Choosing the right anchor bolt for your project can be tricky, but with this guide you'll have all the information you need to find the right one. Understand the nine different types of anchor bolts and their best applications so that your project has a strong foundation!

Expansion Anchor Bolts.

Expansion anchor bolts are the most common type of anchor bolt. When these bolts are placed in a hole and tightened, an expanding sleeve on the wet concrete pushes against the sides of the hole providing strong resistance. Expansion anchor bolts are used in a variety of applications from road construction to setting signposts or fastening steel columns to buildings.

Drop-in Anchors :

Drop-in anchors are heavy-duty expansion anchors. Hole size varies by manufacturer and they range in diameter from 1/4" to 2”. Once the necessary predrilled hole has been filled with concrete, the drop in anchor bolts are inserted into the holes. After inserting, a setting tool is used to expand the sleeve on the inside of the holes creating resistance against any force applied to it. They can be used in medium loads and load bearing walls, as well as for suspending light fixtures and air conditioning units.

Machine Screw Anchors :

Machine screw anchors are internally threaded expansion anchors used to fasten into concrete, brick, and block. They come in two varieties – steel and nylon. Steel machine screw anchors range in diameter from 1/4" to 3/8" while nylon machine screws range from 4-20. Machine screws are self drilling and come with a drive bit for quick installation. They are best used for light loads such as mounting electrical fixtures and accessories.

Hammer Drive Anchors :

Hammer drive anchors are a type of expansion anchor made from steel and finished in either zinc or mechanically galvanized. They are available in diameters from 1/4" to 3/8" and have serrations along the shank that provide maximum holding power. Hammer drive anchors can be screwed directly into hard materials such as concrete, cement, masonry, drywall, plywood, particle board and more. These types of anchors are ideal for light to medium duty applications including suspending duct or pipe work, mounting brackets and light fixtures.

Lag Shields and Lag Screws :

Lag shields and lag screws are another type of anchor bolts that are perfect for fastening as well as heavy-duty applications. Lag screws, also known as lag bolts, are a type of screw with a square or hexagonal head that can be secured using a socket, wrench, or drill bit. The lag shield is made of zinc-plated steel and serves as the “female” end of the anchor which gives the lag screw something to secure itself into. This makes them ideal for structural supports in concrete, masonry, or drywall materials.

Double Expansion Shield Anchors:

Double expansion shield anchors consist of a threaded stud with a cone-shaped end and a sleeve that expands at both ends when tightened. They are commonly used for attaching handrails, signage, and other medium-duty items to concrete surfaces.

Split Drive Anchors:

 Split drive anchors consist of a flat-headed pin with a split end and a sleeve that expands when the pin is hammered into it. They are commonly used for attaching drywall track, furring strips, and other light-duty items to concrete surfaces.

Threaded Rod Anchors :

Threaded rod anchors consist of a threaded rod with a cone-shaped end and a clip or sleeve that expands against the concrete when tightened. They are commonly used for attaching signs, lighting fixtures, and other medium-duty items to concrete surfaces.

Strike Anchors :

Strike anchors consist of a threaded stud with a cone-shaped end and a sleeve that expands when a hammer strikes the end of the anchor. They are commonly used for attaching concrete forms, steel plates, and other heavy-duty items to concrete surfaces.

Lag Anchors:

Lag anchors are similar to wedge anchors, but they have a hexagonal head that can be tightened with a wrench. They are commonly used for attaching wood framing, shelving, and other light-duty items to concrete surfaces.

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