Masonry Anchors Explained: Size & Strength Chart for Brick, Concrete, and Tile

When you’re fastening into brick, concrete, block, or tile, choosing the right masonry anchor is the difference between a long-lasting installation and a failed one. Load capacity, embedment depth, and base material density all play a significant role - and that’s precisely where most DIYers and pros get stuck.

This guide breaks down masonry anchor types, size selection, strength ratings, and a usable compatibility chart, all tailored for brick walls, poured concrete, hollow block, and even ceramic tile.

At DK Hardware, we stock a full range of sleeve anchors, wedge anchors, Tapcon screws, drop-in anchors, toggle bolts, and heavy-duty concrete fasteners trusted by contractors nationwide.

What are Masonry Anchors and Why Do They Matter?

Let’s first understand what masonry means: In its simplest form, masonry can be described as anything that a mason puts down. In other words, if a stonemason or a bricklayer lays it, then it is masonry. This can include building materials such as stone and brick, as well as block walls.

Masonry anchors are specialized fasteners designed to create a secure connection between a fixture and a solid surface like brick, concrete, tile, or CMU block. Unlike wood or metal, these materials don’t accept a standard screw! They require an anchor engineered to bite, expand, or form threads within dense or brittle surfaces.

Choosing the right masonry anchor isn’t just a technical decision; it’s what separates a lasting installation from one that loosens, shifts, or fails without warning.

Each base material brings its own challenges:

• Brick can be brittle and unpredictable, with hollow pockets that demand an anchor capable of expanding gently and evenly.
• Concrete is dense and strong, but unforgiving - only anchors designed for deep embedment can achieve proper holding power.
• Tile chips with minimal vibration, so it requires low-impact fastening and anchors that distribute pressure softly.
• CMU blocks contain vast voids, making them suitable only for anchors that can grip or toggle behind the hollow areas.

Using the wrong anchor may lead to surface cracks, poor load distribution, or pull-out failures that appear months later. But the right one ensures safe weight transfer, long-term durability, and a clean professional finish - the kind of work that builders can stand behind with confidence.

If you're exploring fastening options, browse DK Hardware’s curated selections of Masonry Anchors, Tapcon Concrete Screws, and Expansion Anchors that are contractor-grade choices engineered for brick, concrete, and tile installations.

Types of Masonry Anchors (and When to Use Them)

When working with Masonry anchors, choosing the right type of anchor plays a crucial role. The right anchor ensures a secure and lasting hold, whether you are installing any fixtures, securing any heavy equipment or mounting something on a brick, block or concrete. Choosing the right anchor affects its durability.

Let’s take a closer look at different types of masonry anchors and when you can use them.

Sleeve Anchors

A sleeve anchor is a mechanical expansion anchor made up of a threaded bolt, a slotted metal sleeve, a nut, and a washer. When you tighten it, the sleeve expands outward in the drilled hole to grip the base material. They work in concrete, brick, block, and stone and are good for lighter to medium loads.

Where can we use Sleeve Anchors?

• Holds handrails to walls or floors.
• Secures brackets and shelving.
• Fastens signs to masonry.
• Works well in materials that are softer or hollow.

Browse our collection of  Anchors on DK Hardware for size and finish options.

Wedge Anchors

A wedge anchor is a heavy-duty expansion anchor designed for solid concrete. It has a wedge-shaped end that spreads tight against the hole walls as the nut is tightened.

Wedge anchors are among the strongest mechanical anchors and are great when you need an excellent hold in hard material.

Where can we use Wedge Anchors?

• Holds handrails to walls or floors.
• Secures brackets and shelving.
• Fastens signs to masonry.
• Works well in materials that are softer or hollow.

Tapcon Concrete Screws

Tapcon screws (concrete screws) are self-tapping fasteners. You drill a pilot hole first, then drive the screw in. They cut their own threads and don’t rely on expansion like mechanical anchors.

They’re convenient for quick installs in concrete, brick, or block, but they are lighter-duty than wedge or sleeve anchors.

Where can we use Tapcon concrete Anchors?

• Mainly on mounting electrical boxes.
• For securing light fixtures.
• Use them while attaching cabinets.
• They can be used for quick, removable fastenings where heavy strength isn’t required.

1. Drop-In Anchors

Drop‑in anchors are internally threaded sleeves that sit flush with the surface. You insert the anchor into a pre‑drilled hole in solid concrete and then use a special setting tool to expand it.

Once set, you can drive a bolt or threaded rod into it. They’re great for finished surfaces because they don’t stick out.

Where can we use Drop-in Anchors?

• Supporting threaded rods and bolts.
• Suspending lighting or HVAC supports.
• Attaching pipe hangers and conduit systems.
• Overhead installations where flush mounting matters.

