Concrete walls are capable of supporting heavy items provided that the proper anchoring device is installed. Shelving brackets and hooks that are constructed of strong steel mean little if the anchor which fastens them to the concrete wall is too weak to bear the weight. Installing strike anchors that expand inside the concrete is one of the best ways to secure heavy things on concrete walls. You can get the job done with the proper tools, materials and basic masonry and power tool knowledge.
Determine the length of anchor required using a ruler. Add the thickness of the bracket or hook to be fastened to the diameter of the anchor being used. Add this number to the thickness of the nut and washer used with the anchor. The total of these numbers determines the length of strike anchor required.
Drill a hole in the chosen location using a hammer drill fitted with a masonry drill bit. Measure the required depth of the hole along the drill bit from the tip up with the ruler. Apply masking tape around the drill at this point as a guide.
Stop drilling when the masking tape on the bit meets the concrete wall and remove the bit from the hole.
Remove residual concrete dust particles from the hole using a shop-vac vacuum or a hand blower. Make sure the hole is clean before installing the strike anchor.
Place the washer and nut on the threaded end of the anchor. With the nut, washer and set-pin in place, insert the anchor through the bracket or hook to be fastened and into the hole in the concrete.
Drive the set pin into the anchor with several sharp strikes using a hammer until the pin is flush with the tip of the anchor.
Tighten the nut clockwise with an adjustable wrench.
Max Stout began writing in 2000 and started focusing primarily on non-fiction articles in 2008. Now retired, Stout writes technical articles with a focus on home improvement and maintenance. Previously, he has worked in the vocational trades such as automotive, home construction, residential plumbing and electric, and industrial wire and cable. Max also earned a degree of biblical metaphysician from Trinity Seminars Ministry Academy.