What is the strongest type of anchor?

Wedge anchors are typically the strongest anchors, but not every application requires a heavy-duty anchor. Some will do just fine with a plastic wall anchor or a nail-in version.

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Anytime a DIYer has to attach an object to a concrete or masonry surface, the amount of work increases considerably from jobs that involve a drywall or a wood surface. Special tools, techniques, and hardware are all necessary to accomplish the job. And knowing which products are the best concrete anchors for each project can be a challenge in and of itself. This guide will help, as it outlines the best concrete anchors for a given situation and highlights some products to consider. Keep reading to learn more about several important factors to keep in mind when shopping for this specialized hardware.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Concrete Anchors

If you have a project coming up that requires mounting an object to solid concrete, a brick, or a block surface, check out the following sections. They’ll outline the most important points to keep in mind when choosing the best concrete anchors for a given application. Whether you’re tackling a light-duty task or a heavy-duty project, it’s essential to understand factors like the types of anchors, the materials with which they’re made, and how much weight they will hold.

Type

While all concrete anchors are designed to hold an object securely to solid brick or block walls or poured concrete walls and floors, they differ in style and installation. All of these types of anchors require a pre-drilled hole in the brick, concrete, or block surface, the measurement of which the manufacturer will supply. Here are a few types of concrete anchors: Plastic anchors, or conical anchors, insert directly into the pre-drilled hole. They might require a few light taps with a hammer, but they’re designed to sit flush with the masonry surface (though they also work for drywall and plaster). As the screw penetrates the surface, it wedges the plastic against the concrete for a sure grip for light-duty projects. or conical anchors, insert directly into the pre-drilled hole. They might require a few light taps with a hammer, but they’re designed to sit flush with the masonry surface (though they also work for drywall and plaster). As the screw penetrates the surface, it wedges the plastic against the concrete for a sure grip for light-duty projects. Hammer-set concrete anchors are light-duty anchors that DIYers can use to secure wood and other materials to solid concrete. Once struck with a hammer, nails expand in the hammer-set anchors and wedge in place to get the job done. are light-duty anchors that DIYers can use to secure wood and other materials to solid concrete. Once struck with a hammer, nails expand in the hammer-set anchors and wedge in place to get the job done. Machine screw anchors, or concrete wedges, consist of threaded bolts with flared bases running through a sleeve. Machine screw anchors have a nut on the end as well. Once it’s inserted into the pre-drilled hole, the user can tighten the nut. The nut pulls the bolt and forces the flared base against the sleeve, expanding enough in the hole for heavy-duty projects. or concrete wedges, consist of threaded bolts with flared bases running through a sleeve. Machine screw anchors have a nut on the end as well. Once it’s inserted into the pre-drilled hole, the user can tighten the nut. The nut pulls the bolt and forces the flared base against the sleeve, expanding enough in the hole for heavy-duty projects. Shields work similarly to plastic anchors. They’re made from soft metal but typically feature threads into which the bolt or the screw can thread, expanding the shield as it tightens. work similarly to plastic anchors. They’re made from soft metal but typically feature threads into which the bolt or the screw can thread, expanding the shield as it tightens. Drop-in anchors are a lot like shields, but they usually require a specialized tool to set them in place before accepting a screw. are a lot like shields, but they usually require a specialized tool to set them in place before accepting a screw. Liquid and adhesive anchoring compounds also work for heavy-duty applications. Users just drill an oversized hole, fill it with the adhesive, and insert the bolt into the adhesive. Once dry, it’s as tough an anchor as they come to get the job done.

Material

Solid concrete is a moisture-laden material, and it will do a number on standard hardware metals like uncoated steel. Even if you could use standard bright-finish nails and drywall screws, they’d rust right away. For that reason, the best concrete screws are either stainless steel, galvanized, or zinc coated. Many are simply coated with a corrosion-resistant layer, which is usually blue. These materials do better in damp conditions and resist the moisture present in concrete surfaces. There are exceptions to this rule, however. Shields and drop-in anchors typically use alloy-based metals, which include lead, copper, or aluminum, allowing them to expand when the user tightens them. The downside is that the threads can strip when overtightened, but they otherwise do a fine job of creating a secure bond and resisting corrosion.

Load Requirements

Different anchors have varying load-bearing abilities, so it’s important to match the appropriate anchor to an application. Light-duty projects up to 50 pounds, like hanging pictures, securing furring strips to a wall before a drywall installation, and even flat-screen TV mounts, are ideal for hammer- set and plastic anchors (though you will need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations). The trick is to use several anchors to share the weight for a long-lasting installation. up to 50 pounds, like hanging pictures, securing furring strips to a wall before a drywall installation, and even flat-screen TV mounts, are ideal for hammer- set and plastic anchors (though you will need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations). The trick is to use several anchors to share the weight for a long-lasting installation. Medium-duty projects, such as floating shelves, handrails, and other installations that might weigh up to a few hundred pounds, are well suited for fastening concrete screws and bolts. Smaller wedge-type anchors are also ideal for these applications. such as floating shelves, handrails, and other installations that might weigh up to a few hundred pounds, are well suited for fastening concrete screws and bolts. Smaller wedge-type anchors are also ideal for these applications. Heavy-duty projects, like framing or anchoring machinery in place, need plenty of grip, making properly installed shields, drop-ins, wedges, and liquid adhesives the best option.

