Common Fasteners: Wedge Anchors

Wedge Anchors are exceptionally strong fasteners are great for attaching framing members to stone and solid concrete, but keep in mind that once these anchors are in, you can’t get them out. Once the hole has been drilled, thread the nut a couple turns in, and then tap it in place using a hammer. Tighten with a wrench, and make sure the washer is in place.

Common Fasteners: Heavy-Duty Sleeve Anchors

Use these large-diameter fasteners to anchor weight-bearing framing structures, such as deck boards in concrete block. Using a masonry bit and hammer drill, drill through the wood and into the concrete. Pushing the anchor into the hole, tighten the nut and washer so that the backside of the faster is wedged against the concrete.

Common Fasteners: Concrete Screws

The medium-duty concrete screws provide a fast method for attaching conduit clamps, electrical boxes, windows and doors. Use the special bit to drill the pilot hole, and drive the screw with a power screwdriver. If the piece needs to be removed, simply back the screw out.

Common Fasteners: Medium-Duty Sleeve Anchors

Medium-duty sleeve anchors can support up to 200 pounds. To use this fastener, drill the pilot hole through the metal or wood and into the base concrete. Then, slip the sleeve anchor into the hole. Hold the object to be fastened as the screw or nut is being tightened. As you tighten, the sleeves pinch the sides of the hole and get tighter.

Common Fasteners: Hammer-Set Fasteners

With hammer-set fasteners, no washers or nuts are necessary; just drill the hole and hammer the fastener in. Use hammer-set fasteners when hanging metal brackets, straps, and furring strips, but avoid using in crumbly concrete or mortar.

Common Fasteners: Soft Metal Shield Anchors

Soft metal shield anchors were the most common fasteners until the plastic anchors were developed. These fasteners are still useful, and work particularly well in base materials such as brick and mortar. However, soft metal shield anchors will occasionally strip out, which can be difficult to repair. Use soft metal shield anchors the same way you would use a plastic anchor.

Fasteners: Plastic Anchors

For the majority of people, plastic anchors will be the most commonly used fasteners. These light-duty anchors are perfect for fastening most objects lighter than 50 pounds: towel bars, pipe and conduit retainers, shelf brackets, and so on. To use the plastic anchor, simply drill a pilot hole into the base, and tap the anchor in using a hammer.