How to Screw into Concrete

To screw into concrete, you will need specialized screws, a drill, and a proper method of installation. Follow our guide on how to screw into concrete for the best results.

The only screws with sufficient strength to break through concrete are concrete screws. It is crucial to keep a variety of sizes on hand because they come in various lengths. Due to the density of concrete, you will need a screw that can go 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) into it, plus an additional inch (2.5 centimeters) to account for the thickness of the material you are attaching to the concrete. This will ensure that the screw is embedded deeply enough.

When using concrete screws, it is crucial to understand how to drill the hole. Dust collects within drill holes, so you need to build in a little more depth. We recommend you use a hammer drill since it works well for this because you can control the hole's depth to ensure that it is neither too shallow nor too deep.

For working with concrete, there are two types of screw heads:

Your choice will depend on where the screw will be placed – typically hex screws are easier to drive in.

Align the screw before driving it in with a steady low- to medium-pressure drill. Never use a high-speed screwdriver since it can harm the screw's threads and shatter the screw head.

If you are having problems inserting the screw it may be due to several reasons such as:

  • The hole is not deep enough
  • Too much dirt inside the hole

Put a plastic anchor in the hole and screw the screw straight into the anchor if the screw spins freely and will not tighten.

If you are unsure about any of the steps or would like to know more about how to screw into concrete, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly experts here.

Items you will need