Hi,I am looking to specify some simply countersunk fixings for a steel handrail baseplate into concrete. It is not clear for some of the countersunk fixings if they are suitable for external use.
Fixings such as the HST3 have both a carbon steel zinc plated, and a stainless steel version.
The carbon steel states (in the applications summary)"HST3 - Suitable for use in dry, indoor environments". . . .which I assume means it is not suitable for external use.
Whereas the stainless steel version states."Suitable for use in corrosive environments". . . .which I assume it means it is okay for external wet environments.
Other fixings, however, do not have any description of their suitability for external use from what I can see. Take the HLC-SK SLEEVE ANCHOR as an example. This is also only carbon steel/zinc plated, but in the applications, it does not state internal dry environment use only.
Is there a general rule as to what anchors are suitable externally?
What would you suggest as a Hilti product to fix an external handrail baseplate into concrete?Many thanks
Thanks for your enquiry, in essence regarding your HST3 / HST3-R comments you are correct regarding the internal or external application but of course as this is a stud anchor it isn't available in a countersunk head now assuming the head style is the important criteria, we are somewhat limited to stainless steel options as currently we do not have a hot dipped galvanised or similar finished product in that head style. Depending upon your loading and spacing/ edge criteria etc. I'd suggest looking at a screw anchor as a 'through fixing' such as the HUS4-CR range which is stainless steel, countersunk head style and is available in 6, 8 and 10mm and can also be found within the Profis Engineering software. There is also the heavier duty stainless steel HSL-3 SKR available in M8, M10 and M12 again it's a through fix and available within the software. Finally there are female sockets resin or mechanical that need to installed prior to the baseplate being positioned so more onsite accuracy is required, these would be stainless steel with the countersunk headed screw sourced separately to the socket again these can be found in the software. A quick tip in the software you have the anchor filter option where you can select the desired head type and also the material / material finish of the anchor type.