Choosing Anchors: The Factors to Consider

Choosing the right anchor for your next job can be difficult. There are different styles for different applications.

Beyond the style, there are other factors that require consideration before choosing your anchor – surface material and load capacity.

Don’t worry, the experts at Allfasteners have decades of experience with helping customers specify the correct tools and hardware for a great variety of jobs. We have backgrounds in building, engineering, safety and many other trades, so the advice you get from us is from first-hand experience.

Below is a guide to help you select the right anchor for your next job.

Choosing Anchors by Surface Material

First ask yourself two important questions: what material am I anchoring into, and what type of environmental conditions will the anchor be put through. The answers to these questions will play an important role in deciding the correct anchor for your application.

The most common surfaces to anchor into are drywall, plaster/tile, concrete and brick. For the harder surfaces, like concrete and brick, look to use a heavy-duty anchor that can withstand the load capacity needed.  For surfaces with less strength like drywall or plastic try using an anchor that helps to spread the load weight when a stud cannot be found like drywall anchors.

Planning for Load Capacity

Consider the load capacity when choosing the right anchor for your job. This includes the total weight of the items to be secured and what forces that will be applied to the anchor.

Although each anchor will have individual load capacities, typically they are divided into three categories: heavy-duty, medium-duty and light-duty. Each have a capacity that can be defined by their names. Make sure to check the products label or data sheets for more information regarding the proper load capacity for your anchor

Anchor Types

Each anchor is designed to serve specific functions. Choosing the correct fasteners for your application requires an understanding of each’s functions.

• Hammer Drive Anchors- For use in light to medium duty applications. These anchors are perfect for fastening into cinder block, concrete and brick.
• Sleeve Anchors- The most versatile of the anchors, these can be used in concrete, brick and blocks for just about any load capacity.
• Wedge Anchors- Used for securing sheet metal, steel or aluminum angles, or wood to concrete. Due its high resistance to vibratory loads, this anchor is ideal for installing machinery, hand rails, dock bumpers, etc.
• Screw Anchors- Ideal for heavy-duty applications into concrete, brick and cinder block. Perfect for applications like shelving, pipes and cables.
• Expansion Anchors- Designed to expand to the sides of the hole, the expansion anchor is good for medium to heavy duty applications. 
• Drywall Anchors- these anchors feature their own very coarse thread for gripping the plaster, and they require no additional screw to make them work. Best used for when a stud cannot be found in drywall to help spread the load weight.

There is an abundance of anchor types out there, but if you take into consideration the function of the anchor, the surface material and the project load capacity, you’ll be able to narrow your search down to the correct fastener for your application.

Ask About our Anchors

For questions regarding the use of any of these anchors, contact America’s destination for all things fastening, Allfasteners, via email or by calling 888.859.6060