Wedge Inserts are also known as Relieving Angle Inserts, Shelf Angle Inserts, Malleable Iron Inserts and Lintel Inserts. Regardless of the name the photo to the right is the basic item.
The Wedge Insert is used to provide a system to anchor steel to concrete. There are some factors to be aware of if the building you are constructing calls for these anchors.
To view the catalog page showing sizes and Askew Head Bolts click here.
To view drawings showing the installation system click here.
Vertical Adjustment
The face of the Wedge Insert has a vertical slot. On the Regular Wedge Insert it is 2-1/2" long. On the Long Wedge Insert the vertical slot is 4" long. This is one of the most important features of the Wedge Insert. The vertical adjustment allows for corrections in placement or for variations in the concrete slab. It is what allows the erector to keep the Relieving Angle level.
Wedge Surface Mates with Wedge on The Head of The Askew Bolt
The drawing to the right shows the angle in the head of the Askew Bolt. This mates with the sloped ledge inside the Wedge Insert. This important feature limits potential slippage as weight is applied.
Taped Face
While the concrete is being poured the heavy tape helps keep liquid concrete from entering the Wedge Insert cavity. Any cement in that cavity will inhibit the adjustment of the Askew Head Bolt. To keep the cavity empty it is also important to have the Wedge Insert firmly fastened to the plywood forms and make sure all nail/screw holes are covered.
Askew Bolts / Askew Head Bolts
The Concrete Wedge Inserts available from stock use a 3/4" diameter Askew Head Bolt. Some companies indicate they also stock a Wedge Insert that uses a 5/8" diameter Askew Bolt however there are never any available. As far as we know the only new Wedge Inserts being made are for 3/4" bolts.
Often renovation jobs on buildings from approximately 1980 and earlier will uncover Wedge Inserts that require 5/8" diameter Askew Bolts. For this reason The Steel Supply Company has the 5/8 diameter bolt in stock. To see the listing, click here.
Be careful with the dimensions of the Askew Bolt Head. The square head is designed to fit properly in the cavity of the Wedge Insert. Some non-compatible askew head bolts have smaller head dimensions which could affect performance. Below are the dimensions of the Askew Head Bolts in stock.
Made in USA
As far as we know Wedge Inserts, Relieving Angle Inserts, Shelf Inserts, Malleable Iron Inserts are not made anywhere in the United States. The ones we have seen are all imported. This creates problems with jobs that require all products be Melted and Made in the USA. An exception would need to be applied for by the fabricator or Project manager. Note: Our 5/8" Askew Bolts and the Stainless Steel Askew Bolts are made in the United States. The 3/4" Askew Bolts in stock are imported. We have made the 3/4 diameter in the USA in the past and can do so on special order.
Galvanized Surface
All stock Wedge Inserts and Askew Head Bolts are Hot Dip Galvanized.
Deep Stock
As mentioned above all the Wedge Inserts we know of are imported, mainly from China. Because of the lengthy order lead times, often as much as 4 months or more, The Steel Supply Company keeps a deep stock of all items related to this line. Regardless, if your project is calling for Wedge Inserts and Askew Head Bolts it is a good idea to contact us as early in the project as possible. We will do whatever is necessary to assure your products are on hand and delivered to your fabrication plant or jobsite in a timely and complete manner.
