What are Tapcons used for?

Asked by: Rob Stephens

The standard blue Climaseal® Tapcon® screw are a light duty masonry anchor primarily used in dry indoor applications for attaching items to concrete, brick or block. They can be used in applications ranging from attaching 2×4 lumber to concrete, a light fixture to brick, or furring strips to a block wall.

When would you use a Tapcon?

The tapcon screw is designed for use in concrete brick or block. They require a slightly smaller hole than the diameter of the screw.

Do I need a hammer drill for Tapcon screws?

The hole must be drilled using a hammer drill with a carbide tipped bit meeting ANSI standards. A bit that meets ANSI standards will ensure that the hole diameter will meet the requirements of the Tapcon®.

Can Tapcons go into concrete?

Tapcon masonry screws are made for light duty fastening. They are manufactured with special threads that will thread into a predrilled hole in masonry material, such as concrete, concrete block, and brick.

Is it better to Tapcon into brick or mortar?

You’ll get better traction on the brick/mortar and it will penetrate the surface easily. If you’re absolutely set on using Tapcons, I find a toothpick shoved in the hole can sometimes give it the missing bite (but I’ve only used it on simpler things like a bird feeder). Use with caution on a mantle.

Will Tapcon screws crack concrete?

If a tapcon does break, it usually occurs within about 1/2” prior to full installation. Many generic concrete screws may have this breaking problem due to the inferior steel and manufacturing process.

Are Tapcon screws better than anchors?

Tapcon and wedge anchors are pre-installed mechanical anchors that attach structural objects to concrete structures. However, the wedge anchor suits heavier-duty applications, vs the Tapcon anchor that typically serve lighter deployments. Another difference between them is in their fastening method.

Why are Tapcon screws blue?

Tapcon+ unmatched performance in concrete, block and brick applications make them an excellent alternative to expansion anchors, plugs, lag shields and have a blue corrosion resistant coating that enables them to withstand the harshest conditions.

How much weight will Tapcon screws hold?

Technical Specifications for Tapcon Concrete Screws

Can you screw directly into concrete?

Concrete screws are a quick and convenient way to fasten to concrete. The best thing about these screws is that you can screw directly into concrete without any need for hammering or an anchor or shield to install. All you have to do is drill a hole and drive in the screw.

Will Tapcons crack brick?

The Tapcon concrete screw is suitable for use in a variety of base material, including brick and the mortar joints between the brick.

Can you use Tapcon screws in cinder block?

You can put them in a concrete. And then if you want to take whatever it is that you put up out all you have to do is take them out whereas wedge anchors.

Can you screw straight into brick?

If you’re a DIYer novice, you need to know you can’t screw directly into brick. You need to drill a hole, insert a rawl plug – a type of fixing which will hold your screw in place – and then screw into this. This process is much easier in a brick wall than plasterboard, which may require more specialist fixings.

How do you attach Tapcon screws to brick?

The hole should be drilled 1/2 inch deeper in the base material. And the unit will penetrate. The deeper the embedment of the anchor in the base material.

What anchors do you use for brick?

Sleeve anchors are versatile and can be used in solid brick, brick with holes or the mortar joint. Sleeve anchors provide the widest variety of head styles and they come in round slotted head, flat Phillips countersunk, acorn head or the standard hex nut.