For the convenience and reliability of fixing decor elements, lighting fixtures or sheet materials to the ceiling, a special wedge anchor has been developed. It has increased resistance to pulling loads, and the design is as simple as possible for installation in the working position. Such a wedge anchor is called "ceiling", although it is 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 structural elements of a ceiling anchor wedge:
- high strength metal rod;
- retaining cap;
- a wedge-shaped strut, the length of which is the same as that of the rod.
Prongs are present on the spreader to increase adhesion to the material of the ceiling or wall. The principle of operation is very simple: after installation in a prepared hole, a wedge is struck with a hammer. After this, the wedge and rod parts of the anchor are bursting in the ceiling material, the wedge is locked with an outer hat, which prevents it from falling out and loosening the connection.
Material and sizes
The wedge anchor is produced and applied in two sizes: 40 and 60 mm long. Diameter one - 6 mm. In the marking, the first digit indicates the diameter, the other indicates the length. According to regulatory documents, a metal anchor wedge is made of steel with high tensile strengths (usually 08 kp and 08 cn grades) followed by a zinc corrosion-resistant coating. To obtain a decorative yellow color, fasteners after galvanization are immersed in a solution containing chromic acid even at the production stage.
Preparation for installation and installation procedure
To work with a ceiling anchor, you need a hammer drill and drill for concrete with a special tip with a diameter of 6 mm and a length of a part with a working edge of up to 80 mm. If you plan to fasten 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 procedure is as follows:
- a hole is drilled in the ceiling;
- the mounted element is marked and drilled;
- combined holes in the element and the ceiling;
- the ceiling anchor wedge is inserted and hammered with a hammer until it stops.
It is not recommended to use a perforator instead of a drill: it transfers strong vibration to the drill, which leads to an increase in the diameter of the hole compared to the nominal one. As a result, the anchor wedge in the ceiling receives a significant reduction in its bearing capacity.
Advantages and disadvantages
The device of the ceiling anchor wedge is designed for one type of applied load. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of fastener are associated with this. Of the advantages, the following should be noted:
- the bearing load is much higher than that of nails, self-tapping screws and dowels;
- ease of installation - just drill a hole and insert an anchor wedge into it;
- simple design and affordable cost;
- the presence of several options for mounting specialized elements - with a hook and an eye.
But there are several drawbacks that must be considered when using an anchor wedge:
- The accuracy of the alignment of the holes in the mounted element and the ceiling is required.
- Inability to use in materials with low density, suitable only for concrete, stone and brick.
- Specialized application, for other purposes in construction is not suitable.
Special types of ceiling anchor wedges
To fix point elements, such as chandeliers, shades or a punching bag, wedges of a specialized type are used - with a hook or eye. Their design is slightly different from the standard form.
The ceiling anchor with hook is a threaded spacer. When twisting, there is a bursting and reliable holding of the suspended load. Sometimes the hook is replaced by a large ring by some manufacturers.
An anchor with an eye 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 frictional force and the withstand load.
Recommendations for use
Correctly calculate the number of required anchors. One fastener of size 6x60 withstands a maximum load of 6 kN. It is recommended for reliability to load no more than 25% of the maximum of each anchor. If there are defects in the coating (cracks, chips or peeling), it should be borne in mind that the design bearing capacity is reduced by 40%.
Before mounting, the anchor must not be disassembled. In the form in which it is delivered to retail outlets, it is already ready for use. It is recommended to clean the hole before installing the anchor from dust and small particles of concrete, stone or brick - this will increase the bearing capacity.
The ceiling anchor may be used for fastening on the vertical surfaces of small by weight elements - paintings, decor items, etc. He is not intended to withstand heavy objects.