A Complete Guide to Masonry Anchors

Before we explain what masonry anchors are, we must first define masonry itself. In its simplest form, masonry can be described as anything that a mason puts down. In other words, if it is laid by a stonemason or a bricklayer, then it is masonry. This can include building materials such as stone and brick, as well as block walls.

Blockwork walls are made from blocks that are commonly known as breeze block, Thermalite block, concrete blocks, or cinder block. Blocks are typically much quicker to lay than brick, so they are often used for the interior walls of modern houses. The walls are then covered with plaster or plasterboard to provide a smooth finish.

Masonry fixings are anchors used to fasten or attach an item to masonry. They can be used with various kinds of masonry including brick and blocks, as well as concrete.

Using masonry plugs on different building materials is explored in further detail below:

Brick and Masonry

Masonry anchors designed for use with brick and similar materials are some of the most widely used types available. These fasteners are designed to attach items to bricks or mortar joints in walls, providing a secure anchoring solution. As brick contains hollow areas, masonry anchors for brick are specially designed to provide a secure hold in both the solid and hollow parts of the brick wall.

Concrete

Although concrete is not a form of masonry, similar fixings are typically used with concrete, brick, stone, and masonry. As concrete is a tough material to drill into, specialist concrete fixings and screws are recommended to achieve a good result with relative ease. Concrete fixings can be used for light and medium-duty applications - some heavy-duty concrete anchor types are available but are less common – and for a variety of purposes ranging from connecting structural elements to attaching wall hangings.

Anchors for masonry work in a fairly simple way. Their purpose is to provide a secure, reliable fixing between the masonry and the item being attached. In essence, they work similarly to many other common types of wall fastening.

The steps below outline the basics of how a masonry anchor works:

• A hole must be drilled to the size recommended by the masonry anchor manufacturer
• Next, the anchor is tapped into the hole using a hammer
• The screw or bolt is tightened
• This will expand the anchor, gripping and wedging to the side of the hole to provide a solid hold

How Do Concrete Anchor Bolts Work?

Although the basic principles are similar, working with concrete anchors requires a slightly different process, as detailed below:

• Drill a hole in the concrete
• Insert the anchor into the hole
• Expand the anchor with the use of a screw, nail, or setting tool

The precise method needed for expanding will depend on the type of concrete fastener being used:

• Wedge Anchors: Once the threads are inserted into the hole and are below the surface, the nut and washer must be placed on them and tightened. Use a wrench to turn the nut, pulling the anchor up and wedging it for a secure hold
• Sleeve Anchors: Insert the sleeve anchor into the concrete then turn the nut to pull the stud upwards and through the expander sleeve, securing the anchor in place

Of course, many additional types of concrete anchors are available, so always make sure to refer to the specific guidelines for the type of fastener you have before use.

Wall plugs come in an extensive range of sizes, ranging from small plugs for precise, light-duty applications, to much larger, heavy-duty models. It is also important to match the wall plug, screw size, and masonry drill bit in order to ensure each component is the correct size and the installation process goes smoothly.

Masonry anchors are relatively straightforward to use, but it is still important to exercise caution and observe good practise to stay safe and ensure the job is completed to the highest possible standards.

The following steps should prove to be helpful guidance for using and installing wedge or sleeve masonry anchors:

• Firstly, position the material you want to anchor
• Drill a hole in the masonry behind the bolt holes
• Ensure the hole is the specified diameter – at least a quarter of an inch deeper than the length of the anchor
• Insert the anchor into the hole

Once the anchor has been successfully inserted into the hole, the installation process is complete!