Using Tapcon Concrete Screws To Secure Wood To Cinderblock

This is a video of me using Tapcon concrete screws. I wanted to secure two pieces of wood to the cinderblock in my garage. I secured the first 2x4 to the cinderblock without filming the process, but I wanted to get the process of installing the second 2x4 on film. I basically drilled 2 pilot holes into the wood, drilled 2 pilot holes into the cinderblock, and then tightened the 2 Tapcon concrete screws into place. The wood is being held securely against the wall!
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[@bradreichel8413]

In spite of all the haters, I really appreciated a couple of things about this video. He didn't music. He didin't take forever to get to the point, and he turned down the volume when he used the drill. Thanks!

[@carpballet]

“Haters” Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahanahahahajajajahajajajahahahahahahaha.

[@scandata]

I came here to say the same thing.

[@TM-tw1py]

What I like about this video is its real. Its not the perfectly orchestrated video where someone takes an hour to set up everything perfect, and practices a bunch before actually drilling. The power actually does go out on your drill while you are working, and you need to rig up a way to hold the boards in place while drilling. Also - you don't need to be another $200 hammer drill to drive these screws. Your standard drill will get the job done.

[@bradwelljackson6385]

I do like the fact that he likes to explain things very simply for those of us who are DIY novices ; ) His personality quirks can actually cause the video to be more entertaining : )

[@vikingrobot4179]

I do alot of tap cons into concrete bulkheads in buildings, and into block. A few things I always do when attaching woods is 1, predrill a countersink hole for the screw so it sits flush or slightly below the surface so I can putty over for final prep to hide the hole. 2. always use a hammer drill….it will make that drill bit drill like butter. 3. insert a fairly beefy chunk of auto motive or speaker wire into the hole the entire length of the screw and leave about 1” of wire sticking out of the hole. Then insert your tap con screw right next to the wire and run it home. When you’re done your screw will be sunken a bit below the surface and it will definitely be super tight because the wire ensures proper grip on the threads. I cut the excess wire sticking out with a sharp utility knife. Before I learned that trick I had a lot of tap cons just spin in the hole and never tighten up. It is very rare that one does not tighten up using the wire trick unless you have a weak concrete blowout inside the block.

[@OShackHennessy]

I’ve never heard of using wire before, That’s interesting

[@AMERICANA-BOOMSTICK]

@@OShackHennessy we do similar when attaching concrete forms to footings

[@pillockmacpillock2463]

I suspect you were using an impact driver to put the screw in. Use a drill instead, as this cuts a thread better, so no need for wire.

[@BlackMan614]

That is a great idea. I've used Tapcons in the past with concrete block (which has different depths depending on location) and had the tapcons just spin and never bite.

[@tonymanero5544]

For cinder block where the hole is in void space, use a drill driver instead of hammer to avoid blowing out the back when the bit drills through. Also, I would use impact driver for concrete screws; seems to be banging the screw through instead of spinning it to grab turns.

[@lowmanagain]

Im a builder and im just adding the fact that you can also use a counter sink bit on the wood after you drill through the wood if you dont want the screws sticking out past the wood.

[@ericawilliams18]

Are you using a regular counter sink screw first then use your masonry bit

[@SozoSeasonFreedom]

This is exactly what I needed to see before I start drilling, myself. It's a little daunting as a newbie.

[@scottkramer481]

he is drilling into the hollow portion of the cinder block. It is solid about 1" from the edges and directly in the center. Even though he is using shorter tapcons. it is better to drill into the solid block

[@scandata]

Thanks for a brief, informative video. No stupid music intro, no long boring backstory with a bunch of asides, and no lame attempts at humor. This is how all DIY videos should be.

[@scdoty777]

Amen!

[@TiffMcGiff]

The battery dying was classic man lol, thanks for leaving that in.

