Sleeve Anchors — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a zinc plated sleeve anchor in ACQ treated lumber?
A: No, when an application calls for any type of treated lumber to be fastened to brick or block, the sleeve anchor needs to be stainless steel.
Q: Do I have to spot and drill the hole before I place the material being anchored into position?
A: No, sleeve anchors can be installed through the hole in the fixture being fastened. The hole in the concrete can also be drilled through the fixture as well.
Q: Are there numerous steps when installing a sleeve anchor?
A: No, the steps for the installation of sleeve anchors follows.
1. Using the hole in the fixture as a template, carefully drill a hole using a hammer drill and carbide tipped masonry bit. The drill bit diameter should be the same as the diameter of the anchor. The hole depth should be 1/2" to 1" deeper than anchor embedment.
2. Clear the hole of any debris using compressed air, shop vac or wire brush.
3. Set the nut flush with the top of the anchor.
4. Drive the sleeve anchor through the fixture, into the hole in the base material and ensure they are installed to the proper depth.
5. Tighten all nuts using a wrench (hex or acorn) or screwdriver (flat/round) making certain they are tightened to the required torque value.
Q: How do I know how long of a sleeve anchor I need for my project?
A: To determine the length of anchor needed for a particular project, simply add: the thickness of the fixture to be fastened + minimum embedment. Since sleeve anchors are measured from under the head, there is no need to add the thickness for the nut and washer.
Q: Do I need to use an impact wrench to tighten the sleeve anchor?
A: Tighten all nuts using a wrench or screwdriver making certain they are all tightened to the required torque value.
Q: How far apart do I have to put the sleeve anchors that I am installing?
A: The general recommendation is that an anchor should be placed at least 5 anchor diameters away from an unsupported edge. Also, two anchors should never be set less than 10 anchor diameters away from eachother. That is, two 1/2" diameters should be placed at least 5" apart.
Q: What could happen if I install two sleeve anchors too close together?
A: If two sleeve anchors are set too close together, the pressure from the two anchors would intersect, decreasing the holding values of both anchors. These same factors apply when placing an anchor near an unsupported edge.
Q: Why are the sleeve anchors on your site less expensive then the sleeve anchors I found at my local big box store?
A: When you buy sleeve anchors from us you are buying direct and cutting out the middle man. Sleeve anchors are available in a wide range of sizes. Price is determined by the anchor size and type of material. Sleeve anchors are versatile, cost efficient and designed to support medium to heavy loads.
Q: If a sleeve anchor is subjected to ultimate holding values, will the anchor break in half?
A: No, in most situations the concrete will fail before the anchor.
Q: Is there a maximum hold depth when installing a sleeve anchor?
A: The sleeve anchor requires no maximum hole depth. The depth of the hole in the base material should be at least the length of the anchor plus 1/2". This will provide some extra depth to accomodate a minor amount of concrete cuttings which may not be able to be cleaned out of the hole.
Q: Will I destroy the threads at the end of a sleeve anchor if I have to hit it in with a hammer?
A: Not if you make sure that nut is flush with the top threaded part of the anchor first. Insert the sleeve anchor assembly through the mounting holes in the fixture and into the base material. Push the anchor assembly until the washer is snug against the fixture.
Q: Is the sleeve anchor a heavy duty anchor?
A: Sleeve anchors are intended for use in light to medium duty applications in concrete, brick or block.
Q: After I buy sleeve anchors, do I need to buy a nut and washer for each sleeve anchor?
A: No. Each part of the sleeve anchor is zinc plated and assembled into a complete ready to use anchor. The sleeve anchor consists of a threaded stud with an outwardly flared cone shaped end. A tubular expander sleeve is assembled over the stud and butted against the small diameter of the cone. A washer and hex nut are then assembled on the stud to complete the sleeve anchor.
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