Contractor used Sika epoxy to anchor 3 / 4 “ X 12” all thread that was suppose to be 10” deep with 2” above exposed. Sika instructions required a 7/8” wide drilled hole. The contractor knew more than Sika and said that a 3 / 4” drill would be better because by the time the bit moved around the hole would be big enough. To make a long story short the all thread is only about 5” to 6” deep. I now have to remove and reset all 48 anchors. I know I will be able to double nut the all thread, heat the all thread with a torch and turn out. (This contractor is gone) With the all thread removed I then have to use 7/8” concrete drill bit to widen the holes to 10” deep and then epoxy the correct way.
MY PROBLEM, QUESTION IS……. I think when I try to enlarged the hole from 3 / 4” to 7/8” the drill will re-heat the remaining epoxy and make a big gummy mess with the concrete dust and just plug the bit in the hole.
I think I should try a regular 3 / 4” drill bit to just remove as much epoxy first and then use the 7/8” concrete bit VERY slow to try and keep the HEAT down….. PLEASE ANY HELP/IDEAS WILL BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED….. THANKS
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Replies
Firsrt off, you might want to try using an impact driver to remove the bolts (with or without heat).
The "epoxy" probably isn't, but is instead "polyester resin", so it's hard to predict how it will react. But in my experience epoxy doesn't melt and get gooey (though the heat of the torch will weaken it). However, you probably would be wise to use a "disposable" 3/4" bit to clear the holes as much as possible.
Epoxy resin is used to set bolts, polyester resin is not. Unless a mistake was made there is no chance that the resin used was polyester.
Makes me wonder, then, what those packs of anchor-setting polyester resin I've seen at HD are for.
Good to read!
Using lock nuts as you suggest the bolts should come out fairly easily with out heat. Drilling the larger hole should also be easy although you may have to use a metal cutting bit to get through the epoxy part. I've never seen any hint of it melting when drilled.
Thanks for the help and ideas. Just to clear up things about this Epoxy here is what there web site says.
SIKA ANCHOR FIX2 (Two Component Solvent and Styrene-Free, Modified-Acrylic Anchoring Adhesive)
I will try and remove the all thread before heating but the product says it is an ADHESIVE so I think it will have to be heated first.
I do know that I have five all thread that just turn and do not tighten up. I will try one of these first.
I will keep you up to date on what works as soon as I get back to work on this.. THANKS AGAIN
anchor bolts
Is spacing and placement so critical you can't just cut off and abandon the old ones and install all new ones?