Concrete bolts

[hambam105]

OP, I bet there is a fellow calgunner near you that knows the difference between a screw a bolt and also knows how
to properly install a anchor bolt without having to consort with youtube.

[golfish]

lol, I'll wait.

FWIW, I'll stick with the method I have used, just refer to the OP

Wood, metal, plastic, I've got it. I'm not so sure about cement.

[diveRN]

I agree with Mr. Barrel, don't reuse those screws. Take the extra step and buy a small tub of concrete patch and fill the existing holes before you lay down your new flooring. Assuming the safe will go back to the same place after flooring, not filling them and refastening in the same hole may or may not hold all that well.

Drilling a foundation can be bad if it is a post-tensioned slab. They don't secure as well as bolts, but Tapcon screws like the ones the OP used generally won't go deep enough to hit tension rods. However, pre-drilling and using a concrete anchor (bolt) big enough to hold down a safe just might. Know what kind of slab you have before drilling.

[edgerly779]

Redheads or expansion anchors at least 4" long for bolting safes or I used 1/2" allthread and epoxied in and put plate and washers and nuts. Would take 10k uplift force to pull safe out.

[FAS1]

I would use genuine Tapcon+ screws - 3/8" Diameter.

https://www.tapcon.com/products/heavy-duty-tapcon-plus

[hermosabeach]

yes

Have you ever used these bolts?

I have a collection for concrete hammer drills

a bunch of the blue cement screws- tapcon

a bunch of worn out bits

a bunch of the 3/8" and 1/2" red heads I posted

2 new boxes of masonry bits- thanks to santa

[P5Ret]

I don't think I'd use screws/bolts that are meant to hold plastic lane dividers in a parking lot in place, to secure a safe to the floor. I don't think they'd be up to the task of holding a 500 plus pound safe in place from someone rocking it.

[pacrat]

Have you ever used these bolts?

I HAVE, as well as ALL OTHER types of concrete fasteners. Retired after 30 yrs in residential construction.

Listen to what AR-15 said. Those fasteners are designed for a "side load". Not a "pull load". They will keep a safe from "sliding" across the floor. They will NOT HOLD, if someone uses a crowbar under the edge of the safe.

[FAS1]

[ar15barrels]

All kidding aside. I worry about the holes in the cement holding up to new screw bolts. I hate to drill holes in my foundation.

I would not trust them to either.
When you run those screws in, some concrete is getting broken by the steel as the steel is getting smashed down by the concrete.
Look at the screws you removed.
It should be plain to see the difference from new ones.

If the safe is staying in the same location after the flooring change, enlarge the holes and go to proper anchors.
Make sure you drill the anchor holes deep enough that if you ever move, you can knock the anchors down below flush and cover up the holes or replace that small area of flooring.
Save some extra pieces of flooring up in your attic as well as the box the flooring comes in.
5-15 years from now, that flooring might not be available anymore or you might not know the exact style to get some more that matches.
Having a few extra pieces and a box flap solves those problems.

[hambam105]

Maybe the benefits of Anchor Bolt Technology is a bit much right now.

[RustyIron]

I worry about the holes in the cement holding up to new screw bolts. I hate to drill holes in my foundation.

You were already given the correct solution. Whether or not you drill new holes and use proper anchors is your decision.

Those screws you're using are for holding a plastic delineator in place. Use it to hold down your safe, and even a scrawny millennial could tear it out with his bare hands. If that's all you intend to use, you might as well just patch over the existing holes and forget about anchoring your safe.

[golfish]

QUOTE=FAS1;23836116][/QUOTE

^ this is the exact way I bolted my safe down.

I would use genuine Tapcon+ screws - 3/8" Diameter.


https://www.tapcon.com/products/heavy-duty-tapcon-plus

^ These are the exact bolts I used but 1/2 x 6"

[starlight]

- use WEDGE ANCHORS

- OR epoxy in some threaded studs and add washers and nuts

- other methods are more 'light duty'








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