If you are building a shed, patio, or anything else of that nature, especially something that has to be secured to a slab of concrete for stability and security, then one issue that you might run into from time to time is a loose concrete anchor hole. Sometimes those holes are too big and too loose, and those need to be fixed.
Below is an overview of the seven best methods at your disposal for fixing this issue.
#1: Use a Bigger Anchor
OK, so while this is technically not fixing a concrete anchor hole that is too big, it does still solve the problem, and that is what you are probably going for. One of the easiest things that you might be able to do if your existing concrete anchor hole is too big is, instead of using your existing concrete anchor, to just use a larger concrete anchor with a much wider diameter.
Now, this might not always be possible due to size limits in relation to the concrete or the structure being anchored to it, but that said, simply using a larger anchor is the easiest way to go, especially because you don’t actually have to make any repairs or alterations (as long as the existing hole is large enough for a larger anchor than the one you tried using in the first place).
In terms of security and structural integrity, this is one of the best options at your disposal as well.
#2: Drill the Hole and Use a Bigger Anchor
If the pilot hole for your Tapcon or screw-in concrete anchor is too large for your existing anchor but too small for the next size of anchor up, then the solution here is to use a slightly larger drill bit to drill out that hole (to make it a bit larger), and then use the appropriate size of concrete anchor for the new hole.
Of course, this method, making the hole larger and using a much larger concrete anchor, only works if you have the space to spare, although that said, it is one of the best methods to go with in terms of overall structural integrity and weight-bearing capabilities.
#3: Use a Longer Anchor
If the hole that you made for the concrete anchor is far too wide for the anchor that you have, and the concrete is still much deeper than you have drilled, then one good option at your disposal is to simply use a much longer anchor of the same variety.
For instance, if you are using a simple Tapcon concrete screw, but the pilot hole you drilled is too wide for the screw, and let’s say that your Tapcon screw is 3 inches long, then what you can do is to use a Tapcon screw that is either 4 or 5 inches long.
Simply switch to a smaller drill bit (the right size for your anchor), and then drill down deeper into the existing pilot hole.
Now, the bottom of your Tapcon screw will be secure, but the area above (that was too loose in the beginning), will still be loose and not very structurally sound. To take care of this issue, refer to one of the methods that we have listed below, specifically methods four and five.
#4: Use Liquid Nails Masonry Putty or Adhesive
If using a different anchor is not in the books, then something you can do is to first fill the hole with some kind of masonry adhesive or masonry putty that will dry and cure, and become just as hard as the original concrete itself. Now, keep in mind that this won’t produce the utmost of structural integrity, but as long as the structure question doesn’t need to hold too much weight, it should be fine.
All you have to do is to fill the hole with some Liquid Nails, or something similar, and then insert the concrete anchor. Allow the Liquid Nails to cure fully before moving on and doing anything else.
#5: Put a Wire in the Hole
If you are in a bind, you need a quick way to make sure that your concrete anchor holds in the concrete, and you happen to have some copper wire on hand, then this is another good method to consider.
For this method, simply take a piece of copper wire and place it in the hole (as long as the hole is only slightly larger than the concrete anchor), and then drive your concrete anchor into it. If the hole is far too large for your existing anchor, you might need to use multiple pieces of wire.
For the most possible structural integrity, you can always combine methods four and five, or in other words, use masonry adhesive along with a copper wire.
#6: Use an Expanding Anchor
If the hole is too large for your concrete anchor, and you have one that screws into place, something you can try doing is to use a different type of concrete anchor, mainly an expanding type such as a wedge anchor. Even if the hole is too wide, these anchors will expand when inserted, thus more or less taking care of the problem on its own.
#7: Pour New Concrete
OK, so this is an extreme method, one that you only have to use if all else fails. If the hole is too large due to damage or crumbling, then the only option left at your disposal may be to actually remove the existing concrete and pour new concrete. That said, we recommend getting professional help before undertaking this herculean task.
Summary
There you have it people, seven things that you can try doing if your concrete anchor hole is too large. We hope that at least one of the those will work for you!