In earlier issues of the Retailers Guide series, we covered key tools like saws, saw blades, drills and drill bits. We hope these guides have boosted your expertise and customer service. In this fifth issue, we focus on chemical anchors.

Chemical anchors are specialised fasteners designed to securely anchor heavy loads to materials like concrete, brick, or other masonry surfaces. Unlike traditional mechanical anchors (which rely on friction or expansion), chemical anchors use an adhesive – typically a two-part resin like epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester – that bonds the anchor to the substrate.

BREAKDOWN OF HOW CHEMICAL ANCHORS WORK 

  1. Drilling the hole: A hole is drilled into the base material (concrete, brick, etc).
  2. Cleaning the hole: The hole must be thoroughly cleaned of dust and debris to ensure a strong bond.
  3. Inserting the adhesive: The resin is injected into the hole, either from a cartridge or tube.
  4. Inserting the anchor: A threaded rod or rebar is pushed into the resin-filled hole, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Curing: The resin hardens, bonding the anchor securely to the base material.
  6. Attaching loads: Once the resin has cured, loads can be safely attached to the anchor.

KEY FEATURES

  • High strength: Chemical anchors are ideal for heavy loads and high-stress applications.
  • Flexible use: They are often used where traditional anchors won’t hold, such as cracked concrete or soft masonry.
  • No expansion stress: Unlike mechanical anchors, they don’t exert expansion pressure on the base material, reducing the risk of cracks.
  • Corrosion resistance: The resin offers protection from environmental factors like moisture, chemicals, and corrosion.

APPLICATIONS

  • Structural steel installations
  • Securing railings, balustrades, or safety barriers
  • Installing heavy machinery or shelving
  • Retrofitting applications, like adding structural reinforcements to existing buildings.
They’re widely used in construction for securing heavy-duty installations to concrete or masonry where high load-bearing capacity is required.

The Dominator is a vinylester-based chemical anchor known for its:

  • Styrene-free formula: Environmentally conscious and suitable for enclosed spaces
  • High mechanical strength
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Fast curing times.

These properties make the Dominator ideal for use in both cracked and non-cracked concrete and resistant to harsh environmental conditions.

The Dominator is ETA-approved for:

  • Cracked and non-cracked concrete
  • Flooded holes, hollow walls, and masonry installations
  • Threaded rod and rebar.

This makes it versatile for a wide range of heavy-duty installations, including aerated concrete.

Typical applications

Vinylester chemical anchors are typically used in high-load and critical applications such as:

  • Structural repairs
  • Bridge construction
  • Industrial projects requiring superior chemical resistance.

Whether it’s holding up in tough environments or providing long-lasting support in high-stress areas, the Dominator delivers robust performance.

The D-Tech Dynamic Polyester Chemical Anchor is a two-component anchoring system designed for medium-load applications. It is:

  • Environmentally friendly
  • Approved for non-cracked concrete, masonry, and hollow wall installations.

This product is perfect for handrails, fixtures, and light structural applications.

Key features and benefits 

  • Styrene-free formula: Environmentally conscious and suitable for enclosed spaces
  • High bond strength: Designed for medium-load applications
  • Versatile: Works in various substrates and can be installed horizontally or vertically
  • Quick curing time: Ideal for projects needing faster turnaround times
  • Easy to use: The 300ml cartridge fits standard caulking guns, making it user-friendly for professionals and DIYers alike.

Understanding dry, wet, and flooded holes 

  • Dry holes: No humidity present
  • Wet holes: Holes with humidity but not submerged in water
  • Flooded holes: Full of water but not submerged, typical in installations after heavy rain.

Both the Dominator and Dynamic Polyester Chemical Anchors are unsuitable for underwater applications – an epoxy-based chemical is required in such cases.

Mixing nozzles

Using the correct mixing nozzle is crucial for achieving an optimal bond with chemical anchors. A good nozzle:

  • Combines the two components of the
    anchor resin
  • Controls dispensing volume, reducing waste
  • Ensures the correct mixture for maximum strength.

Always discard the first 10cm of resin to ensure the two components are properly mixed.

Applicators 

Choose between conventional two component caulking guns or new innovative guns driven by cordless drills.

Safety and storage 

Storage and shelf life
Both the Dominator and Dynamic chemical anchors have an 18-month shelf life when stored between +5°C and +25°C,
away from sunlight.

Safety and environmental impact

Both products should be used with personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and goggles, in well-ventilated areas. The styrene-free formulation of the Dynamic Polyester Chemical Anchor makes it safer for use without strong odours, reducing environmental impact.

Why stock D-Tech Chemical Anchors? 

For retailers, stocking both D-Tech Dominator and Dynamic Polyester Chemical Anchors covers a broad range of customer needs – from high-load structural applications to medium-load DIY and contractor projects. With their ETA approvals, ease of use, and environmentally friendly properties, these products are a reliable addition to any inventory.

Brought to you by DIY Industrial and Trade News

Read the full article in our DIY and Industrial Trade News - NOVEMBER 2024 issue.

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