Concrete Expansion Bolts For Railing Fastening ?

May 16, 2010 5 Replies
B

Hello,



I have the typical waist high wrought iron railing on the steps going to my front door.



It has been fastened to the concrete via a few blank holes. It looks like the screws they used were just fastened to the holes via a concrete mix.



After a large number of years they have pulled out.



I can clean up the holes in the concrete using, I guess, a concrete bit in my drill.



I think that I would like to use some type of expansion bolt made for concrete that is recommended for jobs like this. Is this the best approach ?



There seem to be zillions of different types available.



Anyone care to recommend a good type (& brand/style)for this ?



And, I guess, even more important, what kind to stay away from ?



Any thoughts would be most appreciated.



Thanks, Bob


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C

When I did the same thing I used the rivet type, about 1/4" hole, insert and smack with a hammer. I chose that one because that is what all the builders were using at the time.

Still going strong after 15-16 years.

If you ever need to take them out you just grind off the heads.

Colbyt

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P

Hilti is the best, many styles available for the particular task.

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D

OP-

I would concur with Joe's comments & suggestion. Expansion anchors work by applying "expansion" forces to the concrete & can crack the concrete if there isn't enough edge distance.

I recommend SIKA AnchorFix #1 or #3. Number 1 is super fast set, gel in 3 to 5 minutes, cure in 1 hour. Number 3 is much slower, 1 hour gel, 24 hour cure.

If you choose Number 1 be ready and prepared to set all the SS rods QUICKLY....otherwise the product will harden in the mixing nozzle! And you only get two nozzles per cartridge. :(

The nice thing is, they work in a standard caulk gun.

In SoCal, SIKA products are available at HD.

I would suggest minimum 3/8" SS threaded rod.

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if you cannot get it locally. Or use some fully threaded SS bolts & cut the heads off.

As Joe mentioned, low temps will slow the cure but with the #1 this would be an advantage.

cheers Bob

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M

I third Joe's advice. Use epoxy, not mechanical expansion.

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