Same here I noticed these variances too, i actually use the 5/32 bit when i use the 1/4 Tapcons and it has a real solid bit on block……question would a 1/8 inch bit work on the 3/16 screws instead of buying Metric bits?
You have to be careful using too small of a bit because the concrete could break or craack. I've also had the 3/16 hex heads snap off. Then again, if the concrete is not very dense you could try it.
So I'm not the only one who sees variances in the strength of a screw in the same sized hole drilled. My feeling is that if it doesn't take a lot of effort to get the screw in then it's not tight enough.
I agree. I haven't done a pull-out weight test, just a simple hammer test. In hollow block, the small ones came out easily, the 1/4" took a little more effort while a #14 screw in a 5/16" plastic expansion anchor was impossible to even budge with the hammer. So if using Tapcons, use a small bit (not too small or you might crack the material) so the threads have plenty of material to grab and keep the drill straight.
Yes, someone understands! My tapcons were pulling out easily and the only thing I could think of is my cheap cheap harbor freight hammer drill had a wobbly spindle. So, it goes back to trial and error...find the right size bit and verify the feel of the screw going in and pull out force with a hammer.
It will work but a slightly smaller bit worked better for me. I don't recommend the small concrete screws if you can help it because I've had the (5/32") hole stripped or in other cases the head snapped off too easily. A 1/4" screw with a 3/16 hole is going to be stronger for just about any project imo.
@@toolsandrepairs Ok thanks, I had a similar experience where I used a 5/32 bit for a 3/16 screw and there was next to no material for the screw to bite into, was almost complete loose. Then again, this was into mortar which I heard isn’t the best material to drill into
@@pne333 If I had to install in mortar I would just use a plastic anchor because the screw threads aren't going to grab much and it'll be weaker. A larger screw would mean more material for the threads to grab. If installing something heavy, I just wouldn't install it in the mortar.
question: I used the correct size bit for a 1/4" tapcon and held the drill as level as I could..yet the tapcon is not wanting to fit entirely into the drilled out hole. Could it be the bit slighly bent while drilling? thank you for the excellent details and help with the video. Nice clear camera work!
Are you sure you drilled the correct depth? It needs to be deeper than the length of the screw. Also debris needs to be blown out or may cause the screw to bottom out and potentially strip the hole as it turns. If you're talking about the hole being too big, that's why I get a slightly smaller bit in metric size (not too much smaller or the concrete could crack). If the drill has even a little wobble it may drill out too much material and not leave enough for the screw. Thank you for the compliments and thanks for watching.
That is not a real concrete you are showing in a video, it’s a block. I use 3/16” bit for 1/4” tapcon in real concrete and using sds plus bits, and most times tapcon breaks or goes half way and i have to remove it and redrill the hole and only then it goes in. So I guess I have to use bigger bit 13/64 or 7/32
It was a sampler tool from a science kit. It's not as good but I also use empty plastic squeeze bottles and hold the nozzle right up to the hole and squeeze the air into the hole a few times
The process of installing a concrete screw in any type of concrete, block, or masonry is the same: drill an appropriately sized hole, clear of debris, affix item without over-tightening.
Great advice, but a bit confusing with the way you presented the chart. I'm putting in some large 3/8" tapcons, where the recommended bit size is 5/16". My issue with the particular cinder block I'm going into is how the hole always manages to widen, no matter how straight/careful I am with the bit, then the screw doesn't want to hold. But, I digress.... What's the metric size I should use for a 5/16" bit? Worst case scenario is that if it's too small, I can always go back to the 5/16.
5/16 is 7.93 mm so you can try a 7mm drill bit, though that may be too small (if it's too small it may crack the concrete when driving the screw). 7.5mm might be better but I'm not sure they sell that size in masonry bits.
I wish there were more smart older guys like you in the world!
very helpful and timely thanks.
No problem, subscribe for more tips like this
Same here I noticed these variances too, i actually use the 5/32 bit when i use the 1/4 Tapcons and it has a real solid bit on block……question would a 1/8 inch bit work on the 3/16 screws instead of buying Metric bits?
You have to be careful using too small of a bit because the concrete could break or craack. I've also had the 3/16 hex heads snap off. Then again, if the concrete is not very dense you could try it.
@@toolsandrepairsThese are things that nobody mentions it seems.