[@DrBilly90210]

I just finished mounting some 2x4s to a poured concrete foundation wall using Tapcon screws. Some comments about my experience: Drill: For solid concrete, a hammer drill is almost mandatory. You can try with a regular drill but you'll get frustrated and the masonry drill bit tip will likely wear out from heat/friction before you get the first hole drilled. For cinder block (as in the video), it's probably easier and the video seems to show that. Pre-drill holes in wood so you don't ruin a drill bit on the concrete. Use compressed air canister with the thin straw in the hole to remove dust/debris prior to putting in screw. Spray a little WD40 into the hole before putting the screw in. Makes it much easier to insert screw. The comments about using soap on the screw before insertion are in a similar vein Screw position and depth: With cinderblock, I'd try to position the screw so it's not hitting the cavities on the inside of a cinder block (kind of like trying to put a screw through drywall into the stud behind the drywall instead of the stud bay). With solid concrete, this isn't an issue. Tapcon recommends at least 1" of screw into the concrete and maximum depth of 1.75"; for a 2x4 mounted as in this video (i.e. going through 1.5" of wood) that would be a total screw length of 2.5" to 3.25" Tapcon recommends drilling the hole in the concrete 0.25" deeper than the expected depth needed. Example: Mounting a 2x4 as in video with 2.5" screws means there will be 1.0" of screw in the concrete. Therefore, drill the hole in the concrete to a depth of 1.25". I ran a bead of construction adhesive along the back of the 2x4 just before mounting. Screws plus adhesive makes for a very secure mount. If you really wanted to beef it up, you could try using a washer but the tapered screw head is designed for countersinking and might not work too well with a washer. If you screw up and make a hole too big, use something like a toothpick or solid core copper wire in the hole as you insert the screw. I ran the first screw at the midpoint of the board, then used a level to place other screws. My boards were 8' so I placed the first screw at 4', then additional screws at 1, 3, 5, and 7 feet.

[@jacobgoodin2513]

Thanks man this video saved me a shit load of time and mistakes I'm building a room in my garage and had multiple ideas floating around this is great THANK YOU

[@mrmarty1403]

I came to this video trying to figure out how to hold up a piece of wood horizontally while I screwed it to a wall...and I ended up learning how to use a Tapcon screw. Appreciate it. Oh, and not hearing KZbin music was a plus.

[@Mr71chevyvan]

more importantly a discussion on what the "concrete" screws look like and differs from say a wood screw would be an education in itself. already knowing how to drill is a given

[@damionthelwell2032]

Well some of these comments are really brutal. So my comment is going to be like this. I love to use those screws . they save me a lot of time when I have to install kitchen cabinets floating shelves or some built-in Furniture I just love them.

[@Findingmyvoice120]

Damion Thelwell they’re rude. Don’t watch or don’t comment if you all don’t have something nice to say.

[@YourTherapySessionJustStarted]

What size tapcon concrete screws do you use for installing upper kitchen cabinets to concrete and tile walls. Thanks in advance mate

[@damionthelwell2032]

@@YourTherapySessionJustStarted I use 3/4 wood for my cleats so I use 2 1/4" by 3/16 or 1/4 but I used mostly 3/16 screws

[@YourTherapySessionJustStarted]

@@damionthelwell2032 thanks mate for the info😊 you just earned a new subscriber

[@debrahunter8343]

Thank you for a DIY simple wood to concrete block video!

[@SaerTurner-wn2qh]

tip due to the nature of Masonry blocks (cinderblock ) to provide a longer lasting hold a dab of Construction adhesive on the tip of the mason Screw and also a couple dabs on the 2x4 contacting the Block will give you a longer lasting hold and protect you from Failure from degradation of the cinderblock due to moisture or seismic movement and or Load stress .. Many times I have see shelving fall after time from just relying on the Tapcon to maintain a permanent hold ... But all and all Great video good job Cheers

[@judyvaldez735]

I LIKE HOW YOU USED A WOOD.TO HOLD UP THE OTHER WOOD,CAUSE I OFTEN WORK BY MYSELF.

