Introduction to Expansion Bolts

Today, let's talk about expansion bolts~

An expansion bolt is a relatively complex structural fastener, but despite this, it can be found everywhere in our daily lives. Expansion bolts are a special type of threaded fastener used to fix the supports, hangers, and brackets of ducts to walls, floors, and columns.

They consist of a bolt, an expansion tube, a flat washer, a spring washer, and a hex nut.

Expansion bolt specifications and models include: M6, M8, M10, M12, M14, M16, M18, M20;

Length: 60-200mm

Materials for expansion bolts include: carbon steel with zinc plating, stainless steel 304

It is said that the tensile strength of expansion bolts is truly excellent! A 6mm diameter expansion bolt can withstand a pull force of 240 kilograms, provided that the product is qualified. This means that if the wall can support it, a single M6 expansion bolt can hold up a family of three for a swing.

Such a powerful item is generally used when something needs to be firmly fixed, such as installing a suspended ceiling or an air conditioner. Additionally, many glass curtain walls use it for fixation, and it is indispensable in large projects. Although expansion bolts are small, their installation requires professional techniques. If you can't commit to it for the long haul, don't install it on a whim and expect it to hold strong. To make it perform at its best, you must follow the correct and careful installation steps.

1. 1. Prepare the tools: a power drill with drill bits, a hammer, a cross-slot screwdriver, and a pencil.
2. 2. After preparing the tools, choose an alloy drill bit with the same diameter as the expansion bolt's expansion ring, install it on the power drill, and then drill a hole in the wall. The depth of the hole should be the same as the length of the bolt. Place the expansion bolt assembly into the hole, and do not unscrew the nut, to prevent the bolt from falling into the hole if it's too deep and being difficult to retrieve.
3. 3. After tightening the nut by 2.3 turns and feeling that the expansion bolt is tight and will not loosen, continue to tighten the nut, then align the fixed item with the pre-drilled hole over the screw, and tighten the nut with the outer washer or spring washer.
4. 4. During the installation, for a 6mm bolt, drill a 10mm hole; for an 8mm bolt, drill a 12mm hole, and so on, according to the outer diameter of the expansion tube. If the brick wall is soft, choose a slightly smaller drill bit. The expansion tube should fully enter the wall; the longer the threaded part, the deeper the tube, the more secure the fixation.

When installing expansion bolts, be aware that they must be installed on a hard object; they will not be stable on a soft surface and may fall off. For example, avoid areas around wall joints or old, damp walls.

In fact, as long as you master the correct operating procedures, the installation method of expansion bolts is not as complex as it looks. It's quite simple, really. When you want to hang a painting, a photo frame, or even a vegetable basket, you can call upon the expansion bolt! Such a small weight is no match for the strength of the bolt.