Concrete anchors provide a mechanical fixing into masonry and concrete, used for handrails, brackets, structural steelwork, timber framing and general site fixings where a standard screw won't hold. Builders, steel erectors, joiners and maintenance teams reach for this range across domestic and commercial projects. It's organised into four subcategories: Through Bolts, Concrete Screw Anchors, Loose Bolts and Concrete Framing Screws, each covering a different type of anchor for a different fixing method.
Most items in this range are supplied by Tornado. Through bolts, also known as sleeve anchors, run from M6 to M20, with lengths from 45mm to 220mm, boxed in quantities of 10 to 100 depending on size. Loose bolts are the bolt half of a shield anchor system, covering M6 to M16 in lengths from 10mm to 60mm, with matching Tornado Bolt Shields in M8 and M16 stocked alongside them. Concrete Screw Anchors, Tornado's Twister range, are hex head bolts that thread directly into a pre-drilled hole without a separate shield, from M12 x 140mm to M16 x 160mm, with an integral washer. Concrete Framing Screws are slimmer 7.5mm-diameter screws for fixing timber battens and frames straight into masonry, available in eight lengths from 50mm to 200mm, all boxed in 100s.
Ace Fixings supplies these anchors at competitive pricing, with same-day despatch on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Friday, and free delivery across the UK Mainland, Northern Ireland and ROI. Click & Collect is available from our Belfast and Ballymena trade counters.
Choosing The Right Concrete Anchor
- Fixing a bracket, handrail or steelwork with a bolt-and-shield system? Loose bolts paired with a matching bolt shield are built for that.
- Need a general-purpose expanding fixing without a separate shield? A through bolt (sleeve anchor) expands against the sides of the hole as it's tightened.
- Want a quicker, screw-in fixing for a hex head bolt? Concrete Screw Anchors thread straight into a pre-drilled hole.
- Fixing timber battens or a frame into masonry? Concrete Framing Screws are the slimmer option designed for that job.
- Not sure which type, diameter or depth a structural fixing needs? Check the individual product spec or ask our free technical advice team before you order — we'd rather help you get it right than have you guess.
FAQs
What's the difference between a through bolt and a concrete screw anchor?
A through bolt (or sleeve anchor) has an expanding sleeve that grips the sides of the hole as the bolt is tightened. A concrete screw anchor, such as Tornado's Twister range, is a hex-head bolt that threads directly into a pre-drilled hole without an expanding sleeve.
What is a loose bolt used for?
A loose bolt is the bolt component of a shield anchor system - it's used together with a separate expanding shield to create a mechanical fixing in masonry or concrete, commonly for structural steel, handrails and heavier site fixings.
What are concrete framing screws used for?
Concrete framing screws are used to fix timber battens, frames and similar structures directly into masonry or concrete, without the need for a separate anchor or shield.
Is a sleeve anchor the same as a through bolt?
Yes - "sleeve anchor" and "through bolt" both describe the same type of expanding mechanical fixing, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
How deep does a concrete anchor need to go?
This depends on the anchor type, diameter and the load it needs to carry, so check the individual product specification or speak to our technical advice team before installing - don't rely on a general rule of thumb for a structural or load-bearing fixing.
How do I install a concrete anchor?
Installation varies by anchor type, but generally involves drilling a hole to the correct diameter and depth, clearing out dust, and inserting and tightening the anchor. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the individual product listing, and check with our technical advice team if you're unsure.
Can Ace Fixings help me choose the right anchor?
Yes. If you're not sure which anchor type, diameter or length suits a structural or load-bearing fixing, get in touch as our team can help you choose before you order.
