Sleeve anchors, which go by a few different brand names, are classic masonry anchors, simple, basic design.
But are they becoming obsolete? Have modern universal anchors like Qfix Framegripz taken over? Let’s compare them and find out!
Sleeve anchors perform well in concrete but are not the strongest option. Screwbolts, Through-bolts, and chemical anchors outperform them in solid concrete. Screwbolts have become more popular due to better performance and easier installation. A detailed comparison between Screwbolts and Sleeve Anchors will be in an upcoming blog.
This blog however focuses on the most versatile masonry anchor, Qfix Framegripz multi-purpose anchors.
What are Framegripz?
Qfix Framegripz are a versatile nylon plug and screw combo designed for any masonry, whether hollow or solid. They compete with traditional metal anchors in strength and work flawlessly in various masonry types.
Applications:
- Bolting brackets for outdoor air-conditioning units
- EV chargers in brick garages
- Switchboards/control panels for solar and electrical applications
- Fixing cable trays in brick or hollow concrete blocks
- Mounting hot water systems to brick/concrete walls
- Securing fencing and gate posts to brick/concrete
- Pool fencing (stainless version)
- Handrails and balustrading
The list goes on!
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.
