Building Hardware Resource

There are many types of anchor bolts, consisting of designs that are mostly proprietary to the manufacturing companies. All include a threaded end, to which a nut and washer can be attached for the external load. An anchor bolt can be put into concrete to help support a wooden structure. They are very useful in building projects since the concrete provides a very sturdy hold.

An anchor bolt can either be installed before or after the concrete is set. When you install before it is set, you will have to have a mechanism for holding it in place.

Before you put the bolt in place you have to mix and pour the concrete. Then drill a hole in a 2*4 that will be long enough to reach across the concrete. Put the anchor bolt through the 2*4 and prop it up across the concrete. The bolt should partly rest inside of the concrete; you can adjust the depth of the bolt by raising and lowering the board. After the concrete has dried you can cut off the board.

If you want to install an anchor bolt in dry concrete you must first drill a hole. There are special drills that will cut through concrete without breaking; they can usually be rented at your local hardware store. Make sure you use safety equipment while installing the anchor bolt in dried concrete to protect yourself from flying pieces.