Concrete makes a tough, durable surface, and securing anything to it typically requires special tools.
To increase holding power, choose a fastener that burrows deeper into the concrete or has a larger diameter.
In that case, consider the following types of fasteners to securely attach a wall to concrete.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Choose a 72 mm fastener length when working with 2x stock.
A yellow booster is about midway on the power range and is usually a good starting point.
Other nails have a thick shank that sometimes has spiral ridges for improved holding power.
Choose a length that will penetrate the concrete at least 1 inch.
Be sure to wear safety goggles when hammering masonry nails into concrete.
Drill with Two Different Bits
A carbide-tipped bit is ideal for drilling concrete.
Although this bit does an acceptable job of punching through steel runner, it drills poorly through wood.
Masonry Screws
Masonry screws are an easy solution for fastening a wall to concrete.
The hex-head style has an integral washer to spread the bearing pressure for a firm grip.
Tightening the hex nut pulls on the bolt and expands the slotted metal sleeve within the hole.
Lag Shields
Lag shields produce strong joints, but they involve more installation steps than most fasteners.
First, drill holes through the wood sole plate with a wood bit and mark the floor.
Replace the sole plate and drive lag screws with washers into the shields.
However, you shouldn’t rely on adhesive alone to anchor the wall.
A single wavy bead of adhesive is adequate to boost the holding power.
For a stronger bond, apply dual strips of adhesive to cover a larger area.
