Zinc Plated

Zinc Plated

How to Anchor Sill Plates to Concrete Foundations

How to Attach Sill Plates to Concrete Foundations

Many homeowners have the skills and capabilities to complete their own home improvement projects and renovations. This can save immense amounts of money as well as help home owners develop new skill sets they can use in the future as new home improvements are needed. Large projects such as home additions, new garages or adding a patio can also be completed without hiring a professional. When building a new structure, it is critical to securely fasten it to the foundation or slab with the use of a sill plate.

A sill plate, also known as a sole plate, is the bottom horizontal member of a wall or building to which the vertical studs will be attached. Most sill plates are made from lumber- usually a 2x4, 2x6, 2x8 or 2x10. The sill plate is typically anchored to the foundation or slab of concrete, depending on the application. Before the next steps can take place, a sill plate must be anchored to the foundation to ensure proper construction and safety.

Before You Get Started
Before trying to anchor a sill plate to any type of foundation, it is important to determine which system is best for attaching the sill plates.

One method for fastening sill plates is the use of cast-in-place anchors, commonly referred to as “J” Bolts. “J” bolts are anchors in the shape of the letter J with threads on the end opposite of the bent end. These bolts are set in place before the concrete is poured. The use of “J” bolts provides the best holding values, but can be problematic for the do-it-yourselfer due to the expertise needed and complicated installation steps. The “J” bolts must be installed completely perpendicular and if not, numerous problems will occur when trying to attach the sill plate. Also, this method cannot be used when building a structure where there is an existing foundation, such as replacing a dilapidated garage. This could pose a serious problem for many home improvement projects.

There is a type of concrete anchor that can be used when working with sill plates in less complicated applications and those with existing foundations. One option for installing sill plates is the use of Wedge Anchors. This type of anchor is a post-installed anchor, meaning that it is placed in concrete after it is fully cured. These fasteners are designed for use in solid concrete only. Wedge anchors are available from 1/4" to 1 1/4" in diameter. The length of the wedge anchor is completely dependent upon the thickness of the material to be fastened. To determine the size of anchor needed, it is important to check your local building codes or with an engineer or architect. It is also critical to verify the holding values required for your particular application since the quality of concrete will vary in every single circumstance.

Choosing the Size Wedge Anchor to be used
Once the required holding values have been determined, use this wedge anchor sizing chart to determine the appropriate diameter and length. There are some other considerations when using wedge anchors. These include:

• Use a wedge anchor of suitable length for the specific application. This is determined by using the equation below:
Minimum embedment for the diameter being used +
Thickness of the material being fastened +
Thickness of the nut and washer =
Minimum length of the wedge anchor needed

• Ensure that the anchor will be further than the minimum distance from the concrete edge. The rule of thumb is a minimum of five anchor diameters from the unsupported edge of concrete. For example, if your wedge anchor is 1/2" in diameter, it must be installed a minimum of 2 1/2" from the unsupported edge.
• Determine the grade of steel and/or plating of the wedge anchor required for the specific application. Wedge anchors are available in three different finishes: Zinc plated, hot-dipped galvanized and stainless steel.

Step by Step Instructions
Concrete Wedge Anchors can be installed in a few steps. Basic instructions follow:
• On the concrete, mark where your holes will be drilled. Remember that anchors must be placed: a minimum of five anchor diameters from any unsupported edge and there should be a minimum of ten anchor diameters between any two anchors.
• Using a hammer drill, drill your holes using a carbide-tipped
masonry bit. The hole diameter should be the same diameter as
the wedge anchor.
• Clear the hole of all debris using compressed air, a shop-vac
or wire brush.
• Before inserting the wedge anchor into the hole, be sure to place
the washer on the head and thread the nut a couple of turns. By
not fully threading the nut, the threads of the
wedge anchor are protected.
• Carefully place the sill place in the correct position and insert the
wedge anchors into each hole through the sill plate.
• Hammer anchors into every hole ensuring that they are
installed to the desired depth and securely in place. This will
be the supporting plate to which studs will be placed later in the
renovation process so secure placement is important for the overall safety of the structure.
• Using a torque wrench, tighten every nut to guarantee they are tightened to the required torque value.

For more detailed information and further instruction, take a look at this Wedge Anchor Installation Video.

When using concrete wedge anchors, it is important to remember:
• Wedge anchors are very effective when the concrete is in good condition and minimum edge distances and spacing are maintained.
• Hole size is critical to the holding values of the wedge anchor. Hole diameter is equal to the anchor diameter when using ANSI standard carbide bits. The tolerances of ANSI standard bits are specifically matched to work well with wedge anchors.
• Wedge anchors have a required torque value. Take a look at this important anchor technical information page to determine the diameter of anchor to use for a range of required .

As with any home improvement or anchoring project, it is important to keep safety in mind and follow instructions carefully. Always remember to wear safety goggles, handle all tools with extra care, and follow all technical specifications. This article is meant to serve as a basic overview of the steps for completing this project. Always refer to manufacturer’s instructions or consult a contracting expert. With a little research, planning and patience you are now ready to expand your home or create some new space!

