Mechanical anchors

Mechanical Anchors are devices designed to fasten structural or non-structural components to concrete, masonry, or other base materials through mechanical expansion, friction, or interlock, without the use of chemical adhesives.

COMMON TYPES OF MECHANICAL ANCHORS

1. EXPANSION ANCHORS

Expansion Anchors are mechanical fasteners designed to attach objects to concrete, masonry or brick by expanding within a drilled hole.

COMMON TYPES OF EXPANSION ANCHORS

WEDGE ANCHORS

WORKING: -

• Anchor is placed into a pre-drilled hole

• Turning the nut draws a wedge clip upward

• This expansion creates friction and grip against the sides of the hole, securely supporting the load.

  KEY FEATURES: -

• Commonly utilized in heavy-duty structural tasks involving solid concrete.

• Extremely high load-bearing capacity

• Intended for permanent installation (difficult to remove)

• Eg: Hilti Kwik bolt TZ2 & Simpson Strong-Bolt^® 2 Wedge Anchor

  

  Wedge anchor

SLEEVE ANCHORS

   WORKING: -

• Anchor is placed into a pre-drilled hole

• A bolt goes through a sleeve.

• Tightening causes the sleeve to expand along its entire length.

  KEY FEATURES: -

• It functions in concrete, brick, or block.

• Commonly utilized in medium-duty applications, particularly with bricks.

• Suitable for medium-duty applications.

• Eg: Hilti HLC-H Sleeve anchor & Simpson Sleeve-All^® Sleeve Anchor

  

  Sleeve anchor

DROP-IN ANCHORS

WORKING: -

• Optimal for flush-mounted internal threading in concrete

• The anchor is placed into the hole, level with the surface

• A setting tool expands the anchor from the inside

• A bolt is subsequently screwed into the anchor

• Provides a clean internal thread finish

  KEY FEATURES: -

• Perfect for bolts that need to be removed

• Exclusively used in solid concrete

• Eg: Hilti HDI+ / HDI Drop-in anchor & Simpson Drop-In (DIAB) Internally Threaded Anchor

  

  Drop in anchor

2. SCREW ANCHORS

Screw anchors are mechanical fasteners intended for direct installation into concrete, masonry, or brick by creating threads in the base material as they are inserted.

Eg :- Hilti KH-EZ Screw anchor, Hilti KWIK HUS Screw anchor

How They Work

• A hole is pre-drilled in concrete or masonry.

• The screw anchor is inserted into the hole with a drill or impact driver.

• Its hardened threads carve into the base material, forming a robust mechanical bond.

Key Features

• No expansion pressure → lowers the likelihood of cracking (ideal near edges)

• Can be removed and reused (in certain situations)

• Appropriate for both cracked and uncracked concrete (based on type)

Screw anchor