FASTENERS

Anchors

Purpose: Anchors are used to secure structural or non-structural elements to hardened concrete. They can be installed after the concrete has cured or cast into place during pouring.

Common types include wedge anchors, which expand in the hole for strong holding power; sleeve anchors, which are ideal for medium-duty fastening in concrete or masonry; drop-in anchors, which are flush-mounted and used for suspended fixtures; and epoxy or chemical anchors, which use bonding agents for high-load or seismic applications.

Use cases include: mounting machinery, railings, or structural components to concrete slabs or walls.

Cleats

Purpose: Cleats are temporary supports used during concrete formwork setup.

They’re typically made from wood or metal and are attached to forms by nails or screws. Cleats help keep the formwork stable and in position until the concrete sets. Once the job is done, cleats are removed and often reused.

Use cases include: supporting concrete form panels, braces, or blocking during pours.

J-Bolts (Hook Bolts)

Purpose: J-bolts are used to anchor structural elements like steel columns or walls to a concrete foundation.

They are shaped like the letter “J” to provide resistance against pull-out forces and are embedded into wet concrete with the threaded end exposed for attachment. They’re often used in combination with base plates and nuts.

Use cases include: securing columns, posts, and structural frames.

Form Ties

Purpose: Form ties hold opposing sides of formwork together, resisting the lateral pressure of wet concrete.

They come in various types, such as snap ties (which break off easily after curing), taper ties (reusable metal rods with tapered ends), and threaded rod systems (reusable and adjustable with cone or plate hardware).

Use cases include: forming concrete walls, columns, and other vertical elements where pressure containment is critical.

Duplex Nails

Purpose: Duplex nails are designed for temporary use, allowing easy removal after the concrete work is complete.

They feature a second head that stands above the surface, making them easy to pry out without damaging the wood. They are often used in temporary structures like formwork, braces, or cleats.

Use cases include: nailing form boards, securing cleats, and other short-term fastening tasks on the jobsite.