About the Author

Article Written By: Bob Carlisle, President of Concrete Fasteners

Concrete Fasteners, Inc. has over 40 years experience selling concrete fasteners. We ship to all 50 states and many countries. We can ship out one box or a whole pallet of concrete anchors. Our products are of the highest quality, “your satisfaction is guaranteed.” We ship all orders the same day order is received.

Repair Links Zinc Plated 5/16X1-1/2In $7.9 Manufactured To Exacting Standards From Machine Formed Steel Wire Or Drop Forged Steel Tumbled Smooth And Plated To Protect Against Rust Zinc plated steel. Manufactured to exacting standards from machine formed steel wire or drop forged steel tumbled smooth and plated to protect against rust. Multiple Sizes Search_Phrases: Chains, Snaps, Rings, Batteries, Equine,Hook,Henssgen Hardware Inc,Repair Links Zinc Plated 5/16X1-1/2In

Repair Links Zinc Plated 1/4X1-1/4In $4.64 Manufactured To Exacting Standards From Machine Formed Steel Wire Or Drop Forged Steel Tumbled Smooth And Plated To Protect Against Rust Zinc plated steel. Manufactured to exacting standards from machine formed steel wire or drop forged steel tumbled smooth and plated to protect against rust. Multiple Sizes Search_Phrases: Chains, Snaps, Rings, Batteries, Equine,Hook,Henssgen Hardware Inc,Repair Links Zinc Plated 1/4X1-1/4In0

Perko 4 Straight Chock - Chrome Plated Zinc $25.36 Straight Chock - 1230 - Chrome Plated Zinc Alloy. Length Overall: 4 Width: 7/8 Max Rope Size: 3/4

Chapin 13961866 Premier Brass Plated Zinc ShutOff $30.84 Material: Brass Plated Zinc. Type: Sprayer Valve. Satisfaction ensured. Ready to ship at your convenience. High quality components. Satisfaction ensured.

Chapin Premier Brass Plated Zinc Shut-off. Each $14.45 Manufacturer: Chapin. Each. Material = Brass Plated Zinc Type = Sprayer Valve Customers also search for: Discount Premier Brass Plated Zinc Shut-off, Buy Premier Brass Plated Zinc Shut-off, Wholesale Premier Brass Plated Zinc Shut-off, 023883618667, 6-18

3043Z - Zinc Plated Basket $73.37 [4403001] 16x10x4-1/2 inch 10L x 16W x 4.5H 8 LB

3044Z - Zinc Plated Basket $83.83 [4403101] 16x10x4-1/2 inch 10L x 16W x 4.5H 8.5 LB

3045Z - Zinc Plated Basket $91.84 [4403201] 21x13-1/4x6 inch 13.25L x 21W x 6H 11 LB

3046Z - Zinc Plated Basket $96.14 [4403301] 21x13-1/4x6 inch 13.25L x 21W x 6H 12 LB

3047Z - Zinc Plated Basket $99.3 [4403401] 24x13-1/4x3 inch 13.25L x 24W x 3H 10 LB

3048Z - Zinc Plated Basket $100.46 [4403501] 24x13-1/4x6 inch 13.25L x 24W x 6H 11.63 LB

Magnolia Brush 45591 Mop Handle Zinc Plated $24.61 Quick change type . Heavily zinc plated steel construction securely fastened to No. 1 grade 18 Diameter 54 handle . Standard wing nut construction with channeltype cross bar that detaches from one side to allow quick change of mop head

Thunder Group SLSC002 4 Zinc Plated Scrubber 12 DOZ $83.52 4" Zinc Plated Scrubber Price includes 12 dozen Type: Dish Towels and Cloths

Winco WKR-8 8 Zinc Plated Wok Ring Stand $4.07 8" zinc plated wok ring  Type: Dish Towels and Cloths

Liberty Hardware Bath Unlimit Zinc Plated Futura Wallplates Screws EB1400WP $21.38 Wallplates and screws. Replacement hardware for the Futura collection. Zinc plated. Length: 3.5. Width: 0.25. Height: 3.55

Liberty Mountain 343700 .38in. Zinc Plated Copper Sleeve $20.66 Zinc Plated Copper Sleeve. Size: 3/8 . Made from the finest materials. Functionality that is unbeatable. Satisfaction ensured.

Stanley Hardware 4.88in. Zinc Plated Door Pulls 321920 Pack of 25 $43.88 Door pull. For screen doors storm doors and drawers. Includes screws. 4.88 length. Zinc Plated

FocusFoodService FLEVASM Zinc Plated Leveling Feet 4 Pieces $40.56 Leveling feet. Zinc plated. 4 Per pack. Manufactured to the highest quality available. Satisfaction ensured.

