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What Size Drill Bit for 5/16 Concrete Anchor
You can’t just go out and purchase the 1st drill bit you see on the shelves of your local hardware store. Different projects require a specific type of drill bit, and it is crucial to pick the correct one.
This short guide will explain which drill bit is ideal for a 5/16” concrete anchor. As an experienced handyman, I know various drill bits, their differences, and what surface or material a specific drill bit is best suited for. A wrong-sized drill bit can derail your project or even endanger your safety.
In general, you need a 3/8” carbide-tipped bit to drill a 5/16-inch hole into your concrete anchor — that agrees with the ANSI Standards. Drilling a hole 1/2 inch deeper than the anchor will fill the concrete, ensuring that the minimum embedment requirements of 1-1/8 inch are met. While the fixture is in place, drill the hole.
I will go through more detail below.
Drill Bit Size For 5/16” Concrete Anchor
Drill a 5/16-inch hole into your concrete anchor using a 3/8” carbide-tipped bit that is on par with the ANSI Standards.
Drill a hole 1/2 inch deeper than the anchor will permeate the concrete, ensuring that the minimum embedment requirements of 1-1/8 inch are met. You need to drill the hole while the fixture is in place.
Check the table below:
Recommended Depth for Tapcons to be Installed in Concrete Surfaces/Anchors
The Tapcon screw has the least embedment depth of 1 inch and the greatest embedment depth of 1-3/4 inch. The hole should be drilled to a depth of 1/2” to enable a minimum space at the bottom end of the hole. The hole’s minimum depth is 1” plus 1/2” or 1-1/2” inches.
Choosing the Best Drill Bit for the Job Based on the Materials
Drill bits can be made from a wide range of metals. There is no single drill bit that is appropriate for all surfaces.
Each is intended for a single or two surfaces (or a couple). Meanwhile, even if a drill bit can be used for a particular purpose or material, it may not be as effective as a drill bit designed specifically for a particular material. Choose carbide-tipped bits capable of penetrating tough surfaces for a 5/16 concrete anchor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Tapcons to break?
The Tapcon® hole should be at least 1/2′′ deeper into the material than the screw will permeate. If a Tapcon® screw bottoms out in a hole before being fully inserted and too much torque is applied, it may shear off.
What is the significance of the blue coating on Tapcon screws?
Tapcon’s superior performance in concrete, block, and brick applications makes them an ideal replacement for expansion anchors, lag shields, and plugs. They can endure the harshest conditions thanks to the blue corrosion-resistant coating.
How many loads can Tapcon screws support?
A safe working load is generally accepted as a safety factor of 4:1 or 25% of the ultimate pullout/shear value.
Tapcons are available in what sizes?
3/16”
The stainless steel Tapcon is available in 3/16” diameter flat countersunk heads (1/4-inch diameter) with the hex washer head and flat Phillips countersunk.
Length – The 3/16” and 1/4” Tapcon are available in the same sizes, with the 1/4-inch also available in 5 and 6 inches.
Take a look at some of our related articles below.
- What size drill bit for 3/16 rivet
- What size drill bit for 3/8 lag bolt
- What size drill bit for 1/4 tapcon
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