What are Concrete Screws? And Other FAQ
Concrete screws are one of the most versatile, efficient fasteners available for securing materials into concrete, brick, and block. Whether you're mounting an electrical box, building a ledger board, or running conduit overhead, the right screw can mean the difference between a solid hold and a costly failure. In this FAQ, we’ll break down the most important questions and tips to help you select, install, and succeed with concrete screws, no matter the job.
What Are Concrete Screws?
Concrete screws are hardened steel fasteners with specialized threads that cut into base materials like concrete, brick, and block. Unlike wedge anchors or sleeve anchors, they don’t expand, they thread directly into a pre-drilled hole. Popular for their speed, reliability, and removability, these screws come in a variety of head styles, coatings, and diameters to suit different applications.
If you still have confusion on the difference between concrete screws and wedge anchors, check out our blog post on the topic. There's also a wide variety of other concrete anchors available, check out our article on the full list of concrete anchors available.
What Base Materials Can I Use Concrete Screws In?
Concrete screws work best in the following substrates:
- Poured concrete
- Grout-filled concrete block (CMU)
- Brick (solid and some hollow varieties)
They are not recommended for drywall, wood-only surfaces, or hollow block without proper embedment depth. Always check your base material before selecting a screw.
Do I Need to Pre-Drill for Concrete Screws?
Yes. Pre-drilling is required. Use a hammer drill and a carbide-tipped bit to pre-drill the hole. The bit size you need will depend on the brand of screw you use. For example:
Tapcon Concrete Screws Drill Bit Size:
- 3/16" screw ➜ 5/32" bit
- 1/4" screw ➜ 3/16" bit
Simpson Titen Concrete Screws Drill Bit Size:
- 1/2" screw ➜ 1/2" bit
- 3/8" screw ➜ 3/8" bit
Always refer the installation instructions to be sure you're using the right size and clean the hole after drilling as the concrete dust reduces holding power.
What’s the Difference Between Hex Head and Flat Head Screws?
- Hex Head: Easier to drive, ideal for overhead or general use.
- Flat Head: Sits flush for aesthetic or tight clearance installs.
Choose based on access and whether a low-profile finish is required.
When Should I Use Stainless Steel vs. Coated Screws?
Stainless steel is best for outdoor, coastal, or corrosive environments. Use 410 stainless for strength and 304/316 for extreme corrosion resistance. Blue-coated or zinc screws are great for dry, interior jobs. If mounting into treated lumber, avoid basic zinc-coated fasteners, galvanized or stainless is safer.
What’s the Difference Between Tapcon, Titen HD, and Other Brands?
- Tapcon: Original blue screw; great for light and medium-duty anchoring.
- Titen HD: Structural, code-compliant, and high-load rated. Often used in seismic zones or heavy-duty installs.
- Red Head: Best known for wedge and drop-in anchors, also carries specialty screw anchors.
- Daggerz & Conquest: Value-driven screw options with solid everyday performance.
Our expert, Matt B. says:
“Tapcon is the brand everyone knows, just like Kleenex. But there's a wide variety of blue concrete screws available and all work really well.”
How Much Weight Can Concrete Screws Hold?
This depends on the diameter, embedment depth, and base material condition. In general:
- 3/16" screws: ~500–1,000 lbs (shear)
- 1/4" screws: ~1,200–1,500 lbs (shear)
- Large diameter (e.g., 3/8", 1/2"): up to 4,000+ lbs
Always consult manufacturer load tables for critical applications.
What’s the Difference Between Large Diameter Screws and Standard Ones?
Large diameter concrete screws (e.g., Tapcon LDT or Titen HD) are designed for structural and high-load applications. They offer higher tensile and shear strength and are commonly used in ledger boards, equipment anchoring, and commercial framing.
Our expert, Matt B. says:
“The standard blue concrete screws are typically used more in residential cases, where large diameter concrete screws are in more commercial applications. But both can be used in both cases.”
Can I Remove and Reuse Concrete Screws?
Yes, in many cases. But reusing in the same hole can reduce holding power. If the original threads are stripped or the material is degraded, reinstall a new screw in a fresh hole.
Our expert, Matt B. says:
“Concrete screws compare favorably to other concrete anchors, like wedge anchors, because they can use an impact driver to install and don't have to worry about using a torque wrench. Also, they can typically be reused once if you mess up the first try - wedge anchors don't allow that.”
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Concrete Screws?
- Overdriving and stripping the hole
- Not cleaning out the pilot hole
- Using the wrong drill bit size
- Anchoring too close to an edge or too shallow
How Do I Choose the Right Screw for My Project?
Ask yourself:
- What's the base material? (Concrete, block, or brick?)
- Is the job indoor or outdoor?
- Do I need a flush finish or exposed head?
- What are the load requirements?
Still unsure? Our team can help guide you to the best choice.
Specialty Concrete Screws You Should Know About
- Rod Hanger Screws: Designed to suspend threaded rod directly from concrete.
- White or Bronze Screws: Perfect for visible applications where aesthetics matter.
- Large Diameter Screws: For structural and code-critical installs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Concrete Screw?
At Fasteners Plus, we stock thousands of concrete screws from top brands like Tapcon, Simpson Strong-Tie, and Conquest. Most orders placed before 4:00pm CST ship the same day, and our product experts are always just a phone call away.
