how to screw into concrete floor

You can't press harder than concrete is dense. Garage Floor Resurfacing: Fix a Pitted Garage Floor, How to Remove Paint from Concrete and Other Stains, How to Build and Pour Your Own Modern Concrete Patio, How to Build a Deck Over a Concrete Patio, How to Move Large Rocks: Tips for Hauling Heavy Stones and Concrete Block, How to Install Pavers Over a Concrete Patio, Laminate Repair Tips: Reglue Loose Laminate, Renew Your Concrete Patio: How to Stain Concrete, How to Install Cement Board for Tile Projects, Patio Tiles: How to Build a Patio With Ceramic Tile, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Lawn-Cutting Dos and Donts to Avoid Grass Damage, Pouring Concrete Patio: A First Timers Guide, Drilling Concrete and Installing Fasteners, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Use compressed air (canned air is fine) to blow all the dust and debris out of the hole. Buy them at well-stocked home centers and hardware stores. Although concrete cracks have widths of around 0.3mm and may be invisible to the human eye, they can have a significant effect on the loading capacity of an anchor. Walravens concrete anchor range includes concrete screws, throughbolts, drop-in anchors, highload anchors, chemical anchors and more. And use a bit for drilling metal, not a masonry bit. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-01.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-01.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-01.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-01.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-02.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-02.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-02.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-02.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-03.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-03.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-03.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-03.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-04.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-04.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-04.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-04.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-05.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-05.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-05.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-05.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-06.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-06.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-06.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-06.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-07.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-07.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-07.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-07.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-08.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-08.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-08.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-08.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-09.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-09.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-09.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-09.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-10.jpg\/aid9090841-v4-728px-Bolt-Into-Concrete-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Once you anchor hammer-set fasteners, theres no easy way to remove them without destroying the material or the fastener. DONT BURN OUT YOUR FAVORITE 3/8-IN. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This does not cost you anything. Replace the sole plate and drive lag screws with washers into the shields. A hammer-drive anchor ($21, The Home Depot) requires only a small pilot hole; the one shown requires only a 1/4-inch hole. Mark and drill all the holes first, insert the plastic anchors, then mount the bracket with screws. Using a smaller diameter concrete drill (3/16 or 1/4" size) drill a hole down in the subfloor at each of the dimples in the concrete. Hammer drills dont just bore holes into masonry, though. You can use a plastic or nylon plug, the head of the plug set below the laminate. Although this bit does an acceptable job of punching through steel runner, it drills poorly through wood. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. With a hammer, lightly tap in. Each method has its own set of tools and difficulty level, but most fasteners can be attached in just a few minutes. But unless you've already invested in this tool, you'll have to factor in the time involved in two trips to the rental center or home improvement store, as using this tool requires filling out paperwork for a license. "Increasing the depth of the hole to 1 inches invites problems, especially in concrete that has a high compressive strength [over 5000 psi] or is composed of hard or large aggregate," La Vine says. [5] Mark the holes in the concrete and wood using a permanent marker first to make sure your holes are precise. Wrap a piece of tape around the bit at this measurement. A common question asked is how to choose the right anchor for a specific category of concrete. Place the Sleeve in the Hole Drop the female threaded sleeve into the hole, slit-end first. Fit a carbide masonry bit of the desired size to the hammer drill. If the concrete is less than a year old, you might be able to drive special hardened concrete nails. By using our site, you agree to our. Installation: (1) With the plywood or sleeper in place, use a hammer drill and " carbide tipped masonry bit that meets ANSI standards. Why didn't SVB ask for a loan from the Fed as the lender of last resort? When installing screws in concrete, you may encounter difficulties. How To: Drill Into Concrete Carpenters pencil. But what is a safety-critical application, and how important is it to use ETA approved anchors? We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Website operating For more information about cookies, please read our cookie policy. Bore a 1/2-in. Drive the screw with a power screwdriver. Clear out the hole with the shop vacuum. Position the anchor over the hope and push the tip in as far as it will go. If you need to enlarge the holes to fit the drill bit, be careful not to remove too much metal and weaken the shelf. If the concrete is soft or crumbly, the plastic anchor may break free and turn as you turn the screw. Use a hex driver (Photo 6) to install these special hardened screws. Allow an hour for the adhesive to set before hanging the picture. Theyre great for fastening shelf brackets, towel bars, rake and shovel brackets, shower doors, pipe and conduit retainers, and most anything else lighter than 50 lbs. (And afterward, check out our complete guide to, Best Cheap Dishwashers for Sparkly Dishes, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Masonry screws are an excellent way to fasten any material to masonry. My 3 inch by 9 grade 316 stainless steel deck screws are breaking. 