Use a hammer drill bit of the same size as the length of the drop-in anchors. The bit should meet the ANSI standards. Use a 3/8 carbide drill bit to dent holes for 3/8 drop-in anchors. However, you’re to drill the concrete ½ further beyond the 3/8 precision. It doesn’t matter whether you’ll be using drop-in anchors with or without lips; drilling the concrete with a carbide-tipped bit at such a measure is paramount.
When it comes to masonry jobs, the start of a task predicates the inference. The moment you take the preparation with levity, you can be sure of outright shortcomings.
Slotting in a 3/8 drop-in anchor into concretes while executing an overhead installation requires discreetly using the right hammer drill bits. This would make the drop-in anchor fit into the concrete walls.
Hammer drill gives pulsating knocks on concretes, but less would be its impact if the right drill bit isn’t predetermined ahead of anything. Meanwhile, since there are different sizes of hammer drill bit, subscribing to the dilemma of what to buy is a natural feeling.
What is a 3/8 Drop-in Anchor Rated for?
3/8 drop-in anchors are recommended for 10ft. lb. It’s the smallest size and the one that requires a lower anchorage rate. Adhering to this will cause the smooth insertion of the rod as the anchor serves as the secondary rebar to the concrete likewise.
Nevertheless, the drop-in anchor should be adequately fixed. Those without a lip should get their surfaces flushed to keep the anchor steadfast in the concrete. Meanwhile, some manufacturers suggest an anchorage rate of 16ft. lb. rod for their 3/8 drop-in anchors. Read the manual to get the recommended anchorage rate for your drop-in anchor.
Are Drop-in Anchors Reusable?
Yes, they are removable and reusable. The methodology for removing them from the wall they were slotted into after precisely drilling the wall is quite systematic. You’re to remove the nuts and features you might have screwed onto.
Use the hammering mode of the hammer drill to knock in the stud for the tip of the anchor’s metric to protrude visibly outward. Then, use pliers to pull the tip of the drop-in anchor while you get it ready for another use. There is no way this will damage the drop-in anchor. It has zinc finishes, which makes it malleable and durable.
How Do I Install a 3/8 Drop-in Anchor?
- Get a 3/8 drop-in anchor and a hammer drill with a carbide drill bit of 3/8. Sight the spot you’ll be drilling with the unit.
- Switch on the power of the hammer drill and set the mode. Most units produce more torque when set to drill & hammer mode.
- Insert the drill bit onto the unit while you fix its tip onto the target. Countersink the concrete by drilling it. Ensure you drill ½ beyond the estimated 3/8.
- Identify the type of drop-in anchor you’re using. Provided it has a lip on its metric, it will snugly enter the dented hole and not go further. However, provided it has no lip, then you’d have to flush the head surface by filling it with sand to prevent the anchor from slipping down beyond the limit.
- You can insert your threaded rod of 10ft. lb amperage rate into the 3/8 drop-in anchor.
Final Words
You’ve learned all the techniques that come alongside the fixation of drop-in anchors. You’ve learned that the size of the drop-in anchor you want to slot into the concrete should be equivalent to the diameter of the drill bit. Furthermore, the dent’s depth should be farther than the diameter of the drop-in anchor. Once all these are solved, one can be sure of completing the job perfectly.
