What anchor data sheets say about hole cleaning

Every anchor data sheet we have read includes a hole cleaning step, but they do not all say the same thing. The Ramset mechanical anchor sheets call for brushing, then removing the debris by vacuum, hand pump or compressed air. The Ramset chemical anchoring sheet sets out a blow and brush sequence, with dustless drilling as an alternative. The Hilti HIT-HY 200 sheet calls for compressed air unless a hollow drill bit was used. Read the sheet for the product you are setting.

Ramset TruBolt stud anchors

The TruBolt section of the Specifiers Anchoring Resource Book says to clean the hole thoroughly with a hole brush, then remove debris with a hand pump, compressed air or a vacuum. It also maps thread size to hole diameter: an M8 TruBolt goes in an 8 mm hole, an M10 in 10 mm, an M12 in 12 mm and an M16 in 16 mm.

Ramset AnkaScrew screw-in anchors

The AnkaScrew Technical Data Sheet Guide says to brush thoroughly, then remove debris by vacuum, hand pump or compressed air. AnkaScrews go in a hole the same size as the anchor, so an 8 mm AnkaScrew goes in an 8 mm hole.

Ramset DynaBolt Plus sleeve anchors

The DynaBolt Plus section says to brush the hole, then remove debris by vacuum, hand pump or compressed air. A DynaBolt Plus M6 goes in an 8 mm hole, an M8 in 10 mm and an M10 in 12 mm.

Ramset chemical anchoring, anchor studs

The chemical anchoring section covers stud size to hole diameter, embedment and the cleaning sequence: blow twice, brush twice, blow twice, brush twice, blow twice. A dustless drilling system is listed as an alternative. M8 studs go in a 10 mm hole, M10 in 12 mm and M12 in 14 mm.

Hilti HIT-HY 200 injection mortar

The HIT-HY 200-A/R technical data sheet sets the cleaning requirements by drilling method. A hammer drilled hole is to be cleaned with compressed air unless a hollow dust removal drill bit was used. Its rod size to bit diameter figures match Ramset's for M8, M10 and M12.

What they have in common

All five include a cleaning step before the anchor goes in. All five set the hole diameter from the anchor, not from the bolt you are fixing. And each sets out its own method, so a habit picked up on one product does not carry over to the next.

They differ on how the dust comes out. The three mechanical anchor sheets name a vacuum as an option. The two chemical anchor sheets specify blowing or compressed air, or a dustless or hollow bit system.

Where a vacuum nozzle fits, and where it does not

Where a data sheet lists a vacuum, a nozzle sized to the hole does that step. It reaches the bottom of the hole, 140 mm on ours, and pulls the dust into the drum instead of pushing it into your breathing zone.

Where a data sheet specifies compressed air or a hollow drill bit, a vacuum nozzle does not replace that. You can still use it to clear the bulk of the dust first, then carry out the method the sheet specifies.

Reading a data sheet on site

• Find the hole diameter and embedment depth for your anchor size, and drill a little deeper for debris.
• Find the cleaning method and the number of cycles. Follow them as written.
• Where the method includes brushing, use a stiff wire or nylon brush sized to the hole.
• Where an engineer's specification applies, it takes priority.

The anchor to hole size table brings the hole sizes together in one place, and the compatibility page matches them to your vacuum. The hole cleaning guide has the step by step pattern, and the help centre has short answers.