Common DIY Mistakes | Concrete Anchors

Securing something to brick, concrete block, or any other kind of masonry can be a bit intimidating for DIYers. This doesn't have to be hard and here are a couple mistakes to avoid on your next project.

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[ursamajor]

I've used several sizes of Tapcons with great results. I drive them in with an electric driver up until the last 1/4 to 1/2 inch and then use a wrench to tighten them gently.

[dl]

Thank you. I have been doing it wrong and now know why it hasn't worked very well for me.

[franknowak]

There are different tap cons for mortar concrete and cinder block make sure you use the correct type also

[FernRoses]

Woman here, it's really intimidating asking questions at a hardware store.
Thank you so much for the information. I had to subscribe.

[ddbala]

Also, other mistake is people do not drill approx 1/4 inch over length of screw. I have known people overtorquing and removing heads because they did not drill a little bit more. I have had great experience with tapcon

[jdr]

I would bag all these stupid anchors for brick and just use epoxy. Absolute rock solid hold. No stress on the brick or chance of breaking it out. Absolute precision in placement. Sika anchorfix 2 baby.

[shangrilahomestead]

It’s so tricky drilling and securing into concrete. Do you have videos in more detail about this subject? I always dread these projects and I have loads of projects like this to complete.😊. Thank you!

[Private-GtngxNMBKvYzXyPq]

Good advice. I used the same or similar to board up windows before a category 5 hurricane and used the right drill bits. It held surprisingly well, and probably saved the house.

[geraldroberts]

Not a fan of the longer, small diameter Tapcons. You can use the appropriate bit for the pre drill and they're prone to snap before you get them tightened. Larger diameters over 1/2" are bombproof in good concrete.

[jimd]

I've used tapcons for securing conduit one-hole straps to concrete and block walls for years. I find using the drill at low speed with the 5/16 nut driver secured the tapcons without stripping.

[BStride]

Agree with over torquing the mortar have experienced problems there for sure

[MANSHED]

I use those anchors all the time around our brick house. I would also suggest that you never drill into or anchor into the mortar. Always into the block itself.

[Treppiede]

Do you guys like to vacuum or blow out the dust from the holes before trying the fastener?

[campbell]

I prefer using plastic anchors instead if I can. Tapcons can be sensitive and I’d rather not take the risk and create a new problem.

[matthewcanavan]

I prefer pound in anchors whenever possible.

[MrLonewolf]

Anchoring into mortar is a bad idea to start with...

[eaglye]

Has anyone else had terrible luck with the white tapcon screws? It might be user error, but the head constantly pops off on me when trying to fasten them in. Never happens with any of the blue ones.

[Your_mom]

Don’t use an impact. Unless you have great finger discipline. 👍🏼

[ironqqq]

I get a 20% breakage rate with 3/16 tapcons into concrete 😢

[larryh]

My biggest problem with tapcons is that they are VERY FRAGILE I have had 3%+ break OFF when I screw them in