[@dsouzand]

this video didn't need to 5 mins long but I like how you kept everything level

[@egosumumbraemortis5609]

How to actually attach wood to concrete. 1.) before anything, know exactly how much weight said wood will be holding booth horizontally and vertically. Everything else goes from there. If it’s hundreds of pounds you want masonry anchors and lag bolts, if a bike rack 2x4 will suffice 2.) Use a hammer drill with masonry bit and depth gauge to get screws flush 3.) Shop vac the dust out of the hole 4.) check board is level as you drill in each screw 5.) adding anchors is optional, but if it’s solid concrete and you want it to be permanent and unshakaeable, a few dollars for masonry anchors wouldn’t hurt. 6.) I know this guy wants to help people out, but demonstrating with the wrong tools, technique, and steps isn’t helping anyone.

[@mitchellmontgrand726]

I’m tinning a fire hall and I’m wondering what’s the easiest way to strap timber to stucco the building is 80 feet long and 40 wide and about 7 rows just looking for a fast and easy way to strap the walls.

[@pedramariaei-realestateser4205]

Completely agree, you gotta know the weight of what your trying to hang.

[@chriswhite2151]

It's better to predrill the pilot holes on the ground, because once your bit goes through the wood and hits the concrete, your bit is toast.

[@chadpugh1490]

Those are all good pro tips for a pro result. But a pro result isnt always required.

[@susandavisrdh]

@@chadpugh1490good point. Another person replied about the weight/mass you will be attaching; good info.

[@susiewicket7814]

Thanks. Nice demonstration.

[@robertjanez7467]

thanks for the video, as I need to do something similar for a fence attaching stucco side of a house. But shouldn't you have cleaned out the concrete dust from the pilot holes before you screwed the tapcon screw in?

[@Icyrails12]

Very informative, thank you!

[@erwinbenally8027]

Informative and entertaining, thanks for posting

[@sonny2435]

WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO McFLY FROM ``BACK TO THE FUTURE''...........

[@pawo5929]

Ryobi saw this video, apologized and quickly sent him a dewalt drill to “make things right”

[@malcolmjames7388]

How do you know that

[@pawo5929]

Malcolm James ya you’re right. It might have been a mikwakee

[@brennanpizer5004]

Or at least a hammer drill, of any brand? I don't have a problem with Ryobi for some things, but a DwWalt standard drill still isn't the right tool. This is the wrong tool for the job plus not even fully set screws. They look like they stick out at least an inch!

[@Z15TEENG]

black and decker tools are way worse than Ryobi .

[@gustavomacall4949]

He is too young to be using a drill instead of a impact.

[@adstaton8461]

Drag the threads of the TapCon along the edge of a bar of bath soap. It only takes a little of the soap hanging on the threads to make driving easier. If you use enough of these, you will snap one off eventually while driving it and this will help. It won't effect holding strength or pull out.

[@StMichael1100]

Rotary Hammer Drill is necessary for pilot hole. Use a vacuum to clear dust. Also, drill pilot 1/4 inch deeper so dust can be collected when inserting Tapcon screw.

[@GregHassler]

It's obviously not necessary, he didn't use one.

[@thuhreb]

Haven't heard a dude yell at the camera like this since the last scotty kilmer video I watched.

[@pascal0868]

Lol, just finished watching a Scotty video couple of hours ago.

[@SozoSeasonFreedom]

Haha Scotty is great 😆

[@swedacashregisters]

thanks for the vid maybe im crazy but i thought it was helpful to me now i can go hang my wood to wall with some confidence

[@swedacashregisters]

Mine went perfectly thanks to this video

[@damionthelwell2032]

Thank you for sharing that you know letting other people know that those screws do exist because even some professionals don't know they exist. I run into those people all the time when they see me installing they asked me you're not going to put those plastic anchors? I be like no I don't need them. And they're so surprised to see that it works without those anchors.

[@ericjones3920]

All these experts comments. It was just an example . Great video my man.

[@moreseun]

oh wow, very positive! You are the nicest guy in the world! You're right it is just one example, certainly not perfect but hey we're all learning.

