Anchor Bolt & Concrete Fastener Chart
Anchor Bolt & Concrete Fastener Chart
Mutual Screw & Supply · mutualscrew.com · (800) 222-0324
Important: Load values on this chart are reference estimates based on 2,500–3,000 psi normal-weight concrete. Actual capacity depends on concrete strength, edge distance, anchor spacing, embedment depth, and base material condition. Always refer to the manufacturer's ICC-ES evaluation report and consult an engineer for structural applications.
Choosing the right anchor depends on base material (concrete, block, brick), load direction (tension, shear, combined), whether the connection is permanent or removable, and edge/spacing constraints. Use this tab as a starting point, then check load tables for your specific diameter and embedment.
Wedge Anchor
Mechanical Expansion · Permanent
Bolt with an expansion clip near the tip. As the nut is tightened, the clip expands against the hole wall. Highest load capacity of all mechanical anchors. Requires solid concrete — not for hollow block.
Sleeve Anchor
Mechanical Expansion · Semi-Permanent
Expansion sleeve surrounds the bolt shank. Works in concrete, block, and brick. Lower load capacity than wedge anchors but more versatile in base material. Available with hex bolt, flat head, or round head.
Drop-In Anchor
Internal Expansion · Flush Mount · Permanent
Set flush into a drilled hole using a setting tool. Creates an internal female thread that accepts a standard bolt. Clean, flush installation — nothing protrudes above the surface. Solid concrete only.
Concrete Screw (Tapcon®-style)
Threaded · Removable
Cuts threads directly into concrete or masonry as it's driven. No expansion mechanism. Removable and reusable (limited cycles). Fastest to install. Best for light-to-medium loads and non-structural attachments.
Hammer Drive Anchor
Strike Expansion · Light Duty
Pin is driven into a pre-slotted anchor body, expanding it in the hole. Installed with a hammer only — no torque required. Light duty. Common for fastening furring strips, conduit clips, and electrical boxes.
Lag Shield Anchor
Expansion · Accepts Lag Screw
Lead or zinc alloy sleeve inserted into a drilled hole. A lag screw is driven into the sleeve, expanding it. Used when a lag screw connection into concrete or masonry is needed. Short and long versions for different embedments.
Epoxy / Chemical Anchor
Adhesive · Highest Capacity · Permanent
Threaded rod or rebar set in epoxy or hybrid adhesive. Highest possible load ratings — often exceeds mechanical anchors. Requires clean dry hole, cure time, and temperature-appropriate adhesive. Critical for seismic and overhead applications.
Toggle Bolt
Hollow Wall · Light–Medium Duty
Spring-loaded wings open behind hollow wall or block cavity. Used in hollow CMU block, drywall, and hollow tile — not for solid concrete. Wings cannot be retrieved once set.
| Anchor Type | Base Material | Load Direction | Removable? | Relative Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wedge Anchor | Solid concrete only | Tension & shear | No | ★★★★★ | Structural, heavy equipment, sill plates |
| Sleeve Anchor | Concrete, block, brick | Tension & shear | No | ★★★☆☆ | General construction, versatile installs |
| Drop-In Anchor | Solid concrete only | Tension (primary) | No | ★★★★☆ | Flush mount, threaded rod, overhead |
| Concrete Screw | Concrete, block, brick | Tension & shear | Yes | ★★☆☆☆ | Non-structural, conduit, furring, fixtures |
| Hammer Drive | Concrete, block | Light shear & tension | No | ★☆☆☆☆ | Electrical, light clips, trim |
| Lag Shield | Concrete, masonry | Tension & shear | Partially | ★★☆☆☆ | Lag screw connections into masonry |
| Epoxy / Chemical | All (including cracked) | Tension & shear | No | ★★★★★ | Seismic, rebar, max-load applications |
| Toggle Bolt | Hollow block, CMU, drywall | Tension & shear | No | ★★☆☆☆ | Hollow substrates only |
Wedge anchor installation: Drill hole diameter equal to anchor diameter. Minimum hole depth = embedment depth + 1/2". Blow out dust, insert anchor through fixture, tighten nut to specified torque. Minimum edge distance: 5× diameter. Minimum anchor spacing: 10× diameter. Minimum embedment: see table.
