The Best Anchors for Concrete Blocks

Wedge Anchors

• You can opt for wedge anchors to secure light to heavy-duty application in solid concrete materials. This is a strong anchor that is difficult to remove once installed in concrete. It is available with 1/4-inch to 1 1/4-inch diameters. The hole size is the same size as the wedge anchor. For example, a 1/4-inch wedge anchor needs a 1/4-inch hole. In addition, the wedge anchor expands inside the concrete and resists rust.

Sleeve Anchors

• Install sleeve anchors in concrete blocks for light to heavy-duty projects such as patio decks, shelving, cabinets and handrails. This type of anchor squeezes the walls of the pilot hole and tightens as you drive the screw in the position. The size of a sleeve anchor is the same size of the hole in the wall. For instance, a 3/4-inch sleeve anchor requires a 3/4-inch hole. Generally, you can find four different head styles of sleeve anchors including acorn, round, hex and flat. In addition, diameters available for this type of anchor range from 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch and the length spans up to 6 1/4 inches.

Drop-In Anchors

• Drop-in anchors work well in medium to heavy-duty application in solid concrete materials. You can remove and replace this type of anchor without disrupting the location in the wall where you installed the anchor. The anchor expands inside the concrete and the anchor come with a pre-installed screw, therefore you do not need to assembly a drop-in anchor prior to installing inside the concrete material.

Lead Screw Anchors

• Lead screw anchors secure light to medium loads in concrete blocks and resist rust. The lead screw anchor is the same size as the diameter of the metal screw you will use for the application. You can remove and replace the fixture without it changing its ability to secure items. The lead screw anchor expands after inserting in the concrete wall. The expansion of the lead screw anchor stops the anchor from turning and coming out of the concrete material. You can find lead screw anchors in stores referred to as leadwood screw anchors, screw lead anchors and concrete anchors.

Hammer-In Anchors

• Hammer-in anchors works with a variety of applications using concrete blocks and solid materials such as metal brackets. You must strike the anchor in position with a hammer and the anchor does not need a screw. This type of anchors does not work well for surfaces that are worn, crumpling or deteriorating. The size of the hammer-in anchor is the same size as the hole in the in the concrete block. Other names for a hammer-in anchor include strike anchor, hammer drive anchor and hammer set.

Concrete Screw Anchors

• Concrete screws work well in a variety of applications including furring strips, doors and electrical boxes. This type of anchor has diamond-cut notes with alternating low and high threads that offer additional power to secure items to concrete. You can also remove concrete screw anchors with a screwdriver, unlike other anchors suitable for concrete. In addition, you can seal the anchor to protect it against corrosion and generally manufacturers package concrete screw anchors with an assortment of drill bits.