[@BurntTransistor]

Yeah, like why do they even make hammer drill if you can do everything with a cheapo cordless drill! /s

Dude, this was great. Thanks!!!!!

[@luptonpittman6520]

A hammer drill would be much faster drilling into concrete. And I would use pressure treated wood when in contact with a concrete wall.

[@blackackcl]

I also laughed how he started drilling with a dead battery

[@dalesworld1308]

Two partially driven screws ready to hold 5 or 6 hundred pounds.

[@zzyzxx13]

For a while. : D

[@DiYDadDojo]

That Ryboi drill is probably not the strongest, a hanmer drill will work a heck of a lot better. I know my makita drills through concrete like butter. Nice results, thanks for the vid

[@theroyalcrownedtiger2946]

Ryobi.

[@mmbengs]

Very helpful. Thanks much👍

[@DesertEagle90]

What size/length tapcon screw did you use to place with wood onto the wall?

[@JimyP9]

very useful video - good idea for me

[@amyrosario813]

awesome video. learned so much! Going to do this for my husband haha

[@quadwheeler8592]

So many professionals in the comments. I'm curious at why they even took the time to watch

[@TM-tw1py]

Nice video. Thanks!

[@mikehall7991]

I have never had luck using tapcons in cinder block. Especially when using the 'recommended' bit size. Maybe I should use a step smaller than that? Also, using a hammer drill makes drilling through the concrete a ton easier and smoother.

[@s2snider]

I've tried tapcons many times and they never ever bite, no matter what size drill I use. Plastic or expanding anchors work well.

[@gatorwing6231]

@@s2snider Obviously you stripped the threads in the masonry. Remove Tapcon & Blow or vacuum out hole. Next insert a small length of nylon snap tie as deep as it will go. Cut flush with surface of masonry. Insert Tapcon and re-drive it. The nylon will accept the Tapcon threads and force the threads into the masonry. Sometimes use 2 nylon snap ties will force better threading. Nylon doesn't deteriorate over time.

[@dlg1776]

This may be a stupid question but is there a special drill bit I need to buy to drill the pilot hole into the concrete? Do I need one for the wood and another for the concrete? Would this hold a cabinet on the wall?

[@5280Fix]

Thanks for the video. You make it so easy. Now its my turn!

[@Findingmyvoice120]

Appreciate your video.

[@jahmenj]

I received this info from the Gardenfork KZbin channel: Maybe it would had been better to explain how some center-blocks have 2 or more cavities (hollow). Depending on the building code, sometimes there will be filled with cement in the cavity (fillblocks). To be safe, it’s best to drill holes in the center blocks in the part that is solid. It’s like a stud in the centerblock, but it’s not. So drill holes in the solid part. You can match up a center block to the wall center block and see where there’s the solid part (1 inch in at the start of a center block and sometimes in the middle of the center block. Longer center blocks may have 3 cavities so drill the holes and if it’s solid straight through, it’s good. If you find your drill reaching the hollow part (rushed thru), then it’s hollow. Ask your hardware store clerk for more info or check out this link to get a better understanding: Gardenfork kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIHdaWN6lrSdmbs

[@shanedurrance]

Great video!

[@heroknaderi]

Very informative

[@Jlayism]

Rule numero uno when using masonry bits, USE A HAMMERL DRILL. It's a MUST.

[@wisdomwisdom817]

awesome thank you

[@rb67mustang]

The holes should be drilled into the wood before it is against the wall. That is unless you want to destroy a perfectly good drill bit when it hits the cement.

[@mudmanKC]

The masonry bits should be used with a hammer drill and will go through wood no problem. Don't need a two drill bit system

[@deangardner8930]

Try using a impact driver to drive the tapcons in that ryobi don't have enough power

[@jeanalexandre1105]

dean gardner you know your tools

[@deangardner8930]

+Koronswagg 17 15 years experience and I'm 31 used tapcons loads of times also ryobi tools are pony lol

[@DarthVader1977]

an* impact, doesn't*.

[@SozoSeasonFreedom]

But they're in there?

