Drilling into concrete

**Dos** · 11-08-2016, 08:10

Ok.
I just moved.
In all of my other places I drilled into studs, used a petzl hanger
(https://www.amazon.com/Petzl-Coeur-1...petztl+hangers) and hung away.

I am having some REAL difficulty in this new building.
It is entirely made of concrete block.
So far, I have it drilled about 3 inches in. The screws I have are 4 1/2 inches or so.

HOW DO I GET THE SCREW TO STAY IN???

I tried epoxy and it didn't work.
Now what?

(and thanks)

~Dos

**Chemguy** · 11-08-2016, 08:26

Two questions: 1) Are you using an anchor inside the hole that you drilled (rated for concrete)? 2) Is the block solid? Three inches seems like a deep hole for typical hollowed cinderblock, unless you are drilling right in the center or on the edge,

**Dos** · 11-08-2016, 08:44

it is a solid poured wall.

ewwww...... I forgot about the anchor.

what kind should I use? Trying to look this up but there are so many.

**OCDave** · 11-08-2016, 08:56

Originally Posted by Dos

...So far, I have it drilled about 3 inches in. The screws I have are 4 1/2 inches or so.

HOW DO I GET THE SCREW TO STAY IN???
...

Find a hardware store. Find the old guy that works in back, he's likely missing a finger. Tell him want to achieve and he'll tell you everything you need to know.

**Dos** · 11-08-2016, 09:02

Originally Posted by OCDave

Find a hardware store. Find the old guy that works in back, he's likely missing a finger. Tell him want to achieve and he'll tell you everything you need to know.

This made me laugh. Definitely needed it!
I need to find the local store.
Only saw a Home Depot and there were no people helping.

Thanks

**Singingcrowsings** · 11-08-2016, 09:06

There are blue screws (brand name or type starts with a T) that drill directly into concrete and are made specifically for this. I haven't needed an anchor for them. I usually drill a small hole beforehand with a concrete bit.

**Chemguy** · 11-08-2016, 09:08

You'll need a concrete anchor. There's probably a more proper term for it, but that will get you to where you need to go. Lots of these are designed to be used with bolts, not screws. If you get the kid when you go to the store, don't let them offer you something that is used for hollow walls, but which is instead meant specifically for anchoring into SOLID concrete. Something like this: thunderstud-anchor.jpg

**zukiguy** · 11-08-2016, 09:11

Be sure to take the drill bit with you so someone will have an idea what size hole you drilled. Taking the petzl hanger too would be a good idea as well. If you can find a handy neighbor maybe have them come do a sanity check before you hop into the hammock.

**rhjanes** · 11-08-2016, 09:33

you should check around for a "Fasten-all" place.
Concrete guys would use a Hammer-Drill with a mason bit (quick work to drill a hole). Then blow out the dust. Then put in the concrete anchor. Then, there is a SET tool, put that in, hit it a few times with a LARGE hammer. That will set that into the concrete. THEN, a BOLT is threaded into the anchor in the concrete......I've done a lot of them, pouring new concrete drives next to and joining an existing drive.

**nothermark** · 11-08-2016, 10:04

You have a basic problem with the hole. Depending on how you drilled it it will either match your bit or be significantly larger. If it is larger the thin expansion anchors may not expand enough. Then you go to something like an expanding lead anchor. You may have to play around some to find something. The best advice was to find someone with a clue to help you. Next best is to get a couple of different styles from a hardware store that does returns. Choose the style that is tightest before you expand the anchor. You want a snug slip fit.

If you have to go to a bigger anchor the trick is to put a lot of pressure on the drill when making the hole. If you do that it is reasonably close to drill size. If you don't do that the drill bit bounces around thus enlarging the hole by chewing off the sides. That is why folks have problems with things like TeK screws.