| Diameter | Min. Embedment | Drill Bit Size | Tension (lbs) | Shear (lbs) | Min. Edge Dist. | Min. Spacing | Install Torque (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel — 2,500–3,000 psi Concrete (Reference Values) | |||||||
| 1/4" | 1-1/8" | 1/4" | 1,050 | 900 | 1-1/4" | 2-1/2" | 5 |
| 3/8" | 1-1/2" | 3/8" | 2,700 | 1,900 | 1-7/8" | 3-3/4" | 25 |
| 1/2" | 2-1/4" | 1/2" | 5,500 | 3,400 | 2-1/2" | 5" | 45 |
| 5/8" | 2-3/4" | 5/8" | 7,800 | 5,500 | 3-1/8" | 6-1/4" | 90 |
| 3/4" | 3-1/4" | 3/4" | 11,000 | 8,000 | 3-3/4" | 7-1/2" | 110 |
| 7/8" | 3-7/8" | 7/8" | 15,000 | 11,000 | 4-3/8" | 8-3/4" | 165 |
| 1" | 4-1/2" | 1" | 19,000 | 14,000 | 5" | 10" | 200 |
| 1-1/4" | 5-5/8" | 1-1/4" | 28,000 | 20,000 | 6-1/4" | 12-1/2" | 375 |
| Stainless Steel (304 SS) — Approx. 80% of Carbon Steel Values | |||||||
| 3/8" | 1-1/2" | 3/8" | 2,150 | 1,520 | 1-7/8" | 3-3/4" | 20 |
| 1/2" | 2-1/4" | 1/2" | 4,400 | 2,720 | 2-1/2" | 5" | 35 |
| 5/8" | 2-3/4" | 5/8" | 6,240 | 4,400 | 3-1/8" | 6-1/4" | 70 |
| 3/4" | 3-1/4" | 3/4" | 8,800 | 6,400 | 3-3/4" | 7-1/2" | 90 |
Available lengths: Wedge anchors are sold by diameter × overall length (e.g. 1/2" × 3-3/4"). Overall length = embedment depth + fixture thickness + nut + washer. Always confirm the anchor is long enough to achieve minimum embedment after passing through your fixture.
Sleeve anchor installation: Drill hole equal to anchor diameter. Insert through fixture hole into drilled hole. Tighten nut — the internal bolt pulls the cone up, expanding the sleeve. Works in solid concrete, hollow block, and brick. Do not overtorque in weak masonry.
| Diameter | Embedment Depth | Drill Bit | Tension — Concrete (lbs) | Shear — Concrete (lbs) | Tension — Block (lbs) | Shear — Block (lbs) | Min. Edge Dist. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel — Reference Values | |||||||
| 1/4" | 1-1/8" | 1/4" | 740 | 560 | 350 | 300 | 1-1/4" |
| 3/8" | 1-5/8" | 3/8" | 1,700 | 1,300 | 600 | 560 | 1-7/8" |
| 1/2" | 2-1/4" | 1/2" | 3,200 | 2,400 | 1,000 | 900 | 2-1/2" |
| 5/8" | 2-7/8" | 5/8" | 4,500 | 3,600 | 1,400 | 1,200 | 3-1/8" |
| 3/4" | 3-1/2" | 3/4" | 6,000 | 5,000 | 1,800 | 1,600 | 3-3/4" |
| 7/8" | 4" | 7/8" | 8,000 | 6,500 | 2,200 | 2,000 | 4-3/8" |
| 1" | 4-1/2" | 1" | 10,000 | 8,000 | 2,800 | 2,500 | 5" |
Head styles available: Hex bolt (most common), flat head (countersunk), round head (low profile), and eye bolt versions. Specify head style when ordering. All expand the same way — the difference is only in the exposed head above the fixture.