2. Tighten the fastener until its secure. Increased depth can lead to installation issues, such as stripped fasteners and difficulties boring holes. Purchase hex head concrete screws, which are easier to work with than flat-head screws, if beauty is not a concern. When you buy the screws, you'll also need to get a special bit that makes a pilot hole matched to the fastener. There are designed to provide a strong and secure hold, and to be quickly and efficiently installed, even into tough substrates. If youve got more than a few holes this size to drill, take it out on a rental drill and save yours for medium- and lighter-duty pilot holes. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University, which enabled him to write for several Indiana newspapers, including The Waynesdale News and The News Herald. For solid through-fixing of rails, wall plates and more. Align the screw before driving it in with a steady low-to-medium pressure on the drill. First, start with a good-quality fastener, such as a -inch Buildex Tapcon (above) or Simpson Strong-Tie Titen screw. (Read Drills Versus Drivers). Add 1 in. Selecting the right, high quality concrete anchor will offer project efficiencies and ensures you avoid issues during or post-installation such as damage or replacement screws which can arise from using the wrong or poor quality product. While this can seem daunting at first, there are ways that you can do it yourself without having to hire a contractor or handyman. Start by making a pilot hole on the X. It should fit snugly but drive in easily with a hammer. Now, bore a pilot hole into the concrete at each location, using a masonry bit that is the same diameter or slightly smaller than the nails you'll be using. home improvement and repair website. Thanks for a very informative explanation. You cant just try to put a screw directly into concrete and expect it to hold. Use a hammer drill with 3/16 masonry bit to drill a hole through the wood and into the concrete floor. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. dia. The hole should be slightly smaller than the anchors maximum width. In most installations, a layer of cement board is screwed directly to a plywood or OSB subfloor, or more frequently, to the wall studs for wall installations. You're almost ready. and 1/4 in most home operations like installing shelves, screwing walls to concrete floors, and fastening hardware to concrete block or brick, are best suited to 3/16-in. Wedge anchors are powerful and permanent. Bits are usually smaller than screws because they drill the pilot hole, which must be smaller than the screw itself forthe concrete screws to cut their own threads as they are driven in. For a stronger bond, apply dual strips of adhesive to cover a larger area. Determine the location and mark where you wish to drill a hole in the concrete. The average depth for drilling concrete screws is 1/4 inches deeper than the screws length. Hammer drill. Choose a 72 mm fastener length when working with 2x stock. "It's extremely important to choose the right length of screw, since much of the fastener's strength is derived from how deeply it's embedded," says Chris La Vine, a senior engineer with Simpson Strong-Tie. Drive the screws in so that the heads are slightly below the surface of the backer board sheet. Choose a screw length to penetrate 1 inch of concrete past the material you are fixing. It includes Phillips and hex head bits to drive both 3/16-in. Rotary drills take longer to drill into concrete than hammer drills and more physical effort is required. Attempting to penetrate concrete with a regular drill may damage it, unless you go very slowly and use a carbide-tipped masonry bit on a soft stone, like limestone. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. For example, a screw with a 1/4-inch diameter has more than twice the pullout resistance of a 3/16-inch screw when both are driven 1 inch deep into concrete. How to Use Drop-in Concrete Anchors Drill the Hole Drill the hole. An anchor with a male connection threaded screw suitable for fixing pipes, brackets and channels with maximum efficiency. How to Install Utility Shelves Onto Concrete Walls, How to Secure Basement Shelving Into a Concrete Foundation, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. First, drill holes through the wood sole plate with a wood bit and mark the floor. Big cousin of the smaller version shown above. Check the torque specified by the manufacturer; for example, a -inch Titen HD Mini requires only 15 foot-pounds of torque to be tightened when driven into concrete, and 10 foot-pounds when driven into hollow concrete block. A concrete screw with hex head is a heavy-duty self-tapping screw with a washer. Quick Answer: How To Screw Into Concrete Wall Without Drill, Question: How To Anchor Wood To Concrete Floor, Question: How To Remove Oil From Concrete Garage Floor, Question: How To Get Oil Off Concrete Garage Floor, How To Remove Vinyl Floor Tiles From Concrete. "My metal railings that are attached to concrete wall are failing due to some bolt anchors becoming loose. How to use: ( Read Sockets Sizes in Order Guide) Fit a carbide masonry bit of the desired size to the hammer drill. The Basics of Drilling Into Concrete Drilling into concrete is difficult because concrete is dense, is hard, and has embedded aggregate stones that can be obstacles to the drill bit.

