Through Bolt for Concrete: What It Is, Which Size to Use, and How to Install
A through bolt is a concrete anchor you insert through the fixture into a drilled hole. Tighten the nut → the cone expands the sleeve → the bolt grips the concrete. Use M8–M10 for light/medium fixtures, M12–M16 for machinery/steel, and M20 for very heavy loads. Tighten to the recommended torque for safety.
What is a Through Bolt?
A through bolt is a mechanical anchor for fixing base plates, frames, railings, cable trays, HVAC supports, and machinery into concrete. It saves time because you install it through the fixture—no extra steps. FERRY Through Bolts are built with an optimum cone angle (controlled expansion), high dimensional accuracy (consistent batches), and corrosion-resistant finish (long life on site).
Through Bolt vs Wedge Anchor: Which Should I Buy?
Through Bolt → Best when you want fast through-fixing with the plate already in place (railings, trays, frames).
Wedge Anchor → Insert in the base first, then mount the fixture. Good too—but slower on repetitive work.
If your site team asks, “Can we just drill and fix right away?” → choosethrough bolts.
How to Choose Through Bolt Size (3 Steps)
Duty / Load
Light–medium: M8–M10
Machinery / structural steel: M12–M16
Very heavy/dynamic: M16–M20
Concrete & Fixture
Check minimum concrete thickness.
Match the fixture hole diameter to the bolt’s requirement.
Length & Torque
Length must cover fixture thickness + embedment + washer/nut with full thread engagement.
Tighten to the recommended torque (see below).
If you’re between two sizes and the design allows, go one size up. It’s safer and easier to inspect.
Sizes, Holes, and Torque (FERRY Through Bolt Specs)
Notes: “Fixture hole” = hole in your plate/bracket. “Minimum substrate” = minimum concrete thickness. Measurements may vary within normal tolerances.
M8 Series — Fixture hole: 9 mm | Minimum substrate: 100 mm | Recommended torque: 15 Nm
Bolt
Length (mm)
Thread (mm)
M8
50
14
M8
65
25
M8
80
40
M8
115
65
M10 Series — Fixture hole: 11 mm | Minimum substrate: 100 mm | Recommended torque: 25 Nm
Bolt
Length (mm)
Thread (mm)
M10
65
22
M10
80
30
M10
95
46
M10
115
65
M10
130
80
M12 Series — Fixture hole: 13 mm | Minimum substrate: 100 mm | Recommended torque: 45 Nm
Bolt
Length (mm)
Thread (mm)
M12
80
30
M12
100
40
M12
120
60
M12
135
75
M12
150
90
M16 Series — Fixture hole: 18 mm | Minimum substrate: 130 mm | Recommended torque: 110 Nm
Bolt
Length (mm)
Thread (mm)
M16
105
55
M16
140
60
M16
180
100
M16
220
140
M20 Series — Fixture hole: 22 mm | Minimum substrate: 160 mm | Recommended torque: 180 Nm
Bolt
Length (mm)
Thread (mm)
M20
125
65
M20
160
65
M20
200
100
M20
300
100
Real Use-Cases: What Size Works Where?
Railing posts/handrails on concrete slabs: Start M8–M10; pick length for plate + full thread engagement; torque to spec to stop wobble.
HVAC frames/duct supports:M10–M12; for rooftops or damp areas, choose a corrosion-resistant finish.
Cable trays (industrial runs):M8–M10 at close spacing; move to M12 where spans/loads increase.
Machinery base plates (factory):M16–M20; torque all bolts evenly.
Structural steel brackets/seats: Usually M12–M16; go M20 for heavier members or where design requires.
Procurement shortcut: Stock M10, M12, M16 in 2–3 lengths each—this covers ~80% of common tasks.
Through Bolt Installation (Fast & Correct)
Drill & clean the hole to the right diameter/depth. Brush/blow out dust.
Through-fix: Keep the fixture in place. Insert the through bolt through the fixture into the hole.
Washer + nut, then torque to the recommended value (use a calibrated wrench).
Do not reuse. Through bolts are single-use anchors.
Avoid these mistakes: dusty holes, wrong hole size, over-/under-torque, choosing a length that doesn’t allow full thread engagement, and installing in concrete thinner than the minimum.
Through Bolt Price in India: What Affects Cost?
Diameter & length (M20 costs more than M8; longer costs more than shorter)
Finish (standard vs higher corrosion resistance)
Order volume (bulk = better rates)
Lead time & delivery location
Buying for projects or annual consumption? Ask for bulk pricing and a size-mix that fits your BOQ to reduce waste.
Why Choose FERRY Through Bolts?
FERRY International, through bolts, delivers precise, corrosion-resistant, high-load anchoring you can trust—backed by consistent specs, fast through-fixing, and bulk-ready pricing across India.
Optimum cone angle for controlled expansion (secure hold)
High-dimensional accuracy for consistent performance
External grip features for reliable fixing in concrete
Corrosion-resistant finish for long service life
Bulk orders at competitive prices across India
Talk to a Specialist (24×7)
Enquire Now • WhatsApp Now • Request a Callback
📞 011-41410882 Tell us your fixture thickness, concrete grade, and approximate load—we’ll determine the right M-size, length, and torque, and build a cost-efficient bulk mix.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Is a through bolt good for cracked concrete?
Use according to the engineer’s design and site conditions. Through bolts provide a strong fixing in sound concrete; follow torque specifications and manufacturer's guidance.
For speed and repeatability, through bolts are great. For edge-distance issues, high loads in weaker concrete, or specific design cases, your engineer may pick chemical anchors.