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Our Top Picks

That bit of background on concrete anchors should shed a bit more light on these products. To make the shopping process a bit easier, consult the following list. It consists of some of the best concrete anchors on the market for a variety of building projects. Just be sure to keep these top considerations in mind when comparing them to one another. Best Overall 1 Klein Tools 53729 Conical Anchor Kit Photo: amazon.com SEE IT For light-duty applications and DIY projects like hanging pictures and decorations on masonry walls, it’s hard to beat the flexibility of a plastic anchor kit like this one from Klein Tools. The kit includes 100 plastic anchors and 100 matching plastic screws, providing enough hardware for plenty of projects. This kit is also flexible as it works with masonry surfaces like brick, block, and concrete, as well as drywall and plaster applications. Instead of guessing at the appropriate hole size, Klein Tools includes a ¼-inch masonry bit designed to work with these anchors. The anchors, screws, and drill bit come in a plastic case for easy organization. Product Specs Type: Plastic anchors

Plastic anchors Material: Plastic and steel

Plastic and steel Load-Bearing Capability: Light-duty Pros Over 100 anchors and screws

Suitable for use on concrete, brick, block, plaster, and drywall

¼-inch masonry bits

Organization case Cons Should not be used with a hammer drill

Not suitable for heavy-duty projects Get the Klein Tools concrete anchors on Amazon and at The Home Depot. Best Bang for the Buck 2 T.K.Excellent Phillips Pan Head Self Tapping Screws Photo: amazon.com SEE IT For those who aren’t sure exactly which size anchors they need for their DIY projects, T.K. Excellent’s Phillips Pan Head Self Tapping Screws could be the answer. This kit contains 400 pieces: 60 extra-small anchors, 60 small anchors, 40 large anchors, and 40 extra-large anchors, along with the screws for each size. The only item the kit doesn’t include is the appropriate drill bit for each. These anchors are flexible enough for light-duty use in brick, block, or concrete, but they’ll also work in plaster or drywall. A see-through plastic case allows the user to tell at a glance when it’s time for a refill. Product Specs Type: Plastic

Plastic Material: Plastic and metal

Plastic and metal Load-Bearing Capability: Light-duty Pros Comes with over 400 pieces

Multiple anchor and screw sizes

Suitable for use on brick, block, concrete, drywall, and plaster

Organization case Cons Plastic and case may break during use Get the T.K.Excellent concrete anchors on Amazon and at Walmart. Best Concrete Screw 3 CONFAST 1/4" x 3-3/4" Flat Phillips Concrete Screw Photo: amazon.com SEE IT For medium-duty projects that require a reliable hold, CONFAST’s Flat Phillips Concrete Screws might be the way to go. These screws measure ¼ inch thick and 3¾ inches long, providing plenty of thread for biting into concrete, brick, and block surfaces. These carbon steel screws feature a corrosion-resistant blue coating that protects them from rusting, but they are designed for dry environments, so submerging them is not recommended. They also come with a #3 Phillips bit, providing plenty of driving force in power drills and impact drivers. Each box contains 100 screws, offering enough concrete fastening for most applications. Product Specs Type: Screws

Screws Material: Carbon steel

Carbon steel Load-Bearing Capability: Medium-duty Pros Suitable for use on concrete, brick, and block

Corrosion- and rust-resistant

Drill bit included

Over 100 screws included Cons Limited water-resistance Get the CONFAST concrete screws on Amazon. Best Wedge Anchor 4 Bolt Dropper 3/8" X 3" Stainless Wedge Anchor Photo: amazon.com SEE IT Heavy-duty applications require sturdy hardware like Bolt Dropper’s Stainless Wedge Anchors. These wedge-type anchors feature all stainless steel construction, making them highly corrosion resistant and durable. The bolts measure ⅜ inch thick and 3 inches long to ensure heavy-duty fastening. The kit features 10 anchors, each with the nut, washer, and machine-thread anchor required for installing in concrete, block, or brick. These anchor bolts are suitable for almost any application, including underwater installations or dry settings indoor and out. While they don’t include a drill bit for installation, a ⅜-inch diameter masonry bit is all that’s required. Product Specs Type: Wedge/hammer-set concrete anchor

Wedge/hammer-set concrete anchor Material: Stainless steel

Stainless steel Load-Bearing Capability: Heavy-duty Pros Durable and corrosion-resistant

Suitable for commercial use

Suitable for concrete, block, and brick

Can be used in dry or submerged areas Cons Pricey compared to similar options

Some users report limited durability Get the Bolt Dropper anchor on Amazon.

