Anchoring handrails or securing any object to concrete or masonry using threaded rods, rebar, bolts or dowels requires a high-strength, permanent bond, especially applications that will be subjected to heavy loads or vibration. Depending on your specific anchoring application, QUIKRETE manufacturers an anchoring epoxy that will fit your project requirements.
QUIKRETE FastSet Anchoring Epoxy is a one hundred percent solids, two-component epoxy in a single cartridge with a working time of about five minutes. FastSet Anchoring Epoxy’s non-sag characteristics make it ideal for both vertical and horizontal use. QUIKRETE high-strength anchoring epoxy is also a one hundred percent solids, two-component epoxy in a single cartridge, but its extended working time makes it particularly suited for applications where multiple railings must be set. High-strength epoxy also has a pullout strength of over 30,000 PSI, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
QUIKRETE anchoring epoxies have a cure time of just two hours for FastSet anchoring epoxy and three hours for high strength anchoring epoxy. First, drill a hole a sixteenth of an inch to a quarter of an inch larger than the diameter of the threaded rod or railing you are setting. The hole depth should be a minimum of four and a half times the diameter of the bolt so half inch threaded rod would require a hole depth of 2 and a quarter inches increasing the depth of the hole significantly increases the tension load that the anchored rod can withstand.
After you have drilled the hole, blow out the dust from the bottom of the hole. Cans of compressed air work well for this task. Then, use a nylon brush to remove any remaining debris from the hole, rotating the brush a quarter of a turn as its removed from the hole.
After brushing, use the compressed air to remove any remaining dust. Once the hole is properly prepared, insert the anchoring epoxy cartridge into a caulk gun. It is highly recommended that a high quality, high strength dispensing gun be used because of the significant amount of force required to dispense the two-part epoxy through the static mixer nozzle.
Then, remove the plastic cap from the tip of the cartridge. This should be easily accomplished with your fingertips, but pliers may be necessary. Dispense a small amount of epoxy into a disposable container, until you get an even flow of both the black and white material. Then attach the static mixer nozzle on to the cartridge and dispense enough epoxy until a consistent gray color is achieved, with no streaks.
Place the tip of the dispensing nozzle into the bottom of the hole and fill the hole about five eighths full, while slowly withdrawing the nozzle. Then, insert the threaded rod or rebar to the bottom of the hole, while turning clockwise. Remove any excess epoxy from around the hole with a putty knife or a piece of cardboard. Leave the anchor undisturbed, until the Cure time has passed.
QUIKRETE anchoring epoxies have a unique two compartment plastic cartridge that is completely discharged when the cartridge plunger is dispensed halfway.
Upon completion of your anchoring project, simply remove and discard the static mixer nozzle and replace the cartridge cap. QUIKRETE anchoring epoxies can be stored for up to two years.
Project Instructions
Step 1
Drill a hole 1/16 to 1/4 inch larger than the diameter of the threaded rod or railing you are setting.
TIP: the hole depth should be a minimum of 4 1/2 times the diameter of the bolt (a 1/2 inch threaded rod would require a hole depth of 2 1/4 inches).
NOTE: for heavy duty applications that are subjected to heavy loads or vibration, it is recommended that the depth of the hole be increased to a minimum of 9 times the diameter of the treaded rod (a 1/2 inch treaded rod would require a depth of 4 1/2 inches).
Step 2
Blow out the dust from the bottom of the hole using cans of compressed air.
Step 3
Remove any remaining debris from the hole using a nylon brush. Rotate the bush a quarter of a turn as it is removed from the hole. Use the compressed air to remove any remaining dust after brushing.
Step 4
Insert the anchoring epoxy cartridge into the caulk gun.
TIP: it is highly recommended that a high quality, high strength dispensing gun be used because of the significant amount of force required to dispense the two part epoxy through the static mixer nozzle.
Step 5
Remove the plastic cap from the tip of the cartridge.
Step 6
Dispense a small amount of epoxy into a disposable container until you get an even flow of both the black and white material.
Step 7
Attach the static mixer nozzle on to the cartridge and dispense enough epoxy into the disposable container until a consistent gray color is achieved with no streaks.
Step 8
Place the tip of the dispensing nozzle into the bottom of the hole and fill the hole about 5/8 full while slowly withdrawing the nozzle.
Step 9
Insert the treaded rod or rebar to the bottom of the hole while turning clockwise.
Step 10
Remove any excess epoxy from around the hole with a putty knife or piece of cardboard.
Step 11
Leave the anchor un-disturbed until the cure time has passed.
Step 12
Remove and discard the static mixer nozzle and replace the cartridge cap.
Shopping List
- QUIKRETE® FastSet™ Anchoring Epoxy
Or
QUIKRETE® High Strength Anchoring Epoxy - Putty knife
- Caulking gun
- Nylon brush
- Compressed air cans
- Drill
- Pliers (optional)
- Disposable container
- Masonry drill bit
- Commercial solvent or citrus-based cleaner
- Cloth
- Disposable cup
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
For more project ideas just like this, visit QUIKRETE.com.
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