Mach929

iTrader: (3)

ok i've slowly working on my back porch and now i'm to the point where the posts are ready to go back in. When the footings were done my buddy who was finishing them while i was at work didn't sink any anchors into them so i'll have to somehow fix the post bases. I've never really drilled or put bolts into concrete before. anyone have any advice or tips on how to do or what to use. i don't have a hammer drill and i'd rather not buy one. I really don't want to screw this up and have to dig these monsters out of the ground. the 3 posts are 4x4" and 10 feet apart the tops of the footings are 8" sonotubes. I understand i don't want to put anything to big too close to the edge. I'm figuring the biggest loads perpendicualar to the vertical posts will be if i hang a hammock between them. So i'll need something to easily handle that (my) load. any insight would be appreciated.

dpexp

iTrader: (6)

Masonry bit, hammer drill not required.

TrickerZ

iTrader: (6)

^ +1 though hammer drills are more fun

Mach929

iTrader: (3)

that's kinda what i was hoping to hear but after doing research it seems a hammer drill will make a nicer hole. how bad is it gonna be will a regular drill? i do have a beastly 1/2 drill. I'm leaning towards a 1/2 sleave anchor in the middle of each tube. but it may be overkill. here's the specs.
installation torque: 20 ft lbs
tension: 4350 pounds in 4000psi concrete (which i used)
shear: 4950 lbs

Stein

iTrader: (46)

Seriously, pony up the $10 (or$15) to rent a hammer drill from one of the rent-all places.

Every big box store will have "tap in" concrete anchors. They are a bolt with a tapered sleeve on them. Drill hole, tap into place. When you tighten them. the tapers slide and lock the stud into place.

EDIT: OK you know about the anchors. Use the 1/2" ones, rent hammer drill. win.

rharris19

iTrader: (41)

I installed some 3/4 anchor bolts last mont with a regular drill before being told they had a hammer drill. It took less than a third of the time to drill the holes with the hammer drills. Also, it is easier on the bits too since they don't get as hot.

AlexO35

iTrader: (7)

B&D sells a corded 1/2" hammer for around $30. Not a bad deal for a few uses. (Not that I've used one mind you.)
--Alex

slutz4

iTrader: (3)

Id just buy a hammer drill and make it an excuse to buy another sweet tool. On a serious note Ive drill into concrete alot and I cant imagine not using one

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

Rent a GOOD Hilti hammer drill. Drilling a 1/2" hole into concrete will be a slow process unless you have a decent hammer drill. A regular drill is just going to ruin your bits.

Mach929

iTrader: (3)

footer + hammerdrill + anchor bolt = WIN!!!

father in law has a hammer drill, worked perfect

magnamx-5

iTrader: (7)

hey i have that drill it is very good at what it does GJ