What are the go to sheet metal screws for concrete, is a question everyone asks be it home DIYers or pro. Sheet metal screws are typically manufactured with the purpose of fastening metal however application in concrete presents it’s own issues. We shall discuss whether it is practical to use sheet metal screws on concrete or not and share with you our secret technique when doing so, supported by empirical evidence and expert advice.
What Are Sheet Metal Screws?
As the name suggests, Sheet Metal Screws are intended for use in metal. They are more likely to screw into the treads of softer materials and hold better due to their sharpness. The problem with this is concrete is a lot harder than metal which creates an issue when trying to use these screws in such a stiff substrate.
Can I Use Sheet Metal Screws in Concrete?
As a rule, you do not want to use sheet metal screws directly in concrete as the heads can pull right through especially under pressure. The primary reasons include:
- Concrete — needs fasteners that support large shear forces 4. Concrete Mold Unlike drywall, concrete is too tough for sheet metal screws to get an adequate amount of hold.
- Hazards: Driving sheet metal screws into concrete without pre-drilling can damage screw heads and break screws.
In this case, simply using regular screws can result in large losses to your building — for securing items to concrete, you need instead special concrete screws -alternatively called masonry screws or anchors. These screws are specifically made to be used for concrete and masonry applications.
Fastening Into Concrete Best Practices
For concrete: If you must attach something to concrete, here are the recommended steps.
- Fastener Type: Use a screw or concreate anchor. Reliable fasteners from brands like Tapcon or Hilti
- Pre-Drill Holes: Use a hammer drill with appropriate size masonry bit to get thru the concrete. A uniform drill depth that is at least 1 inch deeper than the screw length is a must as well.
- Abide with the rules of the manufacturer: The installation instructions that should be installed regarding the hole sizes and depth.
- Think About the Load: If it is a really heavy load, you might want to consider using concrete-specific expansion anchors or toggle bolts.
- Use Right Tools: Make sure that you have all the right tools, like a hammer drill and masonry bits to help with installing.
The American Concrete Institute states that the proper fastener designed for concrete can add as much as 75% onto a load rating compared to the wrong fasteners.
Screws in Concrete — Frequently Asked Questions
— What if the only screws I had were sheet metal ones?
You could try using some sheet metal screws but you would need a cinder block or concrete anchor. Make a hole for the anchor, insert it in the concrete and secure the object of your choice to it using the respective sheet metal screw.
– but what about self-tapping screws?
Self-tapping screws may also cease to be effective while being driven into concrete because of the density of the material. They are similar to sheet metal screws in that they need pre-drilling and are designed for use with softer materials.
Are Concrete Screws for Other Materials?
Yes, you can also find concrete screws in wooden and metal applications (if you pick the right hardware for these materials).
Case Studies & Examples of Fastening Techniques
Proper Anchors Reduce Installing Time by more than 40% in construction- A research of International Journal for Concrete Structures and Materials Eighty-seven percent of construction professionals responded that they would prefer a concrete-fastening solution over making do with the wrong screws when surveyed.
A case study on a commercial building project showed that use of concrete screws speeded production cut labor costs by reducing the number or reworks resulting from fastener failures.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, sheet metal screws may appear to be a good fastening system for attaching an item to concrete but the fact of the matter is that they are generally not designed for this type application. This will provide all the durability you need and keep your project structurally secure without using the wrong fastener or becoming a sloppy mess. That comes with best practices too though: always pre-drill for screwing and adhere to manufacturer instructions and you should get the best results. This will not only improve your project results, but also increase the longevity of your installations – ensure you give tools and materials a high priority.
Spanish (Mexico) 
English 
French 
German 
Malay 
Spanish (Spain) 
Italian 
Swedish