For the convenience and reliability of fastening decorative elements, lighting fixtures or sheet materials to the ceiling, a special wedge anchor was developed. It has increased resistance to pulling load, and the design is as simple as possible to install in the working position. Such an anchor wedge was called "ceiling", although it is also successfully used on vertical surfaces in some cases.
Design and principle of operation
Although the principle of operation is similar to a conventional wedge anchor, the ceiling wedge anchor has a significant difference in its design. This is due to the specifics of the application and the type of design load. There are three main design elements of the ceiling anchor wedge:
- high-strength metal rod;
- lock cap;
- a wedge-shaped spreader, the length of which is the same as that of the rod.
Spreader has serrations to increase adhesion to ceiling or wall material. The principle of operation is very simple: after installation in the prepared hole along the wedgehit with a hammer. After that, the wedge and rod part of the anchor expands in the ceiling material, the wedge is stopped by an outer cap, which prevents it from falling out and loosening the connection.
Material and dimensions
The wedge anchor is produced and used in two standard sizes: 40 and 60 mm long. One diameter is 6 mm. In the marking, the first number indicates the diameter, the second - the length. According to regulatory documents, a metal wedge anchor is made of steel with increased tensile strengths (usually grades 08 kp and 08 sp) followed by an anti-corrosion coating of zinc. To obtain a decorative yellow color, fasteners after galvanizing are immersed in a solution containing chromic acid at the production stage.
Preparation for installation and installation procedure
To work with a ceiling anchor, you will need an impact drill and a concrete drill with a special tip with a diameter of 6 mm and a part length with a working edge up to 80 mm. If you plan to attach sheet material to the ceiling, then you will need a drill with a diameter of 6 mm for metal - they will make holes in the material that is attached. The order of operation is as follows:
- drilling a hole in the ceiling;
- the mounted element is marked and drilled;
- matching holes in element and ceiling;
- the ceiling wedge anchor is inserted and hammered in until it stops.
It is not recommended to use a hammer drill instead of a drill: it transmits strong vibration to the drill, which leads toan increase in the diameter of the hole compared to the nominal. As a result, the wedge anchor in the ceiling receives a significant reduction in its bearing capacity.
Advantages and disadvantages
The ceiling anchor wedge is designed for one type of applied load. Associated with this are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of fastener. Of the advantages, the following should be noted:
- bearing load is much higher than that of nails, screws and dowels;
- simplicity of installation work - just drill a hole and insert an anchor wedge into it;
- simple design and affordable price;
- availability of several options for attaching specialized elements - with hook and eye.
But there are a few drawbacks to consider when using an anchor wedge:
- Requires the accuracy of alignment of the holes in the mounted element and the ceiling.
- Cannot be used in low density materials, only suitable for concrete, stone and brick.
- Specialized use, not suitable for other construction purposes.
Special Types of Ceiling Anchor Wedges
For fastening point elements, such as chandeliers, ceiling lamps or a punching bag, wedges of a specialized type are used - with a hook or an eye. Their design is somewhat different from the standard look.
The Hook Ceiling Anchor is a threaded expansion sleeve. When twisting, there is a bursting and reliable holding of the suspended load. Sometimes hook by somereplaced by a large ring by manufacturers.
The eye anchor consists of a flat rod with a hole on one side and a conical bulge on the other. The coupling, under the action of gravity, creeps onto the conical part and wedges the entire structure. The greater the load, the greater the friction force and the load bearing capacity.
Recommendations for use
Correctly calculate the number of required anchors. One fastener with a size of 6x60 can withstand a maximum load of 6 kN. It is recommended for reliability to load no more than 25% of the maximum each anchor. If there are defects in the coating (cracks, chips or delamination), then it should be taken into account that the calculated bearing capacity is reduced by 40%.
Before installation, the anchor must not be disassembled. In the form in which it is delivered to retail outlets, it is already ready for use. Before installing the anchor, it is recommended to clean the hole from dust and small particles of concrete, stone or brick - this will increase the bearing capacity.
Ceiling anchor is allowed to be used for fastening on vertical surfaces of small weight elements - paintings, decor items, etc. It is not designed to withstand heavy objects.
