Walraven explains why concrete screws are a convenient, versatile, and value for money choice for everyday mechanical and electrical installations.

Concrete screws can improve both speed and efficiency of the job compared to typical alternatives and are one of the simplest anchors to install.

However, the quality of concrete screws can differ significantly, so how do you know if you are buying a reliable, quality concrete screw? Here we give six reasons why you should consider using concrete screws and how to choose the best anchors for your project.

Here are 6 reasons why you should be using concrete screws:

1. Easy to install. Concrete screws are one of the easiest to install of all the anchor types. With a small, clean drill hole they can be simply screwed straight in. No hammering or added complexity you get with some anchor types. This provides reassurance that the correct installation can be achieved easily, reducing the risk of anchor failure.
2. Great for overhead installations. Concrete screws are so easy to install, it makes them the best option for overhead application. For example, traditional alternatives like drop in anchors take longer to drill and set and are much more awkward to install overhead.
3. Versatile anchoring product. Concrete screws are available with a number of different head types which makes them one of the most versatile concrete anchors available. With hex heads and pan heads for securing channel and wall plates to threaded rod and stud hangers for hanging pipes and ventilation ducts, they are suitable for many types of installation.
4. Not just for concrete! Unlike many other anchor types, concrete screws can be used to safely install into substrates other than concrete. You should check the technical information/ETA (European Technical Assessment) for the screws you are using to be certain, but most can also be used in solid brick, hollow brick, silicate brick, and stone.
5. Flexibility around installation. The design of concrete screws means that they can be placed close to each other or at a minimal distance from the edge of the substrate without affecting their performance. This offers more flexibility of installation.
6. Fire-rated concrete screws. Most ETA approved concrete screws will have been given a fire rating which means that they are a great option for secure fixing of services in escape routes, as per the requirements of the 18th Edition. Some concrete screws may also have been tested and approved for use in seismic/dynamic conditions offering an even broader range of applications. Please check ETA documentation for confirmation of ratings and approvals.

So, when looking for a convenient, value for money anchor fixing, concrete screws are a great option for everyday use. With such a broad range of application and great installation features they are becoming the go-to anchor fixing for installers today. 

Which concrete screws are the best?

Broadly speaking there are two types of concrete screw – those that have official approvals and those that don’t. We would usually recommend using ETA-approved concrete screws.

A European Technical Assessment submits anchors to a rigorous testing process and as a result will set out what applications the anchor is suitable for, it’s application limits, performance characteristics and how it should be installed. The ETA documentation provides all the guidance and reassurance the installer needs that the concrete screw is up to the job.  

Read our essential guide to selecting and installing concrete screws

You can find out everything you need to know about concrete screws in our essential guide.

For ETA-approved concrete screws and access to technical support and free onsite pull tests, choose Walraven!