Best Plastic 5 The Hillman Group 370329 Ribbed Plastic Anchor Photo: amazon.com SEE IT When it comes to keeping a kit of plastic anchors around for odds and ends, this set of ribbed plastic anchors from The Hillman Group is worth checking out. This kit of 100 anchors can serve as a refill in an established anchor kit or a complement to a box of pan head screws. This kit features a flexible design that works with concrete, brick, or block, as well as drywall or plaster. The ribbed design expands when the user tightens the screw, biting into the surface for a sure hold in light-duty applications. It’s also suitable for use with #8, #10, or #12 screws, allowing one set of anchors to take the place of several. Product Specs Type: Plastic

Plastic Material: Plastic

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Plastic Load-Bearing Capability: Light-duty Pros Comes with 100 anchors

Suitable for use on concrete, brick, block, drywall, and plaster

Ribbed design

Can be used with #8, #10, or #12 screws Cons Not suitable for heavy-duty projects Some users report manufacturing defects Get the Hillman Group anchors on Amazon and at Walmart. Best Hammer-Set 6 CONFAST 1/4" x 1-1/4" Hammer Drive Nail in Anchors Photo: amazon.com SEE IT CONFAST’s Hammer Drive Nail in Anchors offer a quick and easy solution for attaching items to a concrete surface. The anchors measure ¼ inch thick and 1¼ inches long, and they work in concrete, brick, or block. All it takes is a ¼-inch drill bit to drill a hole in the item attaching to the concrete surface and a few taps with a hammer to set this anchor in place. The anchors are made from an alloy called Zamak, which is a blend of aluminum, magnesium, and copper. These materials make installing the anchors a breeze, but they also create a sure hold when the nail is driven home. Product Specs Type: Hammer-set

Hammer-set Material: Zamak (aluminum, magnesium, and copper)

Zamak (aluminum, magnesium, and copper) Load-Bearing Capability: Heavy-duty Pros Suitable for use on concrete, brick, and block

Easy to install

Durable design Cons Pricey compared to similar options

Drill bit not included Get the CONFAST hammer drive anchors on Amazon.

Best Liquid 7 DRYLOK 00917 Cement Hydraulic WTRPRF Photo: amazon.com SEE IT For another alternative in concrete anchoring, check out DryLok’s Cement Hydraulic compound. The 4-pound bucket is suitable for anchoring hardware in concrete surfaces, and it even works underwater. This product is a dry powder that users mix with water to create a compound. It’s 100 percent waterproof and works on both indoor and outdoor applications. Users can fill an oversize hole most of the way with the compound and then insert a threaded rod or other hardware for permanent anchoring. It also works for setting posts and railing in concrete without hardware. The compound sets up in 3 to 5 minutes, with larger holes taking the longest amount of time. Product Specs Type: Liquid

Liquid Material: Hydraulic cement

Hydraulic cement Load-Bearing Capability: Heavy-duty Pros Ample quantity provided

Can be used in dry and wet settings

Sets in 3 to 5 minutes Cons Some users report difficulty using Get the DRYLOK anchors on Amazon and at Walmart.

Our Verdict

For a reliable, light-duty cement anchor, we recommend the Klein Tools anchor kit with screws and plastic anchors included with an organizational case. Alternatively, if you are looking for heavy-duty concrete anchors, the Bolt Dropper anchors are suitable for brick, concrete, block, drywall, and plaster and can be used in commercial settings.

How We Chose the Best Concrete Anchors

We researched the most sought-after concrete anchors in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, materials, load-bearing capabilities, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and other special features included by the top brands. To ensure our list provided the most reliable and diverse options on the market, we included plastic, liquid, and hammer-set anchors as well as screws for light- to heavy-duty load-bearing capability. Many of our above picks are suitable for use on concrete, brick, block, drywall, and plaster. The featured list includes anchors in a variety of materials including stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, hydraulic cement, and plastic. Plus, some of the above anchors come in multiple sizes with organizational cases and drill bits for ease of use.

FAQs

There’s a lot to know about concrete anchors, and some additional questions might start coming to mind. This section aims to bolt down those concerns, and it consists of some of the most frequently asked queries about the best concrete anchors. Be sure to check for an answer to your question below.

Q: How deep should anchors be in concrete?

Each product has different requirements, and the packaging will specify the hole depth. In the case of the 3-inch concrete screws listed above, an inch of thread needs to be in the concrete itself. For the plastic anchors, it’s best to go about ¼ inch deeper than the anchor is long.

Q: What type of concrete anchor is considered permanent?

Anchors that DIYers must destroy to remove the fastened materials are considered permanent. So, nail-in anchors and their different variants are permanent, while plastic anchors, lag shields, and concrete screws are not.

Q: What length of concrete fastener should be used?

The length depends on the thickness of the material attaching to the concrete and the hardware you’re using, and each will have the instructions listed on the package.

Q: What are the strongest concrete anchors?

Wedge anchors are typically the strongest anchors, but not every application requires a heavy-duty anchor. Some will do just fine with a plastic wall anchor or a nail-in version.

bobvila.com - The Best Concrete Anchors of 2022 - Top Picks by Bob Vila