Fastening Sole Plate to Concrete

[i386]

Preparing a section of my basement as a workshop.... I'm building a 8'hx16'l non load bearing interior wall on a concrete slab. The pressure treated sole plate needs to be fastened to the slab. I'd rather not cough up the money for a powder actuated nailer if I don't have to. (Sure sounds like fun though) Another idea is to use concrete screws. I can get a masonary bit but none of my drills are hammer drills. Hmm maybe I've answered my own question.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Fastening Sole Plate to Concrete

You just listed the only two means. I had the same issue with my screen porch. The .22 cal hammer is fun as hell to use and only costs about $20, but seeing as you will likely on ever use it once, I would advise to break down and buy a hammer drill. I bought a rigid from HD for $99 and it is a wonderful drill. I also used it when I gutted my transom and built a split rail fence (~400 1" fast bore holes.. burned up a brand new ryobi drill in 20 mins on the same task).

Be sure to buy a quality concrete bit (cost ~$9) or you'll be there forever. Also let the bit do the drilling. Push too hard and it'll dull the bit before the 1st hole is finished (not to mention the hammer will not actuate if you push too hard).

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fastening Sole Plate to Concrete

A good 1/2 variable speed drill with a masonary bit will drill right down. You may not need a hammer drill at all. Give it a shot. I have drilled many holes into concrete that way..... but yes a hammer drill is faster.

 

[Susquehanna Squid]

Re: Fastening Sole Plate to Concrete

I just finished my basement and did not use a hammer drill for any of the tapcons I ran into the concrete (20 in all). But, lowkee is right, don't skimp on the bit. I have used the tapcon bit and it wears out pretty quick so I tried another one (not sure of the name but it was shiny, not black/gray like the tapcon bit) that I found a Lowe's and it worked great. Also, if it is 16 feet of non load-bearing wall you can probably get away with just 4 or 5 tapcons. Just remember to pull the bit out of the hole frequently when you are boring the hole.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Fastening Sole Plate to Concrete

A good 1/2 variable speed drill with a masonary bit will drill right down. You may not need a hammer drill at all. Give it a shot. I have drilled many holes into concrete that way..... but yes a hammer drill is faster.

Worth a try, I guess, but I have encountered cured concrete that was harder than the hubs of hell. A regular drill made no progress but the hammer drill sliced thru it like a hot knife thru butter.

 

[i386]

Re: Fastening Sole Plate to Concrete

Good news. I was talking about this project with a buddy over lunch. He offered to let me use his Makita 1/2" hammer drill. Should be no problem now.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Fastening Sole Plate to Concrete

If the concrete was properly poured/mixed, and you have no moisture issues, you could put the plate in with a good grade of construction adhesive.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Fastening Sole Plate to Concrete

Good news. I was talking about this project with a buddy over lunch. He offered to let me use his Makita 1/2" hammer drill. Should be no problem now.

Well, except your gonna like the hammer drill so much you will probably have to buy one!

 

[Jayboid]

Re: Fastening Sole Plate to Concrete

I did my (non-load bearing) walls with just a regular drill and masonry bits, tieing them down with cement screws and lots of construction adhesive. They are unmovable.