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Qfix Framegripz Vs Sleeve Anchors: The Versatile Masonry Anchor Upgrade
Sleeve anchors, which go by a number of brand names are arguably the most well-known of masonry anchors. Simple design, basic expansion anchor. But are they now becoming obsolete? Have they been superseded with more modern universal anchors? Let’s dive in & have a look at a basic line up between Sleeve Anchors & the Qfix Framegripz anchors.
Sleeve anchors as a concrete anchor perform reasonably well when installed correctly, load data always shows sleeve anchors achieving quite decent loads in concrete (contact our team for data sheets).
But are sleeve anchors the strongest concrete anchors? In short, no. Sleeve anchors when it comes to solid concrete are out-performed by Screwbolts, Through-bolts & the ultimate – chemical anchor. Additionally sleeve anchors have a number of flaws which we’ll list further below. Screwbolts over the last decade have largely taken over the previous role of Sleeve anchors due to better performance & simpler installation process.
A detailed comparison between Screwbolts & Sleeve Anchors will be coming out in another blog to be issued. This blog is actually all about what masonry anchor is the most universal, versatile. This is where the Qfix Framegripz shine!
Firstly, what are Framegripz? Qfix Framegripz are a nylon plug & screw combo designed to work in any kind of masonry be it hollow or solid. They’re also no ordinary plug and screw. These anchors were designed to compete with traditional metal anchors when it comes in strength while being able to work flawlessly in any sort of hollow or solid brick or block.
Used for too many applications to list however here’s a few: bolting brackets to brick/concrete for outdoor air-conditioning units, EV charges in brick garages, switchboards/control panels for solar and electrical applications, fixing cable tray brick or hollow concrete blocks, fixing hot water systems to brick/concrete walls, fencing & gate posts to brick/concrete, pool fencing (see stainless version), handrails & balustrading, the list is endless!
Sleeve
Anchors:
Pros:
- Good load data in solid concrete
- Available in zinc, gal or stainless
- Low cost masonry anchor
Cons:
- Not suitable for brick solid or hollow
- Not suitable for hollow concrete block
- Can work loose over time with vibration or high traffic areas
- Put expansion stress on the concrete, risk of blow outs if going close to edge of slab
- Obtrusive head, the more they’re tensioned the more the thread protrudes
- Only one expansion point, if that point happens to be near a crack the anchor will fail to tighten
- Very rarely specified by engineers due to the number of superior alternatives available
- Many contractors still use sleeve anchors in brick not realizing they’re not suitable, any failures come back on the installer not the manufacturer for using them in the wrong application
- Some contractors will instead fix into the mortar which is even worse, the crumbliest, weakest part of the brick, again not recommended or covered by manufacturers
- Highest failure rate of all masonry anchors in their class
- Not removable
- No ETA approval
Pros:
- Suitable for any masonry, brick, concrete hollow or solid
- In hollow materials the plug automatically balloons up in the hole creating the perfect hold
- In solid material the plug expands 4 ways increasing the pullout strength
- Nylon creates less expansion stress on brittle base materials reducing cracking risk
- Easy to install, no guesswork is needed
- Available in galvanized or stainless steel, all weather applications covered
- Available in hex washered head, no separate washers required
- Available in CSK head for applications requiring a flush finish
- Good load strength, a lot stronger than typically expected of nylon
- Easy to install, doesn’t require a lot of force
- Variety of collar lengths available to accommodate for various substrate thicknesses
- Don’t work loose with movement/vibration
- Smallest failure rate of all masonry anchors
- Truly multi-purpose
- Available in 8mm, 10mm & 12mm drill hole diameters, 12mm for the highest strength applications
- European made
- European Technical Approval ETA-12/0272
Cons:
- In concrete Framegripz while loads are still impressive especially in the 10 & 12mm sizes, they aren’t as high loads as some metal anchors
- Compared with relatively cheap sleeve anchors they are a higher cost anchor more on par with Screwbolts and the like
- Can be removed if needed however not as easily as a Screwbolt for example
How to install Framegripz correctly? Here’s your step-by-step guide!
If you’re unsure what the best anchor is for your application, please contact our experienced customer service team for helpful advice.
