Thunder Bolts/Masonary Screws

[Wendelspanswick]

I need to attach 10M of 6" x 2" trimmer joist to a concrete blockwork wall and I'm tempted to use thunder bolts/masonary bolts, anyone used them?

They seem alot less hassle then resin fixings and I've never had much joy with rawlbolt type expanding fixings (they either seem to spin or crack the blockwork).
Screwfix do a box of 25 M10 x 120mm for £19.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-blue-tip-concrete-screwbolt-hex-head-10-x-120mm-25-pack/93194

 

[zx9]

I have used them to bolt frame work for video walls down to concrete floors sucessfully but I would be cautious about using them in a blockwork wall.

 

[knighty]

I've always used this type...

http://www.screwfix.com/p/easydrive-countersunk-concrete-screws-7-5-x-80mm-100-pack/8400h

but I think they're basically the same thing without the nut head ?

they're bloody impressive.... and because they're so easy to put in, you're quite happy putting more in, or an extra one if you accidently crew into a soft patch etc.

if it's for important stuff make sure you use the right sized drill, iirc the ones I linked need a 5.5mm hole, guessing yours might be the same


actually, just realised you said blockwork wall... what kind of blocks are they ?

EDIT: lol beaten to it by zx9!

 

[Paul99]

Used a lot of them for all sorts of things including fitting trimmers to concrete block. Their a brilliant invention. I can still remember using them for the first time thinking no way can these work just winding them into a hole with no plug but they certainly did. In the smaller sizes you can sometimes shear the head off if you're not careful but that's user error and besides in the sizes you'll be using that won't be an issue

 

[rockweasel]

Yes, I've used them to fix wooden batten to concrete floor a few years ago (hasn't budged); and I've used a few in a decking project I"ve just started. I like them.

 

[123hotchef]

I've always used this type...

http://www.screwfix.com/p/easydrive-countersunk-concrete-screws-7-5-x-80mm-100-pack/8400h

but I think they're basically the same thing without the nut head ?

they're bloody impressive.... and because they're so easy to put in, you're quite happy putting more in, or an extra one if you accidently crew into a soft patch etc.

if it's for important stuff make sure you use the right sized drill, iirc the ones I linked need a 5.5mm hole, guessing yours might be the same


actually, just realised you said blockwork wall... what kind of blocks are they ?

EDIT: lol beaten to it by zx9!

They are great

 

[brewdexta]

I used them to hang some 5' gates on dense concrete block, first time I had used them so I had the resin and threaded bar at the ready. Worked a treat, the resin stayed in the tube.

 

[MattH]

They are brilliant, an impact driver makes things much easier though.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

That all sounds very positive, thank you. The trimmer joist is being attached to 4" dense concrete blocks.

 

[123hotchef]

use some grab adhesive on the joist too ;-)

 

[MattH]

The screw type are very good as well:

 

[123hotchef]

the one on the left with star head are better I think

 

[pedrobedro]

The torx head ones are holding all my windows in, they are the go to fixing for everything now. As mentioned elsewhere just be sure to use the correct drill size and they are good near the edge of blocks or bricks not causing splitting out.

 

[Gareth J]

I use them a lot. The drill bit needs to be spot on, if yours is a bit old, buy a new one.

Older, crumbier blocks can fail to grip them but normally fine. As said, you can always bang a few more in.

The only drawback i have seen is that they are a bit sensitive to cyclical loading. If you bolt a plate that's hanging a heavy gate for example, you need may to use more than "just enough" bolts. Fixing wood should be fine though as you can slightly compress the wood to help keep a nice tension on the bolt.

 

[steve t]

I use thunderbolts all the time, theyre great, put about 40 in this morning.

 

[gav0994]

I have used them to fix the steel C channel door frame on the workshop at my mates farm. This was into 40 year old brick and they hold no bother. I plan to use them in my own workshop build to hold the wooden framework to the concrete base.

 

[Revs1972]

I use M16 X 150 long on column bases on temporary structures.
Loadings are better than or equal to resin in most cases and not so critical to blow the hole out (just drill a bit deeper)

 

[CornishPete]

they are excellent fixings, i use both, the hex head for fixing heavy stuff like wallplates and the 7.5 mm star head ones for lighter stuff and window/door frames.

 

[Robotstar5]

I like the smaller versions, the Dewalt wall dog for use inside the house, no plugs needed.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I like the smaller versions, the Dewalt wall dog for use inside the house, no plugs needed.

I was tempted but a bit pricey though.
I have to put up surface mounted boxes in hospitals, dental surgeries etc. and they are not to keen on me drilling for plugs and screws because of the noise and dust so I use automotive double sided foam tape with a few drops of superglue for good measure.
The only trouble is if you have to remove them it tends to take the plaster off the wall as well