FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Retro-fitting concrete foundation anc…

| Posted in General Discussion on December 8, 2001 02:25am

*
I’ve got to retrofit a house where the base plate was never properly attached to the foundation. I have used “red-heads” in the past but some times have had trouble with them not expanding properly. What do you think of the expoxy system for setting threaded rods – specifically the simpson strong tie version? Also, when you drill the plates do you use a seperate drill? I usually use my cordless to drill the plate and then my rotary hammer to hit the concrete but I always seem to drill a little to far with my cordless and kill the bit pretty quick. Last question, whats the best way to attach the cripple walls where I don’t have enough room to fit in a drill. Thanks as always!

Eric

Reply

Replies

  1. Joe_Hennessey | Dec 05, 2001 09:59pm | #1

    *
    E, if you Email Andy he might be able to tell you what issue several years ago had a pretty good article about seismic fun in the crawl space. I think it covered your questions. Joe H

    1. Michael_Rimoldi | Dec 06, 2001 01:31am | #2

      *E, The threaded rod and two part epoxy system Simpson makes is EXCELLENT! I've used them for the past two years with absolutely no problems. The only problem being we had to remove a bolt placed in the wrong spot and the bolt sheared off before the epoxy gave way. Just make sure you use the two part that mix in the screw on spout. The other Simpson product is made to be mixed in the tube (single cartridge like a tube of caulk) and it works well but you have to move way too fast. You only get about 3 minutes working time at 80 degrees. At $12. a tube you can only set about three or four bolts and then it gets hot and burns your hand. No kidding!Mike

      1. Rich_Beckman | Dec 06, 2001 02:38am | #3

        *> Also, when you drill the plates do you use a seperate drill? I usually use my cordless to drill the plate and then my rotary hammer to hit the concrete but I always seem to drill a little to far with my cordless and kill the bit pretty quickI've used a hammer drill. Turn the hammer off for the wood and then on for the concrete. One drill, one bit. Or do what you describe but put a masonry bit in the cordless.Rich Beckman

        1. Rocky_Stephenson | Dec 06, 2001 04:07am | #4

          *E, By all means use the epoxy. BE SURE THE HOLES ARE CLEAN!!! Follow mfg's instrutions to the letter. 1/8 inch over bolt diameter. Rocky

          1. Don_Reinhard | Dec 08, 2001 12:51am | #5

            *None of you mentioned the Simpson two part system that comes in a self contained glass tube. Goes into a 9/16 inch hole for a 1/2 inch bolt. Drop "Test tube" down hole and drive bolt through it. Tube shatters and two parts mix as bolt passes down hole. Yes, it holds - like concrete. At least you only use the qty you need since they are self contained. I had to do about 30 of them in a sill plate - used a 1/2 inch Bosch combination rotary and hammer drill w/ a Black & Decker 9/16 inch bit w/ an SDS shank. Only 9/16 bit I could find. Worked quite well. Went through concrete like cold butter. They are quite correct about how to clean hole. Anything less does not get adequate dust off walls. Get a refrigerator coil cleaning brush - has a tip about 6 " long that is about 3/4 inch in dia. Just right length and dia.Don

          2. xJohn_Sprung | Dec 08, 2001 02:25am | #6

            *> whats the best way to attach the cripple walls where I don't have enough room to fit in a drill. There's a kind of "7" shaped bracket that goes over the sill plate and bolts to the side of the concrete stem wall. I'd have to go into my crawl space to get the make and model number. -- J.S.

  2. E_Pinkston | Dec 08, 2001 02:25am | #7

    *
    I've got to retrofit a house where the base plate was never properly attached to the foundation. I have used "red-heads" in the past but some times have had trouble with them not expanding properly. What do you think of the expoxy system for setting threaded rods - specifically the simpson strong tie version? Also, when you drill the plates do you use a seperate drill? I usually use my cordless to drill the plate and then my rotary hammer to hit the concrete but I always seem to drill a little to far with my cordless and kill the bit pretty quick. Last question, whats the best way to attach the cripple walls where I don't have enough room to fit in a drill. Thanks as always!

    Eric

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Installing Prefinished Cabinet Molding

Use these assembly techniques when installing crown risers and molding to minimize visible gaps and nail holes.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in