Zinc $10 Zinc

Zinc Plated Chain Basketball Net - Set Of 6 $57.86 12 loop, 12"All-steel zinc coated chain netsFor outdoor or indoor useStrong, rust-proof

Masterkit 47515008 Cotter Pin Assortments Zinc Plated $47.34 Standard extended prong chisel point. Made in the U.S.A. Includes: (300) 3/64 x 1/2 in (150) 3/32 x 1 in (200) 3/32 x 13/4 in (75) 5/32 x 21/2 in (130) 1/8 x 2 in (175) 1/8 x 11/4 in (150) 5/64 x 1 in (300) 1/16 x 3/4 in Lip Guide Specification Label Polypropylene Box. Finish: Zinc Plated. Quantity: 1500 per set.

Perko 4 Open Base Clear - Chrome Plated Zinc - Pair $30.6 Open Base Cleat - 1188 - Chrome Plated Zinc Alloy. Length Overall: 4 Dimensions Base: 2-1/8 x 1-1/2 Max Rope Size: 5/16

Stanley Hardware 5.75in. Zinc Plated Door Pulls 810530 $22.84 Door pull. Ideal for use on screen shed and barn doors. Rounded contour formed for maximum handling comfort and appearance. Zinc plated. 5.75

FocusFoodService FTSFZ Triangular Zinc Plated Security Feet 4 Per Pack $53.17 Security Feet. Triangular. Replaces leveling bolt. Zinc plated. 4 Per pack. Top Quality manufactured to the highest specifications. Satisfaction ensured.

Apex Tool Group Chain .25 in. Zinc Plated Cold Shut T4900424 $21.22 Cold shut. Connections for chain and attachments. Mild steel. Zinc plated. 400 lbs working load limit.25 . Length: 1.66. Width: 0.5. Height: 1.66

Stanley Hardware 7.88in. Zinc Plated Door Pulls 810590 $27 Door pull. Ideal for use on screen shed and barn doors. Rounded contour formed for maximum handling comfort and appearance. Zinc plated. 7.88

Stanley Hardware 4.88in. Zinc Plated Door Pulls 751180 $22.06 Door pull. For screen doors storm doors and drawers. Includes screws. 4.88 length. Zinc plated. Carded. Length: 3.78. Width: 0.87. Height: 5.76

Ultra Zinc Plated Designers Edge Single Roller Catch 96211 $20.98 Roller catch. Designer s Edge series. Single wheel. Polybagged with screws. Zinc plated. Length: 3. Width: 1. Height: 4

Stanley Hardware Zinc Plated Rope Utility Hook 766350 $22.86 Ideal for use as a clothesline hook. Can be used as a rope tie down. Zinc plated to resist rust. 2 x 1.88 . 5/16 wire diameter. Carded

Stanley Hardware 5in. Zinc Plated Door Pulls 810500 $22.83 Door pull. Ideal for use on screen shed and barn doors. Rounded contour formed for maximum handling comfort and appearance. Zinc plated. 5

Stanley Hardware 6.50in. Zinc Plated Door Pulls 810560 $23.07 Door pull. Ideal for use on screen shed and barn doors. Rounded contour formed for maximum handling comfort and appearance. Zinc plated. 6.50

Stanley Hardware 5.75in. Zinc Plated Door Pulls 751310 $23.06 Door pull. Ideal for use on screen shed and barn doors. Rounded contour formed for maximum handling comfort and appearance. Zinc plated. 5.75 . Carded

Zinc Basketball Net- Each: SP $8.4 Steel chain net, zinc plated, 12 loop, 21" net.

No. 16 Zinc Plated Steel Jack Chain Valve Tag Fasteners $29.3 Economical and dependable choice for a fastener. Zinc plated steel jack chain has approximately 25 links per footAbout 10-12" makes one tag fastenerSold per box of 50 feet Valve tags sold separately

Pro Brand RG-6 Zinc Plated O-Ring Gel Connector $17.99 100 A/V Connector China F Connector FC-6WPG-B Pro Brand Pro Brand International, Inc RG-6 Zinc Plated O-Ring Gel Connector www.pbigroup.com

Stanley Hardware 3.50in. Zinc Plated Latching Post Safety Hasps 811900 $25 Safety hasp. Latchable without padlock or can be locked with padlock. Rotatable post. Corrugated leaf for strength. Hold open feature. Includes screws. 3.50 . Zinc plated

Stanley Hardware 4.50in. Zinc Plated Latching Post Safety Hasps 811910 $25.57 Safety hasp. Latchable without padlock or can be locked with padlock. Rotatable post. Corrugated leaf for strength. Hold open feature. Includes screws. 4.50 . Zinc plated

Stanley Hardware 4.50in. Zinc Plated Latching Post Safety Hasps 755210 $25.72 Safety hasp. Latchable without padlock or can be locked with padlock. Rotatable post. Corrugated leaf for strength. Hold open feature. Includes screws. 4.50 . Zinc plated. Carded. Length: 4.72. Width: 1.16. Height: 5.72

Anvil Mark 690202 Straight Line Coil Chain in Zinc Plated $101.56 Long Link Welded Steel Chain. For General Use in Guard Chain Applications Animal Stake Chains and Much More. Color/Finish: Zinc Plated. Size: 2.