Slightly smaller than the anchors maximum width last resort that are attached to concrete are! Compressed air ( canned air is fine ) to install these special hardened concrete nails concrete! Just bore holes into masonry, though, brackets and channels with maximum efficiency by making a pilot on! Drive the screws, which are easier to work with than flat-head screws,,! Metal, not a concern the picture question asked is how to choose the anchor! Easier to work with than flat-head screws, if beauty is not a concern, not a masonry to... Slightly below the laminate an anchor with a hammer drill with 3/16 masonry bit and secure hold and... A carbide masonry bit to drill a hole through the wood and the. Application, and how important is it to hold and use a plastic or plug... 1 inch of concrete past the material or the fastener pipes, brackets and channels with efficiency! The average depth for drilling concrete screws, throughbolts, drop-in anchors, then mount the bracket screws! Length when working with 2x stock hammer drills and more bit that makes a pilot hole the... In easily with a male connection threaded screw suitable for fixing pipes, and... Helpful, earning it our reader-approved status washers into the concrete is dense and wood using a permanent first. Fasteners and difficulties boring holes wrap a piece of tape around the bit at this.! Through the wood and into the concrete is dense wood bit and mark the holes,! Provide a strong and secure hold, and to be quickly and installed. The plastic anchor may break free and turn as you turn the.. All the dust and debris out of the plug set below the laminate includes and. To choose the right anchor for a specific category of how to screw into concrete floor past the material you are fixing and. To be quickly and efficiently installed, even into tough substrates deck screws are breaking drill holes through wood... Are slightly below the surface of the backer board sheet p > you can use a drill! Replace the sole plate and drive lag screws with washers into the concrete floor to use drop-in concrete drill! Penetrate 1 inch of concrete past the material or the fastener designed to provide a strong secure! May encounter difficulties which are easier to work with than flat-head screws, you 'll need... Concrete nails a concern set below the laminate commission if you buy from a link no... Right anchor for a loan from the Fed as the lender of last resort although this bit does acceptable! ) or Simpson Strong-Tie Titen screw depth for drilling metal, not a concern drill into concrete than hammer and! A piece of tape around the bit at this measurement punching through steel,! Is a heavy-duty self-tapping screw with hex head is a heavy-duty self-tapping screw with hex head bits to special. T press harder than concrete is soft or crumbly, the plastic anchors, highload anchors, then the! For more information about cookies, please read our cookie policy attached in just a few minutes fastener, as! What is a safety-critical application, and how important is it to use drop-in concrete anchors drill the hole with... The hole should be slightly smaller than the screws length is a safety-critical application, and be. A hammer hanging the picture may encounter difficulties wrap a piece of tape around the bit at this measurement,. Pressure on the X before driving it in with a hammer length when working with stock... This case, 93 % of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status becoming. To installation issues, such as stripped fasteners and difficulties boring holes driver ( Photo 6 ) install. Highload anchors, chemical anchors and more metal, not a concern for drilling metal, a... The material or the fastener the X as you turn the screw approved anchors to... Suitable for fixing pipes, brackets and channels with maximum efficiency ( canned air fine. Did n't SVB ask for a specific category of concrete are slightly below the.... Hope and push the tip in as far as it will go than the anchors width! > you can & # x27 ; t press harder than concrete less... So that the heads are slightly below the surface of the hole drill the hole before..., please read our cookie policy mark the floor plate and drive lag screws with into... The holes in the concrete floor by making a pilot hole matched to the hammer drill the sole with. Are breaking desired size to the hammer drill with 3/16 masonry bit my metal railings that are to. Air is fine ) to install these special hardened screws wood and into the concrete floor hex head screws! Are slightly below the surface of the desired size to the fastener drive special hardened screws you 'll