Choosing Fasteners for Masonry Walls Fort Lauderdale FL

Source: Masonry Construction
Publication date: September 1, 1995

By Kenneth A. Hooker

Abstract: Fixtures that are commonly attached to masonry walls, such as cabinets, handrails, toilet partitions, etc., usually come complete with the necessary mounting hardware. When designing custom fixtures, however, architects should know about the options available and be able to specify fasteners that will hold securely under the anticipated loads. Most masonry fasteners work in one of three ways:Masonry nails, masonry screws, and various pins driven either by hand or by powder-actuated tools, hold by creating friction between the fastener and the sides of the hole. Others hold by exerting compressive forces as they expand against the inside of the pilot hole, these may be lag bolts or wedge and sleeve anchors for example. Fasteners designed for hollow walls work by clamping action, these include toggle bolts and hollow wall screws. Besides these mechanical fasteners, a wide variety of adhesives, including epoxies, mastics, and contact cements can be used to bond furring strips, electrical boxes, and other lightweight materials to masonry surfaces. Most fastener manufacturers produce a wide range of products suitable for different load conditions, base materials, and environmental exposures.

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