Best Screws for Concrete
Concrete screws cut their own threads into a pre-drilled hole — no anchor, no plug, removable with a driver. Tapcon owns the category, but GRK and Simpson versions fix its weak spots. The hole diameter is everything: a 3/16-in screw wants a 5/32-in bit, drilled deeper than the embed.
What to Look For
- Match the bit to the screw — 3/16-in screw needs a 5/32-in masonry bit, no guessing.
- Drill deeper than the embed by 1/2 in — dust needs somewhere to go.
- Minimum 1-in embed; 1-3/4 in for anything structural or overhead.
- Hex heads for torque, flat heads for flush — prefer Star over Phillips.
- Coated or stainless in damp or outdoor concrete — plain steel rusts and seizes.
Top Picks
1. Tapcon 3/16 x 1-3/4 in concrete screws (Star drive) Best overall
The category standard with ICC-ES backing — Star drive fixes the old Phillips strip-out complaint, and the box includes the correct bit.
Check price on Amazon →2. GRK Caliburn 3/16 in concrete screws Contractor favorite
Aggressive threads bite old, hard concrete where Tapcons snap — the pro answer to decades-old basement walls.
Check price on Amazon →3. Simpson Strong-Tie Titen HD 1/4 in screw anchors Heavy-duty
A true small-diameter anchor screw with published load values — for railings and ledgers where a Tapcon is not enough.
Check price on Amazon →What to Avoid
Avoid
- Driving without a hammer drill — rotary-only drilling glazes the hole and the screw spins.
- Reusing a stripped hole — step up a diameter or move over an inch.
- Concrete screws for structural loads — they are removable fasteners, not anchors; ledgers want wedge or sleeve anchors.
Also in the toolbox
- Bosch Bulldog SDS-plus rotary hammer — drills true holes fast — the difference between holding and spinning
- Masonry bit set (5/32 to 3/8 in) — matched bits for every concrete screw
FAQ
Tapcon or wedge anchor — which is stronger?
A wedge anchor, by a wide margin — it expands against the concrete along its full length. Tapcons are removable medium-duty fasteners for furring, boxes, and fixtures. Anything structural or overhead gets a true anchor.
Why do my concrete screws keep breaking?
Three usual causes: the hole is too shallow (dust packs and binds the screw), the bit is worn (undersized hole), or you are over-torquing. Drill 1/2 in deeper than the embed, use a fresh bit, and back off the clutch.
Can you remove concrete screws?
Yes — back them out with a driver like any screw. The hole can sometimes be reused once with a larger-diameter screw, but for full strength, drill a fresh hole at least an inch away.
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