Installing Hammer Drive Anchors: Step-by-Step Instructions
Hammer drive anchors are used for light duty fastening. They are best suited for installation in dry, indoor environments. They are not the best choice for use in damp or outdoor conditions. They should also not be used for overhead installation projects.
Hammer drive anchors can be used in lots of base materials, including concrete, brick, and concrete block. They are permanent, so double check what you're about to fasten. Once the anchor is set in place, the item being attached cannot be removed without being destroyed.
Get Your Project Going
Prep Your Tools and Materials
- You will need a hammer drill and a drill bit. A carbide tipped bit is suggested for this project. It is important that the carbide tipped bit meets ANSI standards, which means that the bit will conform to standard sizes. ANSI standard bits will ensure proper hole tolerance for the drive anchor.
- The ANSI standard carbide tipped bit that can be used for anchors is available in two different styles. Different styles of bits are based on the method the bit connects into the hammer drill. Make sure you have a hammer drill and the appropriate carbide bit.
- The diameter of the anchor being used must be the same as the diameter of the bit used. If a 3/16-inch anchor is being installed, then a 3/16-inch carbide tipped bit must be used. The 1/4-inch anchor requires a 1/4-inch bit.
- The hole in the base material must be drilled a minimum of 1/2 inch deeper than the drive will penetrate. This will allow space at the bottom of the hole for any dust or debris to fall into, out of the way. They must be installed at a minimum of 3/4 inches into the base material. Embedding at least to this minimum ensures that minimum holding values will be obtained.
- To ensure the depth of the hole is sufficient, the depth gauge (provided with the hammer drill) should be used. To set the depth gauge, pull it out to the desired position and then lock in place. Taping the bit to the desired drilling depth is another method to ensure proper hole depth. When taping the bit, simply wrap a piece of tape around the bit at the desired location.
- The length of drive to use for any specific applications is determined by adding the thickness of the material being fastened to the minimum embedment depth of 3/4 inches. The length of the anchor is measured from underneath the head.
Prep for Installation
- All hammer drive anchors come assembled and ready for installation. Before installing the anchor, make sure the hole in the fixture is large enough for the anchor to be inserted into it. The hole in the fixture must be slightly larger than the designated diameter of the drive being installed.
Required Fixture Hold Diameter
|
|
|---|---|
| 3/16” | 1/4” |
| 1/4” | 5/16” |
Drill the Hole
A drill with a keyless shank is tightened by hand. These drills need an SDS, SDS+, or SDS Plus type of carbide tipped bit.
- Drill a hole in the concrete using a hammer drill with carbide tipped bit. The hole in can be drilled while the item being fastened is in place. Make sure that the hole in the item being fastened is large enough for the bit to pass through. The hammer drill must be set in the hammer and rotation mode. The hammering motion of the drill breaks up the concrete while the rotation removes the dust from the hole. Straight rotation drills will not produce the correct hole.
Clean Out Debris
- The hole must be cleaned of all dust and debris once it is drilled and before the hammer drive is inserted into the hole. Clean the hole with a wire brush. Use an up and down and turning motion. Then vacuum the hole. Repeat this process several times to effectively prepare the hole for anchor installation.
Install the Anchor
- Holding the head of the anchor and with the nail sticking out, insert the body of the anchor through the hole in the fixture and into the hole in the masonry.
Finish the Nail
- Make sure the head of the drive anchor is snug against the surface of the item being attached. Using a hammer, strike the head of the nail with several sharp blows until the head of the nail is flush with the head of the anchor body.