Rebar as temp concrete block anchor

[tyrenta]

Hi all, question for the pros: I'm replacing my garage sill plate (on block foundation) and want to hold sections of the new 4x6 plate in place from sheer movement while I replace other older sections for two reasons:

- I want to leave room for some vertical movement until everything else is in place so I can lift sections to get new lumber in
- I'm using 1/2" tapcon bolts and can't re-use the holes if I tighten them down.

So my idea was drill the 1/2" holes in the block and use 1/2" rebar through the sill into those temporarily to prevent sheer movement. Would this work, or would the fit be too tight and compromise the holes for the tapcons anyway?

 

[metlmunchr]

#4 rebar is 1/2" nominal, but that is the diameter before the deformations are rolled into it. So, it ends up with a diameter across the deformations that's larger than 1/2".

Your best bet would be to use plain 1/2" hot rolled round stock as it would be a good fit into a hole drilled with a 1/2" masonry drill.

Another option, if the plain round stock isn't readily available in your area, would be cheap 1/2" all thread rod which would be stocked by any fastener supply house or any plumbing and piping supply house.

 

[rlitman]

#3 rebar is 3/8" nominal, but there's a fair chance it will fit in a hole made by a 1/2" masonry drill (which will usually be a little over-sized anyway).

 

[tyrenta]

Thanks guys thats helpful. I'll try 3/8 or threaded rod, the threaded may help, I could put a nut on top of 8-10" pieces so it doesn't fall through the 4" solid top block into the hollow below