Concrete screw (Tapcon®-style) installation: Drill a pilot hole using the required carbide bit (always one size smaller than screw diameter — see table). Clean hole of dust. Drive screw to full engagement — do not overtorque or strip the concrete threads. Minimum embedment 1"; maximum 1-3/4". Removable but threads in concrete degrade with repeated use.
| Screw Diameter | Required Bit | Min. Embedment | Max. Embedment | Tension (lbs) | Shear (lbs) | Min. Edge Dist. | Min. Spacing | Head Styles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Concrete Screws — 3,000 psi Concrete | ||||||||
| 3/16" | 5/32" carbide | 1" | 1-3/4" | 620 | 500 | 1-3/4" | 3" | Hex washer, flat |
| 1/4" | 3/16" carbide | 1" | 1-3/4" | 1,100 | 900 | 1-3/4" | 3" | Hex washer, flat, round |
| 3/8" | 5/16" carbide | 1-1/2" | 3-3/4" | 3,100 | 2,400 | 2-1/4" | 4-1/2" | Hex washer, flat |
| 1/2" | 7/16" carbide | 2" | 4-3/4" | 5,000 | 3,500 | 2-3/4" | 5-1/2" | Hex washer |
| In Hollow CMU Block (Reduced Values) | ||||||||
| 3/16" | 5/32" carbide | 1" | 1-3/4" | 220 | 190 | 1-3/4" | 3" | Hex washer, flat |
| 1/4" | 3/16" carbide | 1" | 1-3/4" | 490 | 400 | 1-3/4" | 3" | Hex washer, flat |
| 3/8" | 5/16" carbide | 1-1/2" | 3-3/4" | 900 | 780 | 2-1/4" | 4-1/2" | Hex washer |
Tapcon® vs. generic concrete screws: Tapcon is the original brand (ITW Buildex). Many equivalent products exist. The key spec is the hi-low thread form and case-hardened carbon steel or stainless construction — confirm these regardless of brand. Blue (carbon steel) and silver/grey (stainless) are the common color conventions.
Drop-in anchors are set flush with the surface using a setting tool that drives an expander plug into the anchor body, locking it in the hole. They accept a standard bolt or threaded rod. Setting tool size must match anchor size — do not substitute.
| Thread Size | Drill Bit | Min. Embedment | Tension (lbs) | Shear (lbs) | Min. Edge Dist. | Min. Spacing | Setting Tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-In Anchors — Solid Concrete (3,000 psi) | |||||||
| 1/4"-20 | 3/8" | 1-1/8" | 1,230 | 1,050 | 1-7/8" | 2-3/8" | DI-25 |
| 3/8"-16 | 1/2" | 1-1/2" | 2,550 | 2,050 | 2-1/2" | 3-1/8" | DI-38 |
| 1/2"-13 | 5/8" | 2" | 4,600 | 3,650 | 3-1/8" | 3-7/8" | DI-50 |
| 5/8"-11 | 7/8" | 2-3/8" | 7,350 | 5,800 | 4-3/8" | 5-1/2" | DI-62 |
| 3/4"-10 | 1" | 2-5/8" | 10,700 | 8,600 | 5" | 6-1/4" | DI-75 |
| 1"-8 | 1-3/8" | 3-1/2" | 20,000 | 15,000 | 6-7/8" | 8-5/8" | DI-100 |
| Anchor Type | Size Range | Base Material | Tension (lbs) | Shear (lbs) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer Drive Anchors | |||||
| Hammer Drive | 3/16" × 7/8" | Concrete, block | 200 | 350 | Light duty. No torque. Conduit clips, trim. |
| Hammer Drive | 1/4" × 1" | Concrete, block | 310 | 520 | Electrical boxes, furring strips. |
| Hammer Drive | 3/8" × 2" | Concrete, block | 550 | 850 | Heavier light-duty brackets. |
| Lag Shield Anchors | |||||
| Lag Shield — Short | 1/4" lag | Concrete, masonry | 500 | 700 | Accepts 1/4" lag screw. Short for hard concrete. |
| Lag Shield — Short | 3/8" lag | Concrete, masonry | 900 | 1,200 | Common for wood ledger to concrete. |
| Lag Shield — Short | 1/2" lag | Concrete, masonry | 1,400 | 1,800 | Heavy wood connections to masonry. |
| Lag Shield — Long | 1/2" lag | Soft masonry, brick | 1,100 | 1,500 | Long version for softer base materials. |
| Epoxy / Chemical Anchors (Reference — Varies by Product) | |||||
| Epoxy + Threaded Rod | 3/8" rod | Concrete (uncracked) | 6,500 | 5,200 | Cure time 20–60 min (temp dependent). |
| Epoxy + Threaded Rod | 1/2" rod | Concrete (uncracked) | 11,500 | 9,000 | Hole must be blown clean and dry. |
| Epoxy + Threaded Rod | 5/8" rod | Concrete (uncracked) | 17,500 | 13,500 | Seismic-rated products available. |
| Epoxy + Threaded Rod | 3/4" rod | Concrete (uncracked) | 25,000 | 19,000 | Always use manufacturer's ICC-ES report. |
Quick selection guide: Answer the questions below to narrow down the right anchor type for your application.
