From the best I’ve found, the recomendation is to go at least 1″ into the concrete, and for tapcons, people tend to recomend the 1/4 vs 3/16″.

How far should ramset nails go into concrete?

Recommended minimum fastener spacing.



Setting fasteners too close together can cause the concrete to crack. The recommended MINIMUM DISTANCE between fastening is three (3) inches.

What length Tapcon should I use?





The proper length could be either the 2-3/4″ or the 3-1/4″ length concrete screw. The 3-1/4″ screw would be right at maximum embedment and depending on the abrasiveness of the base material, may be too long.

How do you secure a bottom plate on concrete?


Quote from Youtube video: So what I did was I use these things called sleeve anchors a brand called red head and the way these work is you drill a hole through the stud and the concrete.

How deep should Tapcons be in concrete?

The minimum depth of embedment for the Tapcon screw is 1 inch, and the maximum embedment is 1-3/4 inch. The depth of the hole should be drilled to allow a minimum space at the bottom of the hole of 1/2 inch. The minimum depth of the hole equals 1 inch plus 1/2 inch or 1-1/2” inches.

What size Tapcon do I need for 2×4?

For example, a 2×4 is 1-1/2” thick, so the minimum length of tap con to use would be 1-1/2” + 1” = 2-1/2”.

How long should ramset nails be for 2×4?





A: I’ve attached 2x4s to concrete with 2.5” nails and number 4 ( yellow) shots but I would by some number 3 shots if the nail is driven in too far. Ramset has guidelines regarding nailing through 1.5” wood (2×4. 2×3…..etc.). They recommend 2.5” or 3”.

How do I know what size Tapcon I have?

The bit for the tapcon screw should measure slightly smaller than the designated diameter of the tapcon.



The diameter of the bit chosen is determined by the diameter of the Tapcon being installed:

  1. 3/16-in. tapcon uses a 5/32-in. …
  2. 1/4-in. tapcon uses a 3/16-in. …
  3. 3/8-in. …
  4. 1/2-in. …
  5. 5/8-in. …
  6. 3/4-in.


How long should a brick Tapcon be?

A 3/16” tapcon into brick needs a 5/32” hole and a 1/4” tapcon into brick needs a 3/16” hole. It is critically important that an ANSI standard bit is used in order to ensure proper hole tolerance between hole size and tapcon diameter.

How much weight will a 1/4 Tapcon hold?



Technical Specifications for Tapcon Concrete Screws

Size Minimum Embedment Shear (lbs.)
3/16” 1” 720
1/4” 1” 900


Why do my Tapcons keep breaking?

The base material may be too abrasive or too hard for the threads of the tapcon to tap. The base material may be too soft or sandy and not allow for the tapcon threads to hold properly.

Why are Tapcon screws blue?



Tapcon+ unmatched performance in concrete, block and brick applications make them an excellent alternative to expansion anchors, plugs, lag shields and have a blue corrosion resistant coating that enables them to withstand the harshest conditions.

How far apart should concrete anchors be?

10 diameters

A rule-of-thumb in the concrete-fastener industry is that the minimum spacing should be 10 diameters from each anchor, and measured center to center. The spacing from an unsupported edge should be at least five-anchor diameters. Wedge anchors provide the widest range of concrete fasteners, from 1/4 to 1-1/4-in.

What is the proper spacing between foundation anchor bolts?

The anchor bolt size and spacing shall be a minimum of 3/4 inch (19 mm) in diameter at 32 inches (813 mm) on center. Where existing bolts are inadequate, new steel plates bolted to the side of the foundation and nailed to the sill may be used, such as an approved connector.

What is the maximum distance between foundation anchor bolts for sill plates?



Bolts shall be embedded at least 7 inches (178 mm) into concrete or masonry, and spaced not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) apart.

How do you measure anchor bolt spacing?

Interior braced wall plates shall have anchor bolts spaced at not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) on center and located within 12 inches (305 mm) of the ends of each plate section where supported on a continuous foundation.

What length anchor bolts do I need?

While sizing requirements vary according to local code, 1/2 inch diameter, embedded at least 7 inches, is usually the minimum. If your local regulations call for bolts to embed at least 7 inches below the foundation’s top surface, you’ll need an 8- to 12-inch-long bolt to allow for protrusion above the foundation.

How many anchor bolts minimum are required in a plate anchored to a foundation?

two bolts



There shall be a minimum of two bolts per plate section with one bolt located not more than 12 inches (305 mm) or less than seven bolt diameters from each end of the plate section.

How do you install foundation anchor bolts?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So what we'll be doing is putting concrete inside the hole and putting the anchor bolt down inside. And once the concrete's in there and it give it time to solidify.

How do you anchor a sill plate to a cinder block foundation?

Tip. Lay your sill plate on the cinder block next to your anchor bolts and mark the board where you will need to drill the holes through the plate. Do this for the entire foundation. Then drill out the sill plate and then install the plate to the foundation.

How deep should anchor bolts be in concrete slab?

A 5/8” concrete wedge anchor requires a 5/8” hole to be drilled into the concrete. The hole in the concrete needs to be drilled a minimum of 1/2” deeper than the concrete wedge anchor will penetrate into the concrete.