How to Install a Concrete Anchor Bolt

A concrete anchor bolt is needed when you are building a wood structure on top of a concrete foundation. The concrete anchor bolt helps to evenly distribute the weight from the rest of the structure. You can also use a concrete anchor bolt to properly tether large objects like boats to the pier. Installing a concrete anchor bolt seems like an impossible task, but it is easily achieved with a few simple tools. The information that follows will show you how to install a concrete anchor bolt in bother wet and dry concrete.

Step 1 - Board Support

Read the instructions on the bag of concrete and mix it with the appropriate amount of water. When it is pourable consistency fill the area that needs the concrete. If you place the concrete anchor bolt in the cement at this point it will sink to the bottom. In order to properly install a concrete anchor bolt you need a way to support it and a 2 by 4 is that way. Measure the area where the concrete is and cut a piece of 2 by 4 to slightly larger than that size. Determine where you want the concrete anchor bolt to be placed and drill a hole in the 2 by 4 at that distance.

Step 2 - Setting the Concrete Anchor Bolt

The board is what is going to stop you from losing the concrete anchor bolt. Install the bolt to the 2 by 4 where you determined it needs to go. Make sure that it is tightly fastened to the wood. Place the 2 by 4 across the wet concrete. Just set it on top. Be careful to not damage or ruin the concrete. You can adjust the bolt so that at least half of it is in the concrete.

Step 3 - Finishing Up

Wet concrete can harden in a day but will not fully cure for another two days. It is possible that it could take longer depending on the climate and weather conditions of your area. At this point the concrete anchor bolt is in place and will be very secure. There is one problem though: the board. You do not want to keep the 2 by 4 hanging around and you can't remove the concrete anchor bolt. The only solution is to cut the 2 by 4. Use the saw and carefully position it close to the bolt. Score the 2 by 4 so it is cut through about half the thickness. Use the hammer and strike the wood. The force will cause the wood to splinter and break away from the bolt.

Step 4 - Dried Concrete

It is a better idea to install a concrete anchor bolt to concrete that is wet but it can still be done on dried concrete. You'll need a special concrete drill which you can usually rent. You will also need a concrete drill bit. Determine where you want to place the concrete anchor bolt and mark the area with an "X". Drill a hole through the concrete and gently hammer in the bolt.