| If your situation is… | Use this anchor | Why |
|---|---|---|
| By Base Material | ||
| Solid poured concrete, non-cracked | Wedge anchor (preferred) or drop-in | Maximum strength available; full expansion possible |
| Solid concrete, cracked or seismic zone | Epoxy / chemical anchor | Only rated anchor type for cracked concrete and seismic applications |
| Hollow CMU block | Sleeve anchor or toggle bolt | Expansion works against block face; toggle opens in cavity |
| Solid brick or block | Sleeve anchor or concrete screw | Expansion works in denser masonry; screw cuts threads in solid material |
| Hollow tile or drywall | Toggle bolt | Only anchor that works reliably in hollow/cavity substrates |
| By Load Requirement | ||
| Structural / high tension (sill plates, equipment pads) | Wedge anchor or epoxy rod | Highest rated tension and shear values |
| Medium loads (handrails, shelving, HVAC) | Sleeve anchor or drop-in | Good capacity with more installation flexibility |
| Light duty (electrical, conduit, trim) | Concrete screw or hammer drive | Fast install, sufficient for non-structural loads |
| By Installation Requirement | ||
| Flush surface required (nothing above slab) | Drop-in anchor | Sets completely flush; accepts bolt after the fact |
| Must be removable / adjustable | Concrete screw | Only common mechanical anchor that can be removed |
| Overhead installation | Drop-in anchor or epoxy | Drop-in is specifically designed for overhead; epoxy with appropriate adhesive |
| No power tools available | Hammer drive anchor | Installs with hammer only; no torque wrench needed |
| Lag screw connection to masonry | Lag shield anchor | Provides expansion sleeve for standard lag screws |
| By Environment | ||
| Interior dry conditions | Carbon steel (any type) | Standard zinc-plated anchors are sufficient |
| Exterior / exposed to weather | Hot-dip galvanized or 304 SS wedge/sleeve | Carbon steel corrodes; HDG or SS required outdoors |
| Marine / coastal / chemical exposure | 316 stainless steel or epoxy with SS rod | 316 SS provides superior chloride resistance |
| Pool deck or direct water contact | 316 SS wedge or sleeve anchor | Constant moisture and chlorine accelerate corrosion dramatically |
Never use: standard carbon steel anchors in exterior or wet applications without corrosion protection. Do not use wedge or sleeve anchors in cracked concrete for seismic applications — only ICC-ES approved adhesive anchors are rated for cracked concrete in seismic zones.
Shop Anchors & Concrete Fasteners at Mutual Screw & Supply
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Load values are reference estimates for 2,500–3,000 psi normal-weight uncracked concrete at standard temperature. Actual capacity varies significantly with concrete condition, edge distance, spacing, embedment, and installation quality. Always consult manufacturer ICC-ES evaluation reports and an engineer of record for structural applications.