Sleeve Anchors — Installation Instructions

Purchase Sleeve Anchors

The installation of a sleeve anchor can be completed in a series of simple steps as described below. It is helpful to note that hole diameter is always equal to the sleeve anchor diameter, and, furthermore, hole tolerance is crucial to the sleeve anchor's performance. To achieve the proper hole, it is important to use a hammer drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit. These bits are specifically designed for use in hammer drills and meet the necessary ANSI standards. Installation steps are as follows:

  • Using the hole of the fixture as a template, carefully drill your hole using a hammer drill and carbide-tipped masonry bit. The drill bit diameter should be the same diameter as the sleeve anchor. Hole depth should be 1/2" to 1" deeper than anchor embedment.
  • Clear the hole of all debris using compressed air, a shop-vac or wire brush.
  • Set nut flush with the top of the anchor.
  • Drive the sleeve anchor through the fixture to be fastened into the hole in the base material, ensuring that they are installed to the desired depth.
  • Tighten all nuts using a wrench (hex/acorn) or screwdriver (flat/round) making certain that they are tightened to the required torque value.

Sleeve Anchors — Determining Anchor Length

To determine the length of sleeve anchor required 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 thickness for the nut & washer.

Sleeve Anchors — Anchor Spacing

The pressure exerted on concrete by a sleeve anchor can be best described as cone-shaped- with the small end of the cone being the inserted end of the anchor and the large end of the cone being at the surface of the concrete. 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. It is possible for the concrete to crumble under pressure if the concrete anchor is placed too close to the unsupported edge.

The general recommendation is that an anchor should be placed no closer than five diameters from any unsupported edge. For example, a 1/2" diameter anchor should be installed at least 2-1/2" from any unsupported edge of concrete. Also, two anchors should never be set less than ten diameters from each other. That is, two 1/2" diameter sleeve anchors should be placed at least 5" apart.

Sleeve Anchor Installation Video

Sleeve Anchor Detailed Installation Instructions

The sleeve anchor is designed for use in solid concrete, brick or block. You can use the sleeve anchor to anchor/fasten a fixture in a number of applications. The hole size required for any application is always equal to the diameter of the sleeve anchor. For example, a 3/8" sleeve anchor requires a 3/8" hole. To determine the length of the sleeve anchor, add the thickness of the material to be fastened plus the minimum embedment for the diameter of anchor being used.

When fastening to concrete, brick or block, a hole needs to be drilled. A hammer drill will create the best quality hole. Once the bit is chucked into the hammer drill, the depth of the hole to be drilled can easily be set by using the depth gauge on the hammer drill or by simply wrapping the bit with tape at the depth that is required. Before starting to drill the hole, it is important that eye and ear protection are used. Make sure the hammer drill is in the hammer mode and start drilling your hole. Continue drilling until the tape on the bit meets the base material. The hole must be cleaned of all concrete dust to ensure proper fastening. Using a wire brush and a vacuum or compressed air will ensure that the hole is cleaned out properly. Place the fixture over the hole making sure that the hole in the fixture is large enough to allow the sleeve anchor to be inserted through it. Place the anchor through the fixture and into the hole tapping until the washer lines up against the fixture. Tighten the nut finger tight until snug then take a wrench and turn the nut approximately 3 or 4 full turns but make sure you do not over tighten. More technical information about diameters and required lengths/diameters can be found on the sleeve anchor technical information page.