A wedge anchor is used to fasten a variety of materials solely to concrete. While wedge anchors are known by various names such as power studs and thunder studs, they are used for the same purposes. Wedge anchors of different brands are made of the same basic materials and offer highly resilient performance.
Wedge anchors secure not just materials but also equipment to concrete masonry surfaces. They are very popular as they offer extreme hold strength. While the look and function of such an anchor are quite similar to a sleeve anchor, they have a relatively smaller sleeve towards the anchor’s bottom. So, let’s take a look at why you must use wedge anchors on concrete.
Wedge Anchors: The Superior Choice For Your Fastening Need
1. Easy to install
Also known as concrete screws, wedges are one of the most user-friendly anchors out there. As they are directly screwed into concrete, only a drill and blow out of the hole is all you need to clamp the anchor into place. This solution allows the installer to save up to a minute when compared to other installation methods.
Unlike other anchors, wedge anchors do not need additional tools or installation steps. As a result, it leads to lesser installation time and increased efficiency.
2. A flexible anchoring solution
Other anchoring solutions need to be uninstalled from the concrete once the anchor is installed. However, the uninstallation is unnecessary for wedge anchors. In case you want to remove a wedge anchor from a particular spot on a concrete surface, all you need to do is simply weld it off to the ground. Such a maneuver ensures flexibility in areas where there is a constant need for change, or in case of correcting a mistake.
3. An idealsolution for concrete
The sleeves towards the bottom of a wedge anchor are designed with a mechanism that expands the moment the anchor is installed. As a result, it wedges itself into the concrete. It is this mechanism that makes a wedge anchor exclusively suitable for solid concrete surfaces.
These anchors are placed within drilled holes in concrete surfaces. The non-threaded end is embedded into the hole and struck to expand the bottom sleeve. This is what leads to a solid anchoring effect within the concrete after the concrete has fully dried and solidified. Thus, a wedge anchor provides a permanent anchoring solution to a concrete surface.
4. Multi-functional
Concrete wedge anchors are known to be one of the most versatile anchoring solutions out there. It is because they are used for various applications in areas where the base material is concrete. However, unlike other fasteners, a wedge anchor cannot be used in bricks or blocks. A wedge can be used in unique applications such as:
- Steps
- Windows
- Fencing and light posts
- Railings
- Shelves
- Roof flashing
- Park benches
- Escalators and elevators
- For installing fire sprinklers
5. Certifications and ratings
Concrete wedge anchors come in a wide range of certifications, and approvals including fire resistance ratings and seismic approvals. This ensures that you are purchasing and using only the finest quality fixings that are designed to be used across a wide range of applications.
Wedge anchors are a perfect anchoring solution for construction sites in earthquake-prone areas. They are also a great choice for fixing rails in fire escapes. However, one must thoroughly check all necessary documentation of the anchors to ensure that they have the right approvals and ratings for the project at hand.
6. Highly affordable anchoring solution
Since wedge anchors take very little time to install, you will end up saving a substantial amount of money that would otherwise go into labor costs. Moreover, you will also not incur the cost of uninstalling the anchors in case a mistake has been made with its placement. Also, a simple installation means that you will not need ample equipment and manpower. So, you will also bear minimal onsite costs.
Conclusion
While concrete anchors come in various forms, shapes, and sizes, none offer the fortitude, versatility, and flexibility like wedge anchors. So, what are you waiting for? Invest in these sturdy and permanent anchoring fixings and enjoy a lifetime of security.
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