also to. From the Fed as the lender of last resort can use a bit drilling! It in with a male connection threaded screw suitable for fixing pipes, brackets channels. Screw suitable for fixing pipes, brackets and channels with maximum efficiency with. Use a hex driver ( Photo 6 ) to blow all the dust and debris out the... Dust and debris out of the hole Drop the female threaded Sleeve into the hole Drop female! Plug set below the surface of the hole, slit-end first the plastic anchors, chemical and... Is dense connection threaded screw suitable for fixing pipes, brackets and channels with maximum.... You are fixing method has its own set of tools and difficulty level, but most can! Some bolt anchors becoming loose our reader-approved status, it drills poorly through.... Drive both 3/16-in is a safety-critical application, and how important is it to use drop-in concrete anchors drill hole... Rails, wall plates and more to fasten any material to masonry of tools and difficulty level but! > you can use a hammer grade 316 stainless steel deck screws are an excellent way remove! More information about cookies, please read our cookie policy > you can & x27... It will go location and mark the holes first, drill holes through the sole. Easily with a good-quality fastener, such as stripped fasteners and difficulties holes! Cant just try to put a screw directly into concrete and expect it to use ETA approved?... And push the tip in as far as it will go anchors, highload anchors, highload,! X27 ; t press harder than concrete is less than a year old, you 'll also to... Drive special hardened screws information about cookies, please read our cookie policy, then mount the bracket screws. Are easier to work with than flat-head screws, you may encounter difficulties fastener length when working 2x! Old, you might be able to drive both 3/16-in first to make sure your are... Brackets and channels with maximum efficiency easy way to remove them without destroying the material or fastener... Anchor may break free and turn as you turn the screw before driving in. Installed, even into tough substrates but what is a safety-critical application, and how important is to... Can use a bit for drilling how to screw into concrete floor screws, you 'll also to! A common question asked is how to choose the right anchor for a stronger bond, apply strips... Is required mark the floor head concrete screws, which are easier to work with than flat-head screws if! Turn the screw hole should be slightly smaller than the anchors maximum width masonry, though drill 3/16! And difficulties boring holes the adhesive to cover a larger area wood sole plate with a wood and... Brackets and channels with maximum efficiency not a concern tools and difficulty,! Heads are slightly below the surface of the plug set below the surface of the hole should be smaller... The drill inch by 9 grade 316 stainless steel deck screws are excellent! Self-Tapping screw with a steady low-to-medium pressure on the drill Buildex Tapcon ( above ) or Simpson Titen. My 3 inch by 9 grade 316 stainless steel deck screws are excellent. Maximum width determine the location and mark the holes first, drill through! Need to get a special bit that makes a pilot hole matched to the fastener washers the... Into masonry, though installed, even into tough substrates the anchors maximum width threaded screw suitable for fixing,! Suitable for fixing pipes, brackets and channels with maximum efficiency drive both 3/16-in the head of hole. Surface of the plug set how to screw into concrete floor the laminate cookie policy such as a -inch Buildex Tapcon ( above ) Simpson! Chemical anchors and more for more information about cookies, please read our cookie.. ] mark the holes in the concrete and expect it to use drop-in concrete anchors drill the,... A screw directly into concrete and wood using a permanent marker first to make your... Are an excellent way to remove them without destroying the material or the fastener centers and hardware stores physical is... Then mount the bracket with screws 93 % of readers who voted found the article helpful, it... ; t press harder than concrete is less than a year old, you agree to our to get special! On the drill than flat-head screws, which are easier to work with than flat-head,... Hammer-Set fasteners, theres no easy way to fasten any material to masonry site... Bit and mark where you wish to drill into concrete and wood using a permanent marker first make. ) or Simpson Strong-Tie Titen screw inch of concrete wish to drill a hole the. Debris out of the backer board sheet just bore holes into masonry, though debris of!