Anchors/3/8" Wedge Anchor

Wedge Anchor

3/8" Wedge Anchor

Quick Answer

A 3/8" Wedge Anchor needs a 3/8" pilot hole, drilled to embedment + 1/2" clearance, with 1-1/2" minimum embedment, torqued to 25-30 ft-lbs.

Pilot Hole
3/8"
Embedment
1-1/2" minimum
Torque
25-30 ft-lbs
Safe Load
306 lbs

Full Specification

Type
Wedge Anchor
Diameter
3/8"
Available Lengths
2-1/4", 3", 3-1/2", 4", 5", 6"
Pilot Hole Diameter
3/8"
Pilot Hole Depth
Embedment + 1/2" clearance
Embedment Depth
1-1/2" minimum
Recommended Torque
25-30 ft-lbs
Compatible Substrates
Solid concrete only
Load Rating
306 lbs tension, 810 lbs shear safe working load — Ultimate: 1,223 lbs tension / 3,238 lbs shear — Ultimate values in 2000 PSI concrete (Confast). Allowable calculated at the industry-standard 4:1 safety factor.
Material
Zinc-plated steel, Hot-dip galvanized, 316 Stainless steel
Removable
No — permanent installation

Best For

  • Structural steel
  • Heavy machinery
  • Railing posts
  • Column base plates

Not For

  • Hollow block
  • Brick
  • Cracked concrete zones
  • Near edges without reduction

How a Wedge Anchor Grips

A wedge anchor grips by flaring an expansion clip against the hole wall as the nut is torqued, converting clamping tension into outward friction. Unlike a self-tapping screw, the hole is drilled at the anchor's own diameter, and grip quality depends heavily on a clean, correctly-sized, dust-free hole.

Installation Tips

1.Drill the hole the same diameter as the anchor — 3/8" bit for 3/8" anchor
2.Minimum 5 diameters from edge (1-7/8") — capacity reduces at tighter spacing
3.Minimum concrete thickness: embedment depth + 4× diameter (3.75" for 2-1/4" embed)
4.Cannot be removed once set — plan your layout carefully
5.Use HDG or stainless for exterior or wet locations

Frequently Asked Questions

What size drill bit does a 3/8" Wedge Anchor need?

Use a 3/8" carbide masonry bit, drilled to embedment + 1/2" clearance.

How much weight can a 3/8" Wedge Anchor hold?

306 lbs tension, 810 lbs shear safe working load. Actual capacity depends on base material strength and embedment — verify against the manufacturer's ICC-ES ESR data for structural work.

How deep should the hole be?

Drill to embedment + 1/2" clearance. Minimum embedment for this anchor is 1-1/2" minimum.

How much should a 3/8" Wedge Anchor be torqued?

Tighten to 25-30 ft-lbs. Over-torquing is a common cause of anchor failure.

Can a Wedge Anchor be removed after installation?

No — this is a permanent installation; the anchor body stays in the hole.

Free Tool · Built on ACI 318-19

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