There are all kinds of masonry systems in today's world but one of the most adaptable yet simplest ones are sleeve anchors. But why is that so? It's because a masonry sleeve anchor is made to be used on different kinds of materials as well as in applications where they could be exposed to seismic loads.
Types of Sleeve Anchors
Nut Driven
The more common masonry sleeve anchor and one that provides more strength than its more minimalist counterpart is the nut drive anchor. This is a reliable sleeve anchor that comes in a wide variety of finishes too with one made of stainless steel being the most durable solution. This is because stainless steel nut driven sleeve anchors are corrosion resistant as well as being suited as external fixtures.
Flat-Head
Using flat-head sleeve anchors is best done when you need to have a flush surface once the anchor is installed. Flat-head anchors are the best solution when you need an aesthetically pleasing fixing without any loss in weight-bearing capabilities. This also makes flat-head sleeve anchors a great option for doors and attachments that are on display where appearance is an important factor. A flat head-masonry sleeve anchor is inserted using a proper screwdriver that fits the design of the anchor's head.
What to Look for in a Sleeve Anchor
Length
For a sleeve anchor to be adequate for the task at hand you need to ensure that the one you get is of the correct length. Shorter sleeve anchors are usually stronger meaning they can bear a lot more weight than longer sleeve anchors. Long sleeve anchors, on the other hand, are a more suitable solution when you're working with thicker materials.
When it comes to the length of a sleeve anchor fastener you should also take into account the use of washers and nuts as well as the depth of the hole. The anchor needs to be able to accommodate all the additional hardware as well as the material it needs to go through and keep everything securely in place. If sleeve anchors aren't long enough they won't be able to keep everything together.
Spacing
Another important factor when it comes to choosing the right type of sleeve masonry anchor is the spacing between each anchor. If you need only one anchor then you should just skip this, otherwise, make sure to always have at least ten anchor diameters between each anchor. This way you will ensure that whatever you're using the sleeve anchors on is going to stay put. Keep in mind though, that if there are going to be vibrations or any sudden impacts you should increase the spacing between the sleeve anchors.
Expansion
It is also important to take into account the expansion of the anchor or anchors. The wider the holes you need to make the wider the expansion the anchor needs to have. Doing so otherwise will make for a serious safety hazard and the anchor may not even stay in the hole whatsoever, let alone the material it needs to keep in place.
How to Install a Sleeve Anchor
Drill
- Once you've found the right sleeve masonry anchor it's time to install it and do so properly. Installing sleeve anchors starts off by drilling the hole or holes. But before you drill you should first place the material you need to drill through and mark the location of each hole. Once that's done you then need to use a hammer drill to make the holes.
- You should drill the holes so that the depth of the holes exceeds at least another 1.2 cm or 2.5 cm. When it comes to the diameter of the hole, most drills will come with a depth gauge so make sure to use that by wrapping a tape around the bit at the depth length of the anchor. This way you will ensure that the diameter of the hole is going to fit the anchor without it feeling loose.
Insert
- When you're inserting the sleeve anchors make sure to have the nut positioned so that it is even with the top of the thread. This way you will ensure that the threads are not going to be damaged when you're going to be installing the anchors.
- While holding the nut, insert the anchor's body through the hole in the material being fixed and into the base material. Then, tap the anchor with a hammer until you have the nut as well as the washer flush with the fixing.
- With the above steps done, hand tighten the nut as once you use a tool to install sleeve anchors they can't be removed unless you take everything apart, i.e damage stuff. Once you're happy with the position of the anchor you just tightened with your hand use either a wrench or screwdriver to tighten it completely.
- Remember to not over-torque as this can affect the fastening value of the anchor. The best way to ensure proper installation is to turn anywhere from three to five times until you reach the installation torque.
