Having a well secured and solid structure is one of the biggest goals for construction. Concrete anchors help you achieve this major aim to a large extent. This is why you can’t afford to have them hanging on a loose end; otherwise, the main purpose of a secured structure will be defeated.
In this article, you’ll get to understand the dynamics of different concrete anchors and how to fix a loose concrete anchor without having to get it out totally.
What do I need to fix a loose concrete anchor
•Hammer
•Chisel
•Drill
•Screw driver
•3/8″ Masonry Bit
•Concrete patching compound
•Loctite
How to fix different types of concrete anchors
Concrete anchors can remain intact regardless of the pressure they take in. This makes them difficult to pull out. They withstand pressure according to their types, their design and the components of the concrete.
How to fix a loose screw-in concrete anchor
This is also known as a concrete screw, this is because it goes directly into the concrete. In a situation where this type of screw comes out or goes loose, this is what to do:
Screw it back in
If a concrete screw happens to go loose, the first thing to do is to try to tighten again by screwing it right back in. If this doesn’t work due to the screw not fitting right into the hole, then move to the next step.
Adopt the copper wire method
This method involves fitting a piece of copper wire into the whole. This is so that the wire occupies some part of the hole and the screw—when placed into the whole, can fit perfectly.
Apply a thread locker adhesive
The thread of a screw-in concrete anchor is the spiral ridge on its body that rotates when it is being driven into a surface. The thread locker adhesive will help set the screw securely into its hole.
How to fix a loose strike anchor
A strike anchor, unlike the screw-in concrete anchor, had no spiral ridge on its frame. The body of a strike anchor is smooth and is driven into a surface through a hammer. Hammering it into the concrete makes it difficult to fix. Therefore, the only option is to take out the anchor, fill the hold with a Loctite or epoxy, and then insert the strike anchor again.
How to fix a loose wedge concrete anchor
This anchor comes with a thread and has a wedge at the bottom, which expands when drilled in. Wedge anchors are also called stud anchors. They cannot be taken out once drilled in. Therefore, to fix them:
Tighten the knot of the wedge anchor
You can try driving in the knot of the wedge anchor such that it becomes tighter. This would further open up the wedge St the base of the anchor.
Apply a loctite masonry adhesive
Since removing the anchor is an abortive move, applying a Loctite masonry adhesive is the next best option. Make sure the space left in the hole is filled with the adhesive and allowed to harden, so the anchor is properly set in the hole
Hammer it in
Another option is to try hammering in the wedge anchor so its wedge can expand and further grip the hole at its bottom. This might probably be forceful and dangerous, therefore precision and precaution is required.
Is it possible to remove concrete anchors without damage?
Firstly, you can only remove a small percentage of concrete anchors successfully and not incur damages to your structure. Many times, removing the anchor bolt requires you cut out the top area of the surface of the anchor and at the same time, have its other part embedded in the surface.
When to fix concrete anchors
Immediately! That’s right. You can’t afford to wait till the state of your concrete anchors are totally irredeemable before attempting to fix them. A loose anchor can pose a hazardous occurrence, especially when it totally comes undone.
Conclusion
In all of these, proper understanding of the peculiarities of these concrete anchors as well as attending to them earlier enough when they become loose will ensure more damage is averted and they are salvaged on time.
