concrete fastener. They are used for fastening materials to concrete. The wedge anchor is actually two separate pieces that consists of a steel threaded rod with a conical space on the end and a second piece that is permanently mounted steel clip that is fitted in this conical space.

The holding value of the wedge anchor is permanent. The concrete has to be destroyed in order to remove it.

Drilling holes for concrete fasteners is an area that has to be planned and precisely measured. With a bonded fastener and many of the expansion fasteners, a masonry bit fit into a power drill is sufficient. Use a depth gauge and drill straight.

Let your equipment do the work and don't force the bit. This can cause your drill to shake and wander that will affect your ultimate sized hole.

All of your measuring and preparation can be in vain if you try and rush the job.

Never tighten your fastener or anchor with an impact driver or drill. The setting and tightening of concrete fasteners should not be over tightened.

If your fastener begins to rise out of the hole due to being too tight, your connection has been weakened.

To maintain control over your fastener and not getting too loose or too tight, use a socket wrench so you can see exactly where you are.

I recommend that you get advice from a manufacturer of fasteners and anchors before starting your DIY concrete project.

Getting the correct fastener for your project is one of the most important aspects of having a lasting job.

My most important advice for you... know your concrete fasteners before you undertake your concrete project so that you will build it right.

If you have any questions on concrete fasteners, please do not hesitate to email them to me.

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