Where Are Wedge Anchor Bolts Used?
Wedge anchor bolts are used across a wide range of industries wherever a high-strength post-installed concrete anchor is required. Because they need only a pre-drilled hole to install, they suit both new construction and retrofitting work equally well.
Common applications include:
- Pre-engineered buildings (PEB): Anchoring column base plates, mezzanine floors, and structural steel members to concrete slabs
- Infrastructure projects: Fixing handrails, safety barriers, crash barriers, and signage structures to concrete
- Industrial equipment: Securing pump bases, compressor skids, conveyor frames, and motor mounts to concrete foundations
- Electrical and telecom: Mounting electrical panels, cable trays, transformer bases, and tower structures
- Civil construction: Anchoring staircase stringers, balustrades, facade brackets, and overhead support structures
- Retrofitting and renovation: Any project where the concrete has already been poured and cast-in bolts are not feasible
As a trusted wedge anchor bolt supplier across India, we cater directly to major industrial sectors. Our client base spans pre-engineered buildings (PEB), cement plants, sugar mills, dairies, steel factories, telecom networks, and large-scale civil infrastructure projects.
How to Install a Wedge Type Anchor Bolt: Step-by-Step
Wedge anchor bolt installation has six steps: mark and drill the hole to the correct diameter and depth, clean out dust, insert the anchor fully, place the fixture over the protruding bolt, add the washer and nut, then tighten to the specified installation torque using a calibrated torque wrench. The torque is what drives wedge expansion, so tightening to the exact value is critical.
Mark the hole position
Mark the anchor positions on the concrete surface. Check edge distances and anchor spacing against your project drawing. Minimum edge distance and centre-to-centre spacing affect the anchor’s load capacity.
Drill to the correct depth
Use a hammer drill with a carbide-tipped bit matching the drill diameter in the table (e.g., 10mm drill for M10 anchor). Drill to at least the minimum drill depth shown in the specification table. Keep the drill perpendicular to the surface.
Clean the hole thoroughly
Blow out all dust and debris using a hand pump or compressed air. Brush the hole walls with a wire brush, then blow again. Dust left inside the hole reduces wedge grip and can cause the anchor to under-perform its rated load.
Insert the anchor bolt
Push the wedge anchor bolt into the hole. The wedge collar should be at the bottom, inside the concrete. Tap the top of the bolt lightly with a hammer until it is fully seated to the required embedment depth.
Place the fixture and fit the washer and nut
Align your fixture, base plate, or bracket over the bolt. Slide the washer onto the bolt and thread the nut on by hand until it contacts the washer.
Tighten to the specified torque
Use a calibrated torque wrench. Tighten to the installation torque for your bolt size: M8 = 20 Nm, M10 = 35 Nm, M12 = 60 Nm, M16 = 120 Nm, M20 = 240 Nm. As the nut tightens, the bolt pulls upward, expanding the wedge collar outward against the concrete. Do not over-tighten.
Why Choose Aim Tech Engineering for Wedge Anchor Bolts?
With over 25 years of experience in manufacturing specialised fasteners and anchor bolts, Aim Tech Engineering is one of India’s most trusted names in the foundation bolt industry. We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer, which means our quality systems, raw material sourcing, and production processes are independently audited and verified.
Here is what makes Aim Tech the right manufacturing partner for your project:
- Custom fabrication to drawing: Non-standard thread sizes, lengths, and finishes are manufactured to your exact specification
- Wide material range: Mild Steel, Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel (SS 304 / SS 316), and Duplex Steel
- Full certification: IS, ASTM, and DIN compliance documentation supplied with every order
- Industry experience: We serve PEB, cement, sugar, dairy, steel mills, telecom, and infrastructure sectors
- Pan-India supply: Fast dispatch from our Pune manufacturing facility with delivery across India
- Technical support: Our engineering team helps you select the correct bolt type, size, grade, and finish for your application
We also supply a complete range of foundation bolts and anchor bolt types including pin type anchor bolts, heavy duty foundation bolts, and medium duty foundation bolts for all structural and industrial applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wedge type anchor bolt?
A wedge anchor bolt is a mechanical expansion fastener used for post-installed anchoring into concrete or masonry. The bolt is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and as the nut is tightened to the specified torque, the wedge collar at the embedded end expands outward against the hole wall. This creates a secure friction-based lock that resists both tension (pulling) and shear (sliding) forces. Wedge anchor bolts are the preferred choice when cast-in-place bolts are not possible.
What sizes of wedge anchor bolts does Aim Tech manufacture?
Aim Tech manufactures wedge anchor bolts in standard sizes from M8 to M20, with anchor lengths ranging from 75 mm to 250 mm depending on the thread diameter. Custom sizes outside this range are available on request. Our full size range with anchorage depths, drill diameters, and installation torque values is available in the specification table above.
What is the correct installation torque for a wedge anchor bolt?
Installation torque varies by bolt diameter. For Aim Tech’s AM WA series: M8 bolts require 20 Nm, M10 bolts require 35 Nm, M12 bolts require 60 Nm, M16 bolts require 120 Nm, and M20 bolts require 240 Nm. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and tighten to the specified value to ensure full wedge expansion and maximum anchor capacity. Over-tightening can damage the bolt or the concrete around the hole.
Are Aim Tech wedge anchor bolts IS and ASTM certified?
Yes. All anchor bolts manufactured by Aim Tech Engineering are produced in compliance with IS and ASTM standards. We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer. Full material test reports (MTR) and compliance certificates are supplied with every order. If your project specifies DIN standards, we manufacture to DIN specifications as well.
What is the difference between a wedge anchor bolt and a cast-in-place foundation bolt?
A cast-in-place foundation bolt (such as an L-type, J-type, or plate-type bolt) is installed before the concrete is poured. The bolt is embedded in wet concrete and achieves its holding strength through the mechanical key formed as the concrete cures around it. A wedge anchor bolt is post-installed: it is inserted into a hole drilled into existing, hardened concrete and achieves its holding strength through mechanical expansion against the hole wall. Wedge anchors are ideal for retrofitting and renovation. Cast-in bolts are preferred for new construction where maximum embedment strength is required.