Tapcon^® Concrete Screws

Frequently Asked Questions About Tapcon® Concrete Screws

Q: What size bit do I use with the concrete screw?
A: The ¼” screw uses a 3/16” and the 3/16” screw uses a 5/32”.

Q: Can concrete screws be taken out and then put back into the same hole?
A: A number of factors come into play when putting a concrete screw back in the same hole. The type of base material, the quality of the initial hole, the quality of the tapped threads in the concrete before and after removal of the concrete screw. The answer is yes, but the holding values will be lower and each fastener will be totally unique with respect to quality of holding values and in some cases may not have any holding values at all.

Q: Are Tapcon concrete screws acceptable to be used in the new ACQ treated lumber?
A: The blue stalgard and the 410 stainless steel CreteFlex Tapcon are acceptable for use in ACQ treated lumber.

Q: How do I determine the length of concrete screw to use?
A: Add the thickness of the material being attached, plus (min. of 1”, max of 1-3/4”), plus 1/4” equals the length of the screw.

Q: How deep does the hole need to be?
A: Minimum embedment for concrete screws is 1”, maximum embedment is 1-3/4” and the hold should be drilled a minimum of 1/4” deeper than the penetration of the screw in the base material.

Q: What is the coating on a Tapcon brand concrete screw?
A: Elco brand Tapcon concrete screws are coated with a blue Stalgard. Stalgard coating provides exceptional corrosion resistance.

Q: Are stainless steel concrete screws available?
A: yes, in the 1/4” diameter and with either the hex of flat head.

Q: What base material are concrete screws suited for?
A: The concrete screw can be used in concrete, brick or block.

Q: When fastening into a block wall should the fastener be put into the block or the mortar joint?
A: Depending on the quality of the mortar and block. Both can be used for the concrete screw.