The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:39 pm**

Apologies if this is not in the correct section...

Am about to construct a wooden garage on my newly laid concrete base.

It will be a timer frame affair and I was wondering what the best way to secure the frame to the base was. I went in to my local fixing suppliers with the intention of purchasing some Rawl bolt type fixings, loose bolt,to secure the 3"x2" frame sections to the splat. The guy then asked me If I had used Thunderbolt self tapping fixings for use in concrete....he was singing their praises but Im not sure.

Any one got any ideas on this? Should I stick to the Rawl bolt idea or go with the cheaper "Thunderbolts"? Im having trouble finding any technical data on the thunders to see how well they match up.

TIA.

Posted: **Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:14 pm**

without wanting to close the door after the horse and all. but I would have concreted in the thread rod when I did the pour. However, as we are now where we are, I would personally use chemical anchors.

Posted: **Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:02 pm**

thunderbolts.

They are really easy to use and very strong

Posted: **Wed Jul 23, 2008 7:20 am**

Yep, thunderbolts for the win!

Posted: **Wed Jul 23, 2008 7:22 am**

For those who don't know what we're on about.....some thunderbolts, pictured earlier, lazing about....

Posted: **Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:10 am**

Thanks all, looks like TB's are the way to go...cheaper as well, result!

I did think about having some anchors put in place when I poured but as this was my first attempt and with just the wife helping....it was rather difficult! 7m3 of concrete in a splat 6.5m x 5.5m of varying depth :p

was looking at the M12 x 130mm Thunderbolts @58p + Vat, These should be plenty long enough for the 2" thickness?

Posted: **Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:24 am**

I'd go with the professional recommendations, Jotto, I over engineer everything! :p

Posted: **Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:49 pm**

Thunderbolts but the concrete needs to be well cured or they can bust the thread when being tightened.

Posted: **Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:02 pm**

I dont want to rain on your parade but I've used these things and if you dont drill the hole dead right or the concretes soft the thread strips (rather, they just turn and turn and turn), the margin of error allowed is small. I'd pay the xtra and go rawl bolt/stud. Another option is to epoxy in a threaded stud/rod cut to the length that suits you, works a treat and Ive done thousands this way. Good luck whatever.

Posted: **Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:59 pm**

Good point ref:fresh concrete. You're right, go for the rawls.

The Brew Cabin

Concrete fixings,rawl loose bolts or thunderbolts? - Timber frame garage construction