Hillman 370986 Wedge Anchor Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Hillman Power-Stud Wedge Anchor is a torque-controlled expansion anchor designed for secure fastening in solid concrete and masonry applications. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective installation and use of the 3/8 inch x 5 inch anchor, supplied in a 10-pack with matching nuts and washers. It is building code approved and suitable for use with treated lumber.

Image: A complete Hillman 3/8 x 5-inch Wedge Anchor, showing the threaded bolt, expansion clip, hex nut, and flat washer.

Safety Information

Adhere to the following safety guidelines to prevent injury and ensure proper anchor performance:

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and gloves, when handling and installing anchors.
• Ensure the drilling area is clear of electrical conduits, plumbing, and other utilities before drilling.
• Do not overload anchors beyond their rated capacity. Consult local building codes and engineering specifications for proper load calculations.
• Use only in solid concrete, brick, or stone as specified. Do not use in hollow block or other unsuitable materials without proper engineering assessment.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Components Included

Each 10-pack of Hillman 370986 Wedge Anchors includes the following:

• 10 x Wedge Anchors (3/8 inch x 5 inch)
• 10 x Hex Nuts (matching size)
• 10 x Flat Washers (matching size)

Image: A single Hillman 3/8 x 5-inch Wedge Anchor bolt, showing the threaded shaft and the expansion clip at the end.

Image: A close-up of a hexagonal nut, designed to fit the wedge anchor bolt.

Image: A close-up of a flat, circular washer, used with the nut to distribute load.

Specifications

Setup and Installation

Follow these steps for proper installation of the Hillman Wedge Anchor:

1. Drill the Hole: Using a hammer drill, drill a hole into the concrete or masonry that is the same diameter as the anchor (3/8 inch) and at least 1/2 inch deeper than the anchor's intended embedment depth. The minimum embedment depth for a 5-inch anchor is typically 2-1/2 inches, but refer to local building codes for specific requirements.
2. Clean the Hole: Thoroughly clean the drilled hole of all dust and debris using a wire brush and compressed air or a vacuum. A clean hole is crucial for proper anchor performance and maximum holding power.
3. Insert the Anchor: Place the washer and nut onto the threaded end of the anchor, ensuring the nut is flush with the top of the anchor threads to protect them during installation. Drive the anchor through the fixture (if applicable) and into the pre-drilled hole until the nut and washer are snug against the fixture or the surface.
4. Tighten the Anchor: Apply torque to the nut using a wrench. As the nut is tightened, the wedge at the bottom of the anchor is pulled upwards, expanding the clip against the sidewalls of the drilled hole, creating a secure hold. Tighten to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications (typically found on packaging or technical data sheets, if available). Do not overtighten.

Operating Principle

The Hillman Wedge Anchor operates on a torque-controlled expansion principle. Once inserted into a properly sized and cleaned hole, tightening the nut pulls the anchor bolt upwards. This action draws the conical expansion wedge at the bottom of the bolt into the expansion clip, forcing the clip outwards against the concrete or masonry. This creates a positive mechanical interlock, securing the anchor in place. The zinc finish provides corrosion resistance for durability.

Maintenance

Wedge anchors are generally maintenance-free once properly installed. However, periodic inspection is recommended, especially in critical applications or environments subject to vibration or extreme conditions.

• Visual Inspection: Check for any signs of corrosion, loosening, or damage to the anchor or the attached fixture.
• Retightening: If an anchor appears loose, carefully retighten the nut to the recommended torque. Do not overtighten.
• Environmental Factors: In corrosive environments, consider more frequent inspections.

Troubleshooting

• Anchor Does Not Tighten:

  Possible Cause:

  Hole is too large or not clean.

  Solution:

  Ensure the drill bit matches the anchor diameter. Clean the hole thoroughly. If the hole is too large, the anchor may not achieve proper expansion and should not be used; drill a new hole in a different location.

• Anchor Spins in Hole:

  Possible Cause:

  Insufficient embedment depth or improper hole diameter.

  Solution:

  Verify the hole depth and diameter. The anchor requires sufficient embedment for the wedge to expand effectively. If spinning occurs, the anchor is not properly set and should be removed and replaced with a new anchor in a new location.

• Difficulty Inserting Anchor:

  Possible Cause:

  Hole is too small or not clean.

  Solution:

  Ensure the drill bit matches the anchor diameter. Clean the hole thoroughly. Do not force the anchor, as this can damage it or the hole.

Warranty

For warranty information regarding the Hillman 370986 Wedge Anchor, please refer to the official Hillman Group warranty policy available on their website or contact their customer support directly. The product is manufactured by The Hillman Group.

Support

For technical assistance, product inquiries, or further support, please visit the official Hillman website or contact Hillman customer service. You can find contact details and additional resources on their official brand page:

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