So I'm not the only one who sees variances in the strength of a screw in the same sized hole drilled. My feeling is that if it doesn't take a lot of effort to get the screw in then it's not tight enough.
I agree. I haven't done a pull-out weight test, just a simple hammer test. In hollow block, the small ones came out easily, the 1/4" took a little more effort while a #14 screw in a 5/16" plastic expansion anchor was impossible to even budge with the hammer. So if using Tapcons, use a small bit (not too small or you might crack the material) so the threads have plenty of material to grab and keep the drill straight.
THINK more "feel" less.
Yes, someone understands!
My tapcons were pulling out easily and the only thing I could think of is my cheap cheap harbor freight hammer drill had a wobbly spindle.
So, it goes back to trial and error...find the right size bit and verify the feel of the screw going in and pull out force with a hammer.
I can't find metric masonry drill bits!
Why does Tapcon recommend a 5/32” bit for a 3/16” anchor/screw if that drill bit creates too large of a hole?
It will work but a slightly smaller bit worked better for me. I don't recommend the small concrete screws if you can help it because I've had the (5/32") hole stripped or in other cases the head snapped off too easily. A 1/4" screw with a 3/16 hole is going to be stronger for just about any project imo.
@@toolsandrepairs Ok thanks, I had a similar experience where I used a 5/32 bit for a 3/16 screw and there was next to no material for the screw to bite into, was almost complete loose. Then again, this was into mortar which I heard isn’t the best material to drill into
@@pne333 If I had to install in mortar I would just use a plastic anchor because the screw threads aren't going to grab much and it'll be weaker. A larger screw would mean more material for the threads to grab. If installing something heavy, I just wouldn't install it in the mortar.
question: I used the correct size bit for a 1/4" tapcon and held the drill as level as I could..yet the tapcon is not wanting to fit entirely into the drilled out hole. Could it be the bit slighly bent while drilling? thank you for the excellent details and help with the video. Nice clear camera work!
Are you sure you drilled the correct depth? It needs to be deeper than the length of the screw. Also debris needs to be blown out or may cause the screw to bottom out and potentially strip the hole as it turns. If you're talking about the hole being too big, that's why I get a slightly smaller bit in metric size (not too much smaller or the concrete could crack). If the drill has even a little wobble it may drill out too much material and not leave enough for the screw. Thank you for the compliments and thanks for watching.
@@toolsandrepairs thank you for the video!! and the helpful answer :) much apprecaited !
That is not a real concrete you are showing in a video, it’s a block. I use 3/16” bit for 1/4” tapcon in real concrete and using sds plus bits, and most times tapcon breaks or goes half way and i have to remove it and redrill the hole and only then it goes in. So I guess I have to use bigger bit 13/64 or 7/32
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!
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Where can I get that blue blow bulb?
It was a sampler tool from a science kit. It's not as good but I also use empty plastic squeeze bottles and hold the nozzle right up to the hole and squeeze the air into the hole a few times
Does anyone know what is the blue plastic tool at 1:49 1:50 that is being used to blow the dust out of the hole?
Plastic pipette sampler if you need to get in the hole but a small plastic squeeze bottle held up to the hole can do something similar
Just get a can of air like they use for cleaning out dust for keyboard and electronics
thanky
“I hope this was a helpful tip” … umm, yeah understatement
Thank you!
I have no idea what he’s talking about way to technical
Looks like center block to me not concrete
The process of installing a concrete screw in any type of concrete, block, or masonry is the same: drill an appropriately sized hole, clear of debris, affix item without over-tightening.
Great advice, but a bit confusing with the way you presented the chart. I'm putting in some large 3/8" tapcons, where the recommended bit size is 5/16". My issue with the particular cinder block I'm going into is how the hole always manages to widen, no matter how straight/careful I am with the bit, then the screw doesn't want to hold. But, I digress.... What's the metric size I should use for a 5/16" bit? Worst case scenario is that if it's too small, I can always go back to the 5/16.
5/16 is 7.93 mm so you can try a 7mm drill bit, though that may be too small (if it's too small it may crack the concrete when driving the screw). 7.5mm might be better but I'm not sure they sell that size in masonry bits.
@@toolsandrepairs Thank you, my friend, I’ll give those sizes a shot. 👍