Frame dowels: characteristics and selection

Dowels are designed for fastening structures to various surfaces. Products are distinguished by characteristics and sizes. You should know about the features of frame dowels, types of fastening, selection and application.

The frame dowel basically has a rod that looks like a regular metal nail. The part serves to tighten and fasten several parts of the structure. The main feature is the presence of an auxiliary element that holds the hardware in the structure.

The structure of the frame dowel has its own characteristics and features. The part consists of a separate spacer part, a head and a screw area. The spacer area is designed in such a way that when it interacts with the dowel, it is prevented from spinning in the hole. The peculiar nozzle also excludes the appearance of cracks and deformation of the supporting structure. At the same time, the element provides a strong and rigid fixation.

There are several types of frame dowel heads: flat and enlarged. The first option does not require dismantling, a flat-head self-tapping screw can be easily covered with plaster. The frame anchor with an enlarged head is made taking into account the possibility of unscrewing without the risk of deformation or breakage of the head. Frame anchors are made of high quality steel. Therefore, the products have a long service life and are able to withstand heavy loads.

All products are galvanized - a layer of 6 microns in accordance with GOST. The galvanized layer prevents scratches. Some types of dowels are coated with a special anti-corrosion agent, which eliminates the appearance of rust and oxidation. And also screws are made of stainless steel and bronze. Hardware from these materials are designed for a very large weight. Brass dowels are not able to withstand a large mass. They are purchased for the installation of lightweight structures.

Frame anchors are not subject to GOST regulation. When the document was created, this type of attachment was not yet available. But the materials of manufacture must comply with the standard requirements of GOST. The sizes of products are regulated by TU. The parameters of the window sashes are of standard dimensions, therefore the parameters and weights of the frame anchors are also standard.

Anchors are distinguished by their dimensions, which are selected based on the material of the working surface and the weight of the window frame. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the parameters of the products. The diameter has a small size range: from 6 to 14 mm. The average dowel diameter is 8 and 10 mm. Such sizes of screws are found in the assortment of any manufacturer. The dimensions of the frame products are presented below:

• 10Х152 mm - min drilling depth 5 cm, max part thickness - 12.2 cm;
• М10Х132 mm - hole depth up to 5 cm, max part thickness - 10.2 cm;
• 10Х132 mm - drilling depth up to 5 cm, max part thickness - 10.1 cm;
• 10Х112 mm - hole depth 5 cm, max part thickness - 8, 2 cm;
• М10Х112 mm - hole depth 5 cm, max part thickness - 8.5 cm;
• 10Х182 mm - drilling depth up to 5 cm, max part thickness - 15.2 cm;
• 10Х180 mm - hole up to 5 cm deep, max part thickness - 14.9 cm.

There are many options for fixing the frame anchor. Hardware are distinguished by some features. For example, the type of installation. Frame anchors are divided into non-removable and removable.

The first option has a flat head. Fully screwed in the dowel is not visible on the frame structure. It can be hidden under a layer of putty or plaster. However, dismantling the dowel will deform the sash. The second option has a large cap that is visible on the surface. The screw can be easily unscrewed without damaging the structure.

Products have different types of caps. The main distinguishing feature is the shape of the slot that determines the screwdriver used during installation. Slots are of the following types:

• straight for a regular screwdriver;
• with an internal hexagon;
• in the form of a star with 6 rays;
• with a simple cross for a cruciform instrument;
• with a cross and a 6-pointed star;
• with a secret hat.

Dowels for frames are made from different materials: nylon, polyethylene, steel, fiberglass. Nylon dowel is a more common option when installing window structures. The polyethylene product can withstand low temperatures and heavy loads. The steel dowel is also designed for the heavy weight of the supporting structure. Fiberglass hardware has a high cost, but combines the reliability of metal and the inert properties of plastic.

Frame screws are available with two, three or multiple spacers. Depending on the type of spacers, the products are equipped with different anti-twisting elements: antennae, special threads or ailerons. The main feature of the dowel structure is the number of spacers.

Hardware with one spacer is intended for installation in concrete and solid bricks. A dowel with several spacer sections also requires installation in concrete structures. In addition, it can be used for fixing to crevice materials: aerated concrete, brick and others. If the base of the product is long, the spacer zones are in several places. When one zone is located inside the surface for attachment, the second rigidly fixes the product by pressing firmly against the surface.

There are a number of parameters to consider when purchasing a frame anchor.

• Manufacturing material. Carbon steel anchors are recommended. Parts have a special zinc coating that protects the surface of the dowel from damage. If a brass product is purchased, then the weight of the frame structure is taken into account. Brass dowels are designed for light loads.
• Options. The dimensions of the dowels include the length and diameter of the stud. The choice of size depends on the weight of the window frame. For massive structures, it is better to choose dowels with a long and thick hairpin. The standard diameter is 8 mm. There are products with a bushing diameter of 10 mm that can withstand dynamic loads. The length of the stud starts from 72 mm, the maximum parameter is 172 mm. All sizes are standardized by the provisions of GOST.
• The quality of the spacer. A reliable spacer sleeve must have a wall thickness of at least 0.8 mm. Otherwise, the dowel will not support the weight of the structure.
• When choosing a dowel, the material of the surface for installation is also taken into account. Each material has its own dowel with its own characteristics and parameters.
• It will be useful to take into account the weight of the structures. Dowels are used not only for the installation of window frames. With the help of them, other repair work is performed, fixing products to various surfaces. For lightweight construction, dowels with one spacer are suitable. Fixing products with a large weight involves the use of screws with double and triple spacers, which will securely hold the structure.
• The choice of the dowel depends on the tool with which the construction work is carried out. If the master has a full set of screwdrivers, then it will not be difficult to pick up the dowels. For a particular type of screwdriver (conventional, Phillips, hex) there are hardware with the corresponding head shape.

Previously, frame hardware was used only for the installation of window frames. Products provide reliable fixation of windows and door frames. To date, the scope of using frame anchors has expanded significantly.

Hardware is used to attach parts to hollow materials such as brick, aerated concrete, aerated concrete. The versatility of the screw implies its use in construction work and for the installation of finishing materials.

The existing types of frame hardware allow you to select a product for various designs. So, with the help of a screw, lamps, paintings, household appliances are attached to the wall. For more massive structures, dowels with a double or triple spacer are used, which are able to withstand a lot of weight. Thus, with the help of products, you can fix a massive chandelier on the false ceiling.

Frame anchors are used during repair and installation work. A wide scope of application of anchors is the installation of window sashes. The features of a particular type of hardware are suitable for a certain weight and size of the structure. Therefore, when choosing, some aspects are taken into account. Observing the basic rules of selection, you can choose a quality product that will provide reliable fixation for many years.

The following video describes the types of dowels.