[@MrBudcole]

Two screws - neither of which were properly sunk. This is what you call "how NOT to 'secure' anything to anything." Any foundation movement whatsoever is going to result in these 2x4's warping, and probably pulling the screws right back out. Hint: if the screw head is casting a shadow, you didn't do it correctly.

[@brianbrooking496]

Gmail User foundation movement? I don’t think there was any movement.

[@fawadaltaf1]

So for 3 inch tapcon screw. I need to drill 3 inch?

[@laurahorelica5975]

How much weight can these hold?

[@Bob-vr2zl]

The screw looks about 2" but using the benefit of the doubt, let's say the screw is 2-1/2". He drilled into a 2 x 4 so, 1-1/2" of the screw wasn't driven into anything behind the wood...that leaves 1" into the cinder block minus the head of the screw which extends beyond the surface so...3/4" into the cinder block. If the big bad wolf comes along and huffs and puffs on it...shack up with the other pigs.

[@michaelm9581]

Yeah a 2x4 isn’t 2 inches thick man…

[@jddeefo1022]

I would suggest a 3/16 or 5/32 masonry bit, deepending on tapcon used.

[@vsantiesteban562]

What concrete drill bit did you use ?

[@JohnathanAyala]

I need to build a subfloor in a shed can I use this same system building a floor

[@macrie123]

🤣😂🤣 Nailed it! You’re allowed to NOT post things you record. Dude had to know he was gonna get destroyed in the comments.

[@mr.anderson910]

Thank you for this video

[@smarthought]

Are tge dry wall screws? (Sorry im absolutely new to all this)

[@karenflowers9611]

So, what size tap con did you use? 11/2 for the wood plus an inch . Is that 2/1/2 inches? I am trying to add a 1x3 to the base of a wall in a remodel. The original (design?) was drywall on top of 1/2 inch plaster, why? no idea... for cabinet installation. I removed a pantry and am replastering the upper wall. long story short, I wanted to add drywall to the base of the wall for uniformity at 36 inches from the base. The tap cons aren't holding and then I need to attach one wall cabinet to the block. I guess it makes sense not to go into the hollow portion which is what I seem to be doing even though I am using short tap cons. Thanks for the video

[@cedia08]

Helpful video.. thankx

[@TheReapersFear4]

Did you drill into any hollow points?? I did and became worried lol

[@marcosmm59]

I would use pressure treated lumber and the tapcon should be flush

[@didigigi4404]

Hammer Drill is best for concrete drilling

[@Complimnt4u]

SDS

[@RosssRoyce]

Thanks!

[@theones261]

What if you put weights on the wood, like a heavy cabinet.

[@kamykam104]

How do you take the screw out of the wood when it is in the concrete

[@jillianortega6525]

Easy... just hammer em like crazy until rhe wood and concrete turn into dust and powder...

[@kadenmachardy8291]

Whoever sees this , I hope you have a blessed day ✌️

[@spkendrick]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@matthewcarlson9886]

This is amazing, lol.

[@sonny878]

Thank you!

[@otlfitness]

We’re your block hollow? Mine are and want to make Sure this is still a good option. Thanks!

[@ConSeann3ry]

If you don't know you should assume they are hollow. Since this board can be drilled anywhere along it you can drill into the middle or ends of the blocks where there is plenty of concrete.

[@rejeanpaquet4375]

You need to drill about 1/4 inch deeper than your Tapcon screw.

[@kimholland6752]

great video ty

[@tacticalbacon8064]

Can this be done if the block is not filled with concrete

[@justindupuis4383]

Sick ryobi

[@mikecrook8434]

I'm curious why you didn't counter sink the screws so that they're flush.

[@MuckoMan]

I think you lost your illudium Q-36 explosive space modulator.

[@billcooper4525]

MuckoMan LOL! “Mod-jou-late-or”

[@marcsworld1love]

Between your video and the comments, it's pretty simple. Maybe 2 more screws each board, drill deeper, blow out holes, and construction adhesive to block between board if permanent.

