Sleeve anchors enable you to mount medium- to heavyweight fixtures on concrete walls. You’ll need to drill a hole, insert the sleeve anchor, and tighten the nut so the anchor can hold the object’s weight.
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 20 to 25 mins Project cost: $20 for all necessary items, tools used are not included in the cost. |
Sleeve anchors are one of the most common types of wall anchors used to mount fixtures on concrete, tile, brick, plywood, and plaster walls. The metal sleeve encasing the bolt expands once the sleeve anchor is inserted into the drilled hole. As the anchor expands in the wall, it can hold more weight compared to a nail or screw.
Learn More: How Do Drywall Anchors Work?
What You’ll Need
- Pencil
- Masking tape
- Hammer drill
- Masonry drill bit
- Sleeve anchor
- Vacuum cleaner
- Hammer
Safety tips:
- Wear a dust mask, safety goggles, and earplugs while drilling.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions to know the sleeve anchor’s diameter, the suggested drilling depth, and the weight capacity.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Mark the Drilling Depth
Unlike other wall anchors, you’ll need to drill a hole the same size as the sleeve anchor instead of drilling a smaller one. Choose a drill bit with the same width as the sleeve anchor.
Measure the length of the sleeve anchor to determine the desired drilling depth. Stick some masking tape onto your drill bit to mark this desired depth.
Step 2: Drill the Hole
Mark the drilling location with a pencil. Ensure the mark is visible on the concrete. Then, drill a hole into the concrete at the lowest speed setting until you reach ½ inches before increasing the speed.
Once you’ve drilled the hole, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the hole to prepare for the next step.
Read More: How to Drill a Hole in a Concrete Wall
Step 3: Insert the Sleeve Anchor
Ensure the washer is between the sleeve and the nut before inserting it into the hole. Gently tap the nut with a hammer to drive it into the concrete. Check if the anchor is perpendicular to the concrete.
Once inserted, the washer should be flush with the wall. Then, tighten the nut with a wrench to secure the anchor into the concrete.
Quick tip: If you’re mounting a wall fixture, such as a rack, insert the sleeve anchor into the hole on the fixture before inserting it into the hole.
FAQs for troubleshooting
If the sleeve anchor keeps spinning in the hole, the hole might be too big for the anchor. Additionally, the concrete around the hole might have crumbled during the drilling process. You can choose another mounting location and check if you’re using the right drill bit.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging of the sleeve anchor to identify the drilling depth. This will ensure that the sleeve anchor can be fully inserted into the hole in the concrete.
Yes, you can. However, using a power drill will take more time and effort compared to using a hammer drill that can more easily penetrate the solid layers of concrete. If you don’t have a hammer drill, you can rent one from your local hardware store.
Decorate Your Concrete Walls
After installing a sleeve anchor into your concrete wall, you can mount outdoor lighting, cabinets, and other fixtures to elevate the appearance of your home. Whether you’re decorating your indoor or outdoor area, you have the knowledge and skill to spruce up your living areas using sleeve anchors.
If you need a professional to install sleeve anchors into concrete for you, you can connect with local pros with the right skills and tools to complete the job.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: Supratchai /Adobe Stock
Related Posts:
