5 Types of Hollow Metal Frame Anchors

Hollow metal frames are installed in various locations throughout a building. Many wall types are used in buildings including wood stud walls, steel stud walls, and masonry walls. Due to the different materials used for walls, hollow metal frames must be able to anchor to each wall type. Fortunately there are various methods to anchor the frame to the walls.

The five most common anchor types are:

1. Wood Stud Anchors
2. Steel Stud Anchors
3. Universal Stud Anchors
4. Wire Masonry Anchors
5. Existing Masonry Anchors

Stud Wall Anchors

There are two types of studs that are used for stud walls, they are wood and steel studs. There are hollow metal frame anchors that are specifically used for each wall type and there is also a combination anchor that can be used for either type of stud.

Stud anchors are often shipped loose with the frames or they can be welded into the jambs.

Steelcraft Stud Wall Anchors

1. Wood stud anchors are made with two steel tabs that fold over the face of the stud and fasten to the stud.

2. Steel stud anchors are made with a bent steel plate to butt up against the stud and are fastened to the stud through the throat of the stud.

3. Universal stud anchors are a combination of both types of stud anchors making it usable at either type of stud wall. There are tabs that can fold over the face of the studs or a bent steel plate that can be fastened to the stud through the throat of the stud.

For lock-in anchors:

Masonry Wall Anchors

Hollow metal frame anchors that are used at masonry block walls come in several types and can be dependent on whether the wall is new or will be existing when the frame is installed.4. Wire masonry anchors are used at new masonry wall construction. The frame is set in place and as the block is installed around the opening the wire masonry anchors are set between the blocks. Wire masonry is the most common anchor used at new masonry walls since the anchor can be resized to match the jamb depth of the frame as needed.5. Existing masonry anchors are used at openings where the block walls are already up and waiting for the frame to be installed. These anchors are often referred to as “Punch & Dimple” frame anchors. A tube and strap channel is usually welded to the frame where it has been punched and dimpled in the soffit to receive expansion bolts. These expansion bolts are installed in the existing block through the tube and strap channels.

Conclusion

There are many other options and variations available depending on the wall conditions. Sometimes there is a need for a combination of these anchor types to ensure the frame is anchored correctly and securely in the opening. Always coordinate the wall conditions with your hollow metal frame supplier. There is a lot more hollow metal frame terminology to be aware of when ordering frames. Make sure you understand what you need.

Learn about the rough opening requirements for hollow metal frames in our blog post about rough openings.

As a supplier of Hollow Metal Frames and Hollow Metal Frame Anchors, Beacon Commercial Door & Lock is committed to your satisfaction and will help answer questions and provide support to make sure you get what you need for your projects.

Beacon Commercial Door & Lock is located in Salt Lake City, UT.