Expansion bolts (also known as expansion anchor bolts) support and hold materials together by embedding an anchor, fastener, bar or steel rod into concrete, metal and masonry for construction and industrial purposes. Expansion bolts are available in a variety of designs and materials as per norms of American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM).

Stainless steel expansion bolts are suitable for chemical or corrosive applications. You can use steel expansion bolts for various industrial and commercial applications such as mechanical foundations or seating arrangements of theatre, auditorium or stadiums. Concrete expansion bolts are the special purpose bolts useful in construction. You can use expansion lag bolts or lag screws for securely fastening heavy parts to one another.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying expansion bolts:

1. Mechanical properties of expansion bolt such as load carrying capacity, tensile strength, shear strength etc.
2. Type of material and weight of expansion bolt
3. Quantity of expansion bolts required
4. Type of application and operating conditions

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy expansion bolts from reputable bolt manufacturers

Once you understand your requirements of expansion bolts, check out the industrial expansion bolts available in the market. Expansion bolt prices vary according to their applications, as the manufacturers use different technologies to produce expansion bolts.

I recommend: NNI Inc. is one of the reputable expansion bolt manufacturers that offer various expansion bolts such as concrete expansion bolts, concrete wedge anchors and other fasteners. Ameribest Fasteners is another reputable manufacturer of expansion bolts for seating and sign installation industries.

Buy expansion bolts from reputable bolt distributors and retailers

You can compare different expansion bolts based on their features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites. You can ask for a discount if you are buying in bulk.

I recommend: Bolt Depot is one of the reputable expansion bolt distributors that provide a variety of lag bolts, expansion bolts and accessories. Jim & Slim’s Tool Supply is another distributor of expansion bolts that offers a variety of industrial expansion bolts for sale.

Buy specialty expansion bolts from custom manufacturers

If standard industrial expansion bolts available in the market do not meet your requirement, you can ask the bolt manufacturers to supply specialty or customized expansion bolts.

I recommend: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. offers heavy duty mechanical and powder-actuated expansion bolts and anchors. You can buy large sized expansion lag bolts and steel expansion bolts at Portland Bolt & Manufacturing Company.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Understand the grade identification symbols for the expansion bolts' properties and materials.
• •  While installing concrete expansion bolts, follow the manufacturers' safety instructions carefully.