Anchor Bolt & Concrete Fastener Chart

Anchor & Concrete Fastener ChartCONCRETE · MASONRY
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Reference only. Load values are approximate ultimate loads in 2,500 to 3,000 psi concrete. Divide by a safety factor of 4 for allowable loads. Follow the manufacturer's ICC-ES report and consult an engineer for structural applications. © Mutual Screw & Supply. Printed from mutualscrew.com/pages/anchor-bolt-concrete-fastener-chart

Compare concrete and masonry anchors side by side. Specs for wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, drop-ins and concrete screws, plus a guide to picking the right one.

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. Values shown are approximate ultimate loads. For allowable working loads, divide by a safety factor of 4 unless the manufacturer's ICC-ES report says otherwise. Always refer to the manufacturer's ICC-ES evaluation report and consult an engineer for structural applications.

Types of Concrete Anchors

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.
Highest strength Solid concrete only Non-removable Tension & shear
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.
Concrete, block & brick Medium strength Tension & shear Multiple head styles
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.
Flush / overhead use Solid concrete only Setting tool required High tension
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.
Removable Fast install Light–medium loads Concrete & block
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.
Installs with a hammer Light duty only Concrete & block Fast install
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.
Accepts lag screws Concrete & masonry Medium duty
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.
Maximum load Seismic-rated options Cure time required All base materials
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.
Hollow block & CMU Not for solid concrete Light–medium loads
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 Chart

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 Chart

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 Chart

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. For 3/16" and 1/4" screws, minimum embedment is 1" and maximum is 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 and Other Anchor Types

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.

Which Concrete Anchor Should I Use?

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 anchor, or a mechanical anchor rated for cracked concrete Use only anchors with an ICC-ES report for cracked concrete and seismic use. Many adhesive anchors and some wedge and screw anchors qualify.
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 Opens behind the wall to grip hollow and 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

We stock wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, drop-in anchors, concrete screws, and more, in carbon steel, hot-dip galvanized, and stainless steel. Serving customers since 1947.

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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.