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quote: "do you think it'd drill the 1/2" bit with reasonable ease?"
I think the answer to that depends on the aggregate that was put into the concrete. I used a Milwaukee AC 1/2" hammer drill with a 1/2" bit to drill through 8" of concrete and almost came to t stop when I hit aggregate that must have been something like quartzite. I have hit quartzite with a cold chisel that ended up with a dull chisel and nary a mark on the rock so I know how hard it can be. I love my Porter-Cable cordless but have no desire to try drilling concrete with a cordless on a job like yours. I would spend too much time changing battery packs and running out of juice just as I was getting there.
Larry
Larry
Posts: 108
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Joined: Nov 2006
Kapohocat: "Hotcatz or someone, what do you think of this item being used in asbuilts?"
I would think they would be too labor intensive compared to j-bolts sunk into concrete. I don't know what they cost but I would expect it would be more expensive than j-bolts a well. Of course if somebody goofs and forgets to place a j-bolt or places one under a stud -- oops. This could be a cheaper work around if the building inspector will buy off. I think it helps that the product was designed by Simpson for this application.
Larry
Larry
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Depending on the situation, there are some as-builts where straight (minimum) 1/2" dia. x 12" long anchor bolts were set into the foundation concrete through the bottom plate with special epoxy. The anchor bolts were basically threaded rod so the end would fit in the hole that was drilled. I think they were primarily concerned with lateral shifting and not wind uplift. That was to bring an as-built up to code to get a permit. They also added Simpson ties between the bottom plate and the stud, the top of the stud and the top plates, etc. all the way from the foundation to the roof peak at 4 feet on center. They had access to the framing, though at that time which may have made installation easier.
Is there enough room for a Hilti gun to fit between the sill and the floor? Hilti guns are almost a fun way to install things in concrete. I've also seen some sizeable angle head drills, but for drilling in concrete a hammer drill is preferable and I dunno if they make angle headed hammer drills.
If you are concerned enough about the structural integrity of your house, you may want to consult a structural engineer to get specific and valid information for your house. Adding the brackets would be a good thing, IMHO, however my opinion isn't educated to the level of an engineer's so if you want a more valid opinion, ask a licensed engineer.
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