Toggle Bolts & Hollow Anchors

Toggle bolts are for hollow brick or CMU block. As they have spring‑loaded wings that open inside the cavity, they spread the load over a larger area. This makes them useful in places where there’s no strong, solid backing behind the material.

Where can we use Toggle Bolts & Hollow Anchors?

• Securing items in a hollow block.
• Hanging heavier objects where a solid backing is absent.
• Distributing the load over a broader area in walls.

Tile Anchors

Tile and plastic anchors are simple sleeves or plugs inserted into softer surfaces like tile or gypsum board. A screw goes into the anchor, pulling it tight and creating a grip. They’re for low‑load tasks where you just need a bit more hold than a screw alone can give.

Where can we use Tile Anchors?

• Hanging bathroom hooks.
• Mounting mirrors or towel bars.
• Installing light accessories where the weight is modest.

Understanding the differences between sleeve anchors, wedge anchors, Tapcon screws, drop-in anchors, toggle bolts, and tile anchors allows you to select the best option for your project needs.

Masonry Anchor Size & Strength Chart

Below is a simplified reference chart to help choose the right anchor based on the application, pull-out strength, and embedment.

Masonry Anchor Strength & Application Chart

*Load varies based on embedment depth, edge distance, and concrete PSI.

How to Choose the Right Anchor Size?

Choosing the right anchor size is crucial for a secure and long-lasting installation. If you pick the wrong size, your fixture could end up falling or becoming unstable, so here's a simple guide to help you get it right.

1. Anchor diameter = fixture weight + safety factor

For heavier items, you need a larger anchor. The bigger the load, the bigger the anchor should be to hold it securely.

2. Embed at least 1” into brick, 1¼” into concrete.

The deeper the anchor is set, the stronger the hold. Aim for at least 1 inch into brick and 1¼ inches into concrete.

3. Avoid drilling near mortar joints.

Mortar is weaker than brick or concrete, so always drill directly into the solid material for a stronger hold.

4. For tile, always drill using a carbide or diamond bit

For tile, always use a carbide or diamond drill bit to avoid cracking the surface

5. For hollow walls - the  order for anchors is - toggle > sleeve > plastic anchors

In hollow walls like drywall, toggle bolts offer the best grip. Sleeve anchors are a good second choice, while plastic anchors are for lighter loads.

Installation Tips for Maximum Holding Strength

Masonry anchors are relatively straightforward to use, but it is still important to exercise caution and observe good practice to stay safe and ensure the job is completed to the highest possible standards.

• Use the correct drill bit size (check the product page on DK Hardware).
• Clean the hole thoroughly. Note: dust reduces anchor grip by up to 40%.
• Maintain correct edge distance and spacing to prevent cracking.
• Choose stainless or hot-dip galvanized anchors for outdoor/humid environments.
• Pre-drill tile slowly with low RPM.

Shop our full selection of anchors, clips, and fasteners to get certified, contractor-grade hardware.

FAQS

1. Can I use a masonry anchor in a drywall or plaster wall?

No, masonry anchors are explicitly designed for use in solid masonry materials like concrete, brick, or stone. If you’re working with drywall or plaster, you should use anchors suited for those materials, such as toggle bolts, molly bolts, or drywall anchors.

2. How do I know what size masonry anchor to use?

The anchor size depends on the weight of the item and the hole size. For heavy items, choose larger anchors like wedge or sleeve anchors. For lighter fixtures, smaller screws or plastic anchors work. DK Hardware offers a wide selection and bulk ordering options.

3. Can I use a masonry anchor for outdoor applications?

Yes, masonry anchors made of stainless or galvanized steel are ideal for outdoor use. DK Hardware carries durable anchors for outdoor projects, with bulk orders and nationwide shipping available.

4. What’s the difference between a concrete screw and a masonry anchor?

Concrete screws tap directly into concrete, no anchor insert needed. For other masonry surfaces, use different anchor types. DK Hardware provides a variety of concrete screws and masonry anchors for bulk purchase and nationwide delivery.

5. Can masonry anchors be used in thin brick walls?

For thin or weak brick, use adhesive or resin anchors instead of expansion anchors. DK Hardware offers anchors suited for thin brick walls, available in bulk and with nationwide shipping.

6. Do I need to clean the hole before inserting the masonry anchor?

Yes, cleaning the hole ensures a secure fit for the anchor. DK Hardware supplies anchors with detailed guidance and offers bulk orders with nationwide shipping.

Finally, Pick the Right Anchor from DK Hardware

Whether you're mounting shelves to brick, installing heavy equipment on concrete, or hanging bathroom accessories on tile, the right masonry anchor ensures your project stays secure for years.

With DK Hardware’s extensive range of tested, high-strength masonry anchors, you can confidently match the right fastener to your base material, load rating, and environment  -  backed by detailed specs, finish options, and nationwide shipping.