Tapcon

[frankreno]

New term for me, can you show me what they look like/
Thanks
Frank

 

[mackrmnn]

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I use them in CBS block and concrete. An outstanding product. Really helps to use the correct size drill bit and one made for it.

 

[toymn6366]

great product used to put closet kit in rentel house with block walls worked great

 

[tcianci]

The Tapcon is a self tapping screw made for brick/masonry materials. Each different screw size has a corresponding Tapcon drill bit. The bit is carbide tipped for the masonry materials. Once you drill a pilot hole with the correct bit, you can drive the screw in just like you were driving into wood. A word of advice: When fastening with Tapcons, once you bring the screw up tight to the object you are mounting, any further torque applied to the screw only serves to strip the thread or snap the screw. Bring it up good and snug and you're done.

 

[Bencrx91]

The reason TAPCON snaps is because there is a minimum and maximum depth you can use them with. It aint written on the package lol.
But here it is :

http://www.concretescrews.com/instructions.aspx
Determine the appropriate length Tapcon® concrete screw for your project

Standard Blue Tapcon® and Stainless Steel Tapcons®:

Before starting any project, it is essential to determine what length of Tapcon® is needed. Below is a formula to easily determine the length of concrete screw needed.

Add: The thickness of material to be fastened
-to-
The minimum embedment* required for the diameter of Tapcon® concrete screw being used.
* Can be found in the chart below
Tapcon® Diameter Minimum Embedment Maximum Embedment
3/16" 1" 1-3/4"
1/4" 1" 1-3/4"
3/8" 1-1/2" 2-1/4"
1/2" 2" 2-3/4"
5/8" 2-3/4" 3-1/2"
3/4" 3-1/4" 4"

 

[brownbagg]

another tip, use a screw gun and not a drill, start the screw and dont stop till you hit bottom. stop half way and its over with

 

[benjamming]

start the screw and dont stop till you hit bottom. stop half way and its over with

I don't understand the logic behind that.

 

[djd99]

another tip, use a screw gun and not a drill, start the screw and dont stop till you hit bottom. stop half way and its over with

The best way to install tapcon's is drill the pilot hole with a hammer drill and I use my dewalt impact to set them in place, don't stop until the tapcon is all the way in. The auto shop is entirely made from cinder block so I have them all over. They hold extremely well.

 

[jwith68]

I don't understand the logic behind that.

Dynamic (moving) friction is considerably less than static friction. Once you have stopped, it often takes more torque to restart the Tapcon than it can handle, and it twists off. Sometimes backing it out a bit and restarting will help (not always.)

 

[rieferman]

wow, that makes sense, good pointer. i definitely learned something today

 

[djd99]

Dynamic (moving) friction is considerably less than static friction. Once you have stopped, it often takes more torque to restart the Tapcon than it can handle, and it twists off. Sometimes backing it out a bit and restarting will help (not always.)

I must of alway's did it the right way then, Thank god for my dewalt impact.

 

[benjamming]

Tapcons are that weak? Wow.

 

[kbs2244]

"Tapcons are that weak? Wow. "

No, a hammer drill with the clutch set to max is that powerful.