When you start any DIY project, knowing what tools and equipment are best suited to your needs can be challenging. You can spend hours researching the different types of bolts, screws, and nuts for your materials.

To make things easier, here you'll find a comprehensive account of anchor bolts, their types, and their uses. We will also cover the benefits of using anchor bolts over other bolts.

Take advantage of this crucial info for your next project - keep reading!

What Is An Anchor Bolt?

Anchor bolts are designed to attach to structural or non-structural elements and connect them to concrete foundations. If you're looking for a heavy-duty bolt for your concrete project, you'll do well with an anchor bolt.

While one end of the anchor bolt is secured in concrete, the other is securely embedded into the other material you wish to bolt to your foundation.

When choosing anchor bolts for your project, it's important to note that they are not entirely resistant to wear and tear over time. If your anchor bolt is attached to cracked concrete or the attached material becomes damaged, this could mean that your anchor bolts become compromised and begin to split.

There are many different anchor bolts, each with its benefits and uses. It's essential to choose the right anchor bolt for your project.

Types Of Anchor Bolt & Their Uses

Below you'll find a list of anchor bolts and their uses to help you select the correct ones for your next DIY endeavour.

L-Shaped Anchor Bolts

L-shaped bolts are frequently referred to as bent-bar bolt anchors. They have a shape similar to the letter L, or sometimes the letter J, and to fix the bolt in the base material, you must insert and hook it in. They are best suited for the following purposes:

• Poles and signage - if you're looking to erect a pole or a sign by connecting it to a concrete base material, then an L-shaped bolt will be best suited to your project.
• Heavy equipment and tooling - Consider using an L-shaped bolt if you're attaching heavy equipment to concrete.

Double-End Rods With Plate

Double-end rods fall under the category of headed anchor bolts. Headed anchor channels come in a range of styles. The double end rob with plate is a headed anchor bolt with a double end, along with metal plates welded to either end of the bolt.

Here are some of the best uses for a double-end rod with a plate:

• Constructing columns for buildings - double end rods are heavy-duty bolts suitable for anchoring columns in a building to a concrete base.
• Highway signs - if you're looking to erect a large structure, like a highway sign, then a double-end rod with a plate would be a suitable option.

Double-end rods with plates sometimes come with a plate welded to the structure. Sometimes, the plate is welded to a nut embedded in a hole inside a concrete base.

Swedge Bolts

Swedge bolts have an internal thread on one end and swedged on the other. Swedged ends are indented to allow concrete to flow into the bolt anchors, creating a more secure connection. Threaded ends will enable the bolt to be drilled and secured in place.

You might use swedge bolts in the following circumstances:

• Securing girders and piers - swedge bolts are mainly used in domestic projects and can help secure beams and piers during construction.

Headed Anchor Bolts

There are a few different styles of headed anchors - but you will generally find three primary forms of headed bolts, hex, double-hex, and square anchor bolts. Headed bolts can also have welded plates that make them plated bolts - but they still fall under the headed bolt categories.

You would typically use a headed bolt for projects where you need a solid connection to concrete, but you also need to ensure the bolts look good. If you have an exposed connection to concrete, a headed bolt will ensure that you do not have bolt threads or uneven bolts sticking out from the surface of your concrete joint.

Which Is The Best Bolt Anchor For Your Project?

If you're looking for an anchor bolt for a concrete or cement project, it's essential to understand that concrete and cement are different. Concrete is a much stronger material than cement and is used for large-scale projects like building bridges and multi-storey buildings.

So, if you're using cement, remember that you may not need to use bolt anchors for your project.

Additionally, pay attention to the depth of your concrete to see what size bolt you'll need for your project and whether that size will be suitable.

Ultimately, the best anchor bolt for your project will be the one tailored to your project, whether erecting signage, supporting pole lights, or domestic projects.

How Long Do Bolt Anchors Last?

When you use bolt anchors for project fixings, you need to know how durable they are. You can expect your bolt anchors to last over 20 years. You should place your anchor bolts at least 18 inches in your concrete slab or, more frequently with a softer material. Once fastened to your steel, concrete, or brick, they should last a long time.

Of course, how long your anchors last also depends on the load, you intend for them to bear, as you need to be aware of the anchors' load-bearing limit. You must also be wary of using non-durable materials like plastic with your bolt anchors.

You should also pay attention to the lengths of your bolt anchors, as depending on the load the screws need to bear, you will need to use a different bolt length.

Why Use An Anchor Bolt For Your Project? Benefits Of Anchor Belts

Below you'll find the advantages you can gain from using anchor belts for your projects.

Not Susceptible To Shear Or Tension Forces

You'll find anchor belts well-suited to your project because they are not susceptible to shear or tension forces. So, as the seasons change, your fasteners will be able to withstand various expansion forces, staying in good condition and remaining able to bear the load.

Suitable For Both Structural And Non-Structural Use

Anchor belts are suitable for both structural and non-structural use. This means you can use the fastener to connect structural elements like steel columns attached to a foundation made of concrete. Or, you could use the fixings for non-structural applications, such as connecting a facade system to a concrete wall.

Long-Lasting

When you fix your materials together using anchor fixing bolts, you can expect them to last over 20 years or much longer. These bolts are highly durable, and their resistance to shear and tension forces allows you to get the most out of your fixing investments.

Strong

Anchors are strong and suited to large-scale projects, such as building bridges, securing highway signage, and building skyscrapers. If other bolts are not strong enough for your project, anchor fixings can withstand a substantial load - should you purchase the suitable bolt types and lengths.

Summary

If you're looking to purchase an anchor fixing for your next project, you need to know about the different anchors, their purposes, and the factors to consider when purchasing anchor bolts.

To purchase anchor bolts, you can browse the comprehensive range of fasteners at Trade Warehouse. We have fasteners from different brands and in various lengths and forms. Why not reach out to us today to get advice on the correct bolts for your new project?

FAQs

Here are some questions people often ask when buying fasteners for their projects.

What Is An Anchor Bolt?

There are many different bolts; a bolt anchor fastens heavy-duty equipment and materials to a base or foundation made from concrete. The length and style of the bolt can have an effect on what it is best suited for.

What Are The Types Of Anchor Bolts?

When it comes to bolt anchors, there are a variety of different styles. Bolt anchors come as swedge bolts, double-ended rods with plates, L-shaped bolts, and headed bolts. Each is suited to another purpose, for instance, securing signage, poles, and domestic projects.

What To Consider When Buying An Anchor Bolt?

Before buying an anchor bolt, it is essential to know that concrete and cement are different - concrete is more robust, so you will be less likely to see cracked cement than cracked cement. You also need to know that the length of the anchor has some effect on the load it can bear.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Anchor Bolts?

One of the key benefits of using anchor bolts is that they are heavy-duty and can withstand tension forces well over time. Additionally, anchor bolts can last over 20 years and, in most cases, much longer.