What is the drill size for a 5/16 concrete anchor
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What is the drill size for a 5/16 concrete anchor

You can't just go out and buy the first drill you see on the shelves of your local hardware store. Different projects require certain types of drills and it is very important to choose the right one.

This quick guide explains which drill is ideal for a 5/16" concrete anchor. As an experienced craftsman, I know the different drills, their differences, and what surface or material a particular drill is best for. An incorrectly sized drill can derail your project or even compromise your safety.

Typically, you will need a 3/8" carbide tipped drill to drill a 5/16" diameter hole in a concrete anchor, which is ANSI compliant. Drilling a hole 1/2" deeper than the anchor will fill the concrete, ensuring that the minimum 1-1/8" embedment requirement is met. While the fixture is in place, drill the hole.

I'll go into more detail below.

Drill size for concrete anchor 5/16”

Drill a 5/16" diameter hole in the concrete anchor using a 3/8" carbide tipped bit that complies with ANSI standards.

Drill the hole 1/2" deeper than the anchor will penetrate the concrete, ensuring that the minimum 1-1/8" embedment requirement is met. You need to drill a hole while the fixture is in place.

Check the table below:

Recommended Installation Depth of Tapcon on Concrete Surfaces/Anchors

The Tapcon screw has a shallowest seating depth of 1" and a deepest seating depth of 1-3/4". The hole should be drilled to a depth of 1/2 inch to ensure there is minimal space at the bottom of the hole. The minimum hole depth is 1" plus 1/2" or 1-1/2".

Choosing the Best Drill for a Material-Based Job

Drills can be made from various metals. There is no single drill suitable for all surfaces.

Each is designed for one or two surfaces (or a pair). Meanwhile, even if a drill can be used for a particular purpose or material, it may not be as effective as a drill designed specifically for a particular material. For a 5/16 concrete anchor, choose carbide tipped drills that can penetrate hard surfaces.

F.A.Q.

What Causes Tapcon to Break?

The Tapcon® hole must be at least 1/2 inch deeper into the material than the screw can penetrate. If the Tapcon® screw is screwed all the way into the hole and too much torque is applied, it may shear.

What is the significance of the blue coating on Tapcon screws?

Tapcon's superior performance in concrete, block and masonry makes it an ideal replacement for expansion anchors, shields and dowels. They withstand the harshest conditions thanks to the blue anti-corrosion coating.

How many loads Are Tapcon screws supported?

The safe working load is usually taken as a safety factor of 4:1 or 25% of the lift/shear limit.

Tapcons are available in what sizes?

3 / 16 “

The Stainless Steel Tapcon is available with 3/16" (1/4" diameter) flat countersunk sockets with a hex washer head and a flat Phillips countersunk head. 

Length – Tapcon 3/16” and 1/4” are available in the same sizes, while 1/4” is also available in 5” and 6” sizes.

Take a look at some of our articles below.

  • What is the drill size for a 3/16 rivet?
  • What is the drill size for the 3/8 tie bolt?
  • What is the size of a 1/4 tapcon drill?

Video link

Tapcon Screws Into Concrete | Which Size Bit To Use? Tapcon Anchoring Concrete Fastening Tip

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