[@tonymanero5544]

Agreed. Blow or suck out ducts from drilled holes. I would drill pilot holes without hitting concrete as it will dull a sharp wood bit. Also, use a hammer drill of any brand to drill into concrete.

[@philwang9253]

You are a great presenter and excellent presentation. For people like never done this before, this video does great service to the public. Thank you,

[@SonicOrbStudios]

Great presenter??? This guy made multiple mistakes and was dropping pieces left and right...

[@naterodriguez4493]

will this work for dry wall?

[@mneith4552]

Do U need a special drill for masonry nails?

[@JayLupe]

Thank you so much!

[@Bhappi137]

Title ‘Helpful DIY’ I loved this , it was so bad it was actually good , hits like and subscribes 😳

[@poofypoopy8838]

Dude this is painful😵

[@pawo5929]

He was building a door frame....

[@andylangridge4288]

Securely. Yes.

[@pembrokejones3969]

Thanks for the good info. Haha to the haters he has 400+ thousand subs- including me now!

[@craigmaclaren7635]

Yes, why all the negative comments? Video was to the point. Also showing you don't have to have a hammer drill. Thanks for the video. Got my 2 1X4's on the wall after seeing this. Thanks for the video

[@brois841]

Because it was done to an amateurish level. DIY doesn't mean shoddy work. Sure, his choice of tools sucks, but sometimes you have to use what you've got. What's not excusable though is leaving those bolts untightened, pulling on the board with his fingers and claiming how strong it is. First of all the board/fastener will move around and the bolts shear/tensile strength are compromised. There are plenty of other nit-picks you can read about in the comments, but bottom line: don't do what he did. Drill the hole deeper, get an impact driver and get those screws completely into the wood.

[@walterdiaz2003]

@@brois841not true. Most of the time other contractors come to insult others contractors work or DIY because they have strong feelings -jealous. That’s the amateurish you’re talking about.

[@brois841]

@@walterdiaz2003 I don't know I've had contractors complement previous work when they see it was well done.

[@Dreamw0rxx]

You sound like Greg from Succession, lol

[@GayleGrantDocGrant]

Are you using a hammer drill?

[@kevinm8865]

Gayle Grant He is not using a hammer drill. That appears to be a standard drill

[@ajay1908]

Cheap shit ryobi

[@andrewredmond799]

You made a balls of that the screws were left sticking out

[@9mmsteve]

Will these work in solid poured concrete walls?

[@botsog1177]

Thank you

[@BluePatch-pc7sx]

Thank you!!!

[@timemachineeddie1146]

Great Vid: Thanks for sharing.

[@99GrandAM3400]

First of all, your tapcon's aren't flush. So you need to drill the hole a bit deeper. Speaking of drilling, you ought to use a hammer drill, that's what they're made for. Secondly, you ought to try using an impact driver to drive those tapcons flush.That ryobi wasn't the right tool for the job.

[@einsteinvondaniken]

TheTotalMechanic so I'm in Florida getting ready for Irma. I see a lot of people saying use an impact driver to install, but tapcon recommends a regular drill because I guess you don't want to over-torque them. I'm inexperienced with concrete so I'm asking; what kind of torque can they handle in a typical cinder block home construction, relative to say the torque you'd put on a wood screw? Can I just crank em down with my 18v (small) impact, or do I need to be extra gentle?

[@sandrabrown427]

There is a drill bit one should use to sink the screw head.

[@JohnProffer]

you dont want to use an impact on those screws - it'll shatter the concrete surrounding the threads leaving you with a very weak anchor

[@DONALD1951]

Einstein Von Däniken I tried a regular drill and an impact drill...couldn’t drill through the concrete block. Got a hammer drill and it drilled right through easily. Then used my regular drill to screw in the tapcons...used Phillip heads as I will Sheetrock after and don’t want the hex head protrusion..

[@garyburstell7222]

"phillips head drill bit"

[@wrivers6412]

I bet a Ryobi rep is like dude wtf?

[@emostorm7]

W Rivers there are Ryobi reps?