Attaching a 2X6 to concrete ceiling

[Not that Bob]

I have been volunteered to hang drama class drapes in a small private school multi use room. The building is old, built in the late 1920's. I want to use a 2X6 runner (26 feet long) to use as my "base" and hang the curtain track from the 2X6. My thinking is that if I fasten the 2X6 to the concrete ceiling, I can then fasten as many spots as I need for the track, without having to worry about drilling in to the concrete ceiling for that track. My worry is how to attach the 2X6 to the ceiling. The ceiling appears to be, essentially, a slab, the other side of which is the floor on the next level. Obviously, I am not going to hang much weight, but I want to make sure the 2X6 doesn't come down on some kids head in the future. Can I use tapcon screws for this, or should I go with a heavier anchor? Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[capnamerca]

scotch tape should do the trick.

 

[jerich9701]

I wouldn't use tapcons in a hanging application like that. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and get Redheads. You have to pre-drill the hole (but you have to for tapcons as well). They wedge themselves into the hole as you tighten down the nut. They would have a stronger "pull out" strength than tapcons would. They may even have their PSI pull out strength listed on them.

Good luck.

 

[01 grad]

Advice above is good. I would also use some construction adhesive too.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

What Jerich is mentioning is also known as an expansion bolt.

If you don't have much weight, go for a thinner version to make the holdes smaller. Also, don't lose the washer & be sure to use it.

 

[Summerof79]

Drill holes for the anchor bolts, make SURE and match the drill bit size specified for the anchors bolts you use. After drilling the holes wipe down the hole area very well to remove any dust or dirt where the 2x6 will run. I would wipe down with a wet rag, then probably come back and wipe down again with rubbing alcohol because it's cheap and cuts through grit and leaves no residue. I also agree with using construction adhesive.

On the 2x6 you are going to drill not only a for the bolt to go through, but if you and them flush mounted a larger recess for the bolt head and washer (a necessity) into the wood.

I woudl also probably decide where I want the lights to go and pre-drill holes to make my fastening of the spots much easier. Again much smaller drilled holes that the screws you will use. Makes it a LOT easier to get the spots in the right spot, working above your head.

 

[Not that Bob]

Thanks all. The thought of being on a ladder, trying to hold up both ends of a 2X6, and drill holes into concrete at the same time, has my back and neck hurting already.

 

[Luke Duke]

This definitly isn't a 1 person job

 

[BigWill]

oh ****...

you need to use an epoxy anchor for this job. You could probably get away with pre-drilling the wood, holding it up with a couple of ramset pins, then finsihing it off with the anchors.

 

[Not that Bob]

I'll google ramset pins. That's a new one on me.

 

[BigWill]

Ramset is a brand-name for a powder-actuated fastening tool. You load a blank cartridge (.22 or so) into a gun that shoots a stiff steel pin into concrete.

Most of the interior walls in a slab-foundation house are attached to the concrete in this manner.