Can I use screws and plastic anchoring inserts to secure a metal outlet box to a concrete block wall?

Question

The block wall is behind drywall. I just want to anchor the metal electricial outlet box to the block wall. Any suggestions.

Answer 1

You can absolutely use screws and plastic anchors. That has been an industry standard for about 30 years. The work fine. Just don't drill the holes too large where the anchors don't go in snuggly.
These screws can hold big-time weight when used properly.

good luck

Answer 2

The variations in "anchors" are many, and plastic probably wouldn't degrade any more rapidly than galvanized anchors.

In your case I want to assume this is indoors, like a basement or garage.

I'd probably opt for a metal type with an expandable sleeve on the tip, to better secure the screw. Not so much Just for the screw, but any pressure/tension/ minor abuses in opening/closing/disturbing the box and how it's secured. Certainly they come in various lengths and you issue is to mount into the block. the drywall is just a NON issue to get through.

That said however, you don't detail if the drywall is on studs secure to the block, and any space related to that.

If it's just drywall you'll be attaching to, then I suggest Hollow Wall Anchors. In any case you have to determine the situation that exists, decide what you prefer doing, and know the depth to the block, if you choose to anchor into it. Example: A STUDDED wall would equate to perhaps 1/2 inch drywall; approximately 3 & 5/8 inches of Stud depth; then any depth into Block you assume would hold the screws/ elect. box.

Not knowing if this is a single outlet type box or an entire breaker panel box for the whole house; it's a bit difficult to advise BEST in your situation. If for instance you're talking about a switch box or receptacle box you'd be cutting it into the drywall to FLUSH it UP and tapcons could be used, into the block. OR...if the stud thing/ receptacle box example is the case, just attach the box to an appropriate stud.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

What I would do is use tapcons to secure it to the block. What you need is a masonry bit and these blue screws called tapcons. It should say what size bit you need to use the tapcon. A little trick to using these tapcons is use some hand soap and put it on the screws. It cools the bit and the screws go into the masonry a lot easier. These screws are made to not rust and if you were to look on a deck attached to a foundation wall, you would see these tapcons being use. I will tell you that sometimes they can be a SOB if you hit a stone in the masonry. If all else fails, you can buy a metal expander that a screw will fit into. They are made to expand as you put the screw into it. They are also made to not rust. Good Luck!

Answer 4

If you drill the holes small enough for the anchors to work, then you should be set.

You should just barely be able to force the anchor into the hole.

Personally, I would just epoxy the thing to the block wall, but then again that's my solution to everything.

Answer 5

yes you can.
you can also use concrete nails. drill the concrete and drive the nails into the hole. it saves time. quick and easy.

if your thinking to attaching it to the drywall use blind ribbits and fix it in the metal studs. or run a horizontal stud if the Utility box is can not be supported.

Answer 6

They have special screw kits for concrete. Just make sure you have the right drillbit for the job. Otherwise you're gonna be spending a long, frustrating time...

Answer 7

Hammer drill, cement drill bit, plastic anchors, screws, and away you go.

Answer 8

go to the hardware store and ask for TAP CONS, there a hardend screw made for cement,

Answer 9

Yes.

There is your answer and you don't have to read a whole story.