Difference Between Wedge Anchors & Screw Anchors

Wedge anchors and screw anchors are both types of fasteners used to secure objects to concrete or masonry surfaces, but they differ in their design and installation methods.

Wedge anchors consist of a threaded bolt with a cone-shaped end and a sleeve with ridges or fins that expand when the bolt is tightened. They are installed by drilling a hole in the concrete or masonry surface, inserting the anchor sleeve into the hole, and then threading the bolt through the object to be fastened and into the anchor sleeve. As the bolt is tightened, the cone-shaped end of the bolt is pulled into the sleeve, causing the ridges or fins to expand and grip the surrounding material, creating a secure hold.

Screw anchors, also known as concrete screws or tapcon screws, are threaded fasteners that are self-tapping and designed to be driven directly into concrete or masonry surfaces without the need for an anchor sleeve. They have a serrated thread that cuts into the material, providing a secure grip. Screw anchors are installed by drilling a pilot hole into the concrete or masonry surface, then driving the screw into the hole using a power drill.

In summary, wedge anchors require a separate anchor sleeve and are installed by threading a bolt through the object and into the sleeve, while screw anchors are self-tapping and driven directly into the material with a power drill. The choice between these two types of anchors depends on factors such as the load capacity needed, the size and shape of the object being fastened, and the installation conditions.

If you want to know which fastener to use and when, check out our blog about why you should use a screw anchor instead of a wedge anchor here. And more about sleeve anchors here.