Pushlock Anchor

Understanding Pushlock Anchors: A Comprehensive Guide

Pushlock anchors, also known as drive-in anchors or expansion anchors, are a type of mechanical fastener used to secure objects to concrete, masonry, or other solid substrates. Unlike traditional anchors that require pre-drilling and separate setting mechanisms, pushlock anchors offer a quick and easy installation process. This article provides a detailed explanation of pushlock anchors, covering their design, installation, applications, and limitations.

1. The Anatomy of a Pushlock Anchor

A pushlock anchor typically consists of a cylindrical body with an expansion element at one end and a threaded shank at the other. The expansion element, often made of malleable metal, features internal grooves or ribs designed to deform and grip the surrounding material when driven in. The threaded shank accepts a screw or bolt, providing the means to attach the desired object. Materials used in pushlock anchors vary; common ones include zinc-plated steel, stainless steel, and nylon for specific applications requiring corrosion resistance. The specific design of the expansion element varies depending on the manufacturer and intended application, but the core principle of expansion within the substrate remains consistent.

2. The Mechanism of Installation and Expansion

The installation process is straightforward: the anchor is driven directly into the pre-drilled hole. As the anchor is hammered or driven in using a power tool, the expansion element at the base deforms outward, creating a strong mechanical grip within the hole. This expansion creates significant friction and clamping force, securing the anchor firmly in place. The force applied during driving is crucial; insufficient force can lead to inadequate expansion and a loose anchor, while excessive force can damage the substrate or the anchor itself. The amount of expansion is carefully engineered to create the necessary holding power for the specified load.

3. Advantages of Using Pushlock Anchors

Pushlock anchors offer several advantages over other anchoring systems:

Speed and Ease of Installation: Their push-in design eliminates the need for pre-drilling, making them significantly faster to install than expansion anchors requiring separate setting tools. This translates to considerable time savings on large-scale projects.

Cost-Effectiveness: The simplified installation process reduces labor costs, contributing to overall cost savings. This is particularly beneficial for projects with a high number of anchors.

Versatility: Pushlock anchors are available in various sizes and materials, catering to a wide range of applications and load requirements. Different sizes allow for securing different weights and types of fixtures.

Minimal Tool Requirement: Installation often only requires a hammer or a suitable power tool, reducing the need for specialized equipment.

4. Applications and Suitable Substrates

Pushlock anchors are suitable for a variety of applications, including:

Mounting light fixtures and electrical boxes: Their ease of installation makes them ideal for applications where speed and simplicity are paramount.

Securing signs and panels: Pushlock anchors can provide a secure and reliable hold for lightweight to moderately heavy signage.

Installing handrails and railings: In appropriate applications and sizes, these anchors can support railings provided the substrate is suitable.

Fastening insulation: Pushlock anchors can be used to fix insulation in a wide variety of environments, such as securing insulation to walls or ceilings.

Suitable substrates include solid concrete, brick, and solid masonry. However, their suitability should be carefully considered. Avoid using pushlock anchors in cracked, weakened, or hollow substrates, as they may not provide adequate hold. Always consult the manufacturer's specifications for recommended substrates and load ratings.

5. Limitations and Considerations

Despite their advantages, pushlock anchors have some limitations:

Load Capacity Limitations: Pushlock anchors generally have lower load capacities compared to other anchor types like chemical anchors or heavy-duty expansion anchors. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for the appropriate load capacity for the chosen anchor size.

Substrate Dependence: The effectiveness of pushlock anchors depends heavily on the strength and integrity of the substrate. Installation in unsuitable substrates will compromise the anchor's holding power and safety.

Potential for Damage: Excessive force during installation can damage the anchor or the substrate. Care should be taken to ensure appropriate installation techniques are followed.

Limited Reusability: Once installed, pushlock anchors are generally not reusable.

Summary

Pushlock anchors provide a convenient and efficient solution for securing objects to solid substrates. Their ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and versatility make them a popular choice for various applications. However, understanding their limitations and ensuring correct installation within the appropriate substrate is crucial for achieving a safe and secure fastening. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and load ratings before undertaking any installation.

FAQs:

1. What type of drill bit is needed for pushlock anchors? Generally, a masonry bit slightly smaller than the anchor diameter is recommended. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for the precise bit size.

2. Can I reuse a pushlock anchor? No, pushlock anchors are generally not reusable. The expansion mechanism is permanently deformed during installation.

3. What is the difference between a pushlock anchor and a standard expansion anchor? Pushlock anchors are driven directly into the hole without a separate setting tool, while standard expansion anchors require a setting tool to expand the element.

4. Are pushlock anchors suitable for all types of substrates? No, they are most suitable for solid concrete, brick, and solid masonry. Avoid using them in cracked, hollow, or weak substrates.

5. How do I determine the appropriate size of pushlock anchor for my application? Consult the manufacturer's load charts to select an anchor with a load capacity sufficient for the intended application. Consider the weight of the object being secured and any potential dynamic loads.

Search Results:

Arthrex - PushLock® Anchor Instability Technique The PushLock anchor is designed for simple and secure arthroscopic glenohumeral joint instability repair. The knotless technique saves valuable time and eliminates the possibility of knot impingement.

2.5 mm PushLock® Knotless Suture Anchor - metacot3d.com 2 Nov 2019 · The 2.5 mm PushLock uses a PEEK eyelet to place the sutures at the bottom of a drill hole, allowing the surgeon to precisely tension and lock the sutures in place by impacting the tak portion of the anchor. Both the high strength radiolucent PEEK and the absorbable PLLA 2.5 mm PushLock optimize tissue tension and fixation, without knot tying.

Biomechanical Evaluation Comparing JuggerKnotless Anchor … novel all-suture soft anchor that, when appropriately deployed, eliminates the need to tie a surgical knot. The JuggerKnotless Soft Anchor utilizes a bone conserving drill hole diameter of 2.1 millimeters, which is significantly smaller than anchors commonly used in such repairs.

Knotless Suture Anchors - Arthrex Designed for arthroscopic instability or rotator cuff repair, the knotless PushLock suture anchor uniquely allows surgeons to adjust tension on the tissue intraoperatively, ensuring precise tissue reduction and fixation.

Pull-out Strength of Various Knotless Hip Suture Anchors - Arthrex The anchors to be studied are the Arthrex 2.4 mm Mini Hip PushLock® anchor with SutureTape, the Smith & Nephew 2.9 mm BioRaptorTM knotless anchor with #2 UltrabraidTM suture, and the Stryker® 2.4 mm CinchLock® SS (Sports Sheath) anchor with #1 Zipline suture.

PushLock® Knotless Shoulder Instability Repair - Plymouth … The unique design of the PushLock anchor provides a secure labral repair while eliminating arthroscopic knots and the potential damage they may cause. The PushLock technique provides the ability to independently pass the suture through the capsule or labrum and adjust tissue tension prior to anchor implantation.

PushLock® Suture Anchor for Knotless Instability Repair - Arthrex secure knotless labral repair, the PushLock anchor eliminates helps minimize the damage they may cause to surrounding independently pass suture through the capsule or labrum prior to anchor insertion.

Arthrex - PushLock® Anchors Optimize tensioning and fixation without knot tying. The 2.9 mm PushLock suture anchor provides a secure means of knotless fixation in the hand and wrist, as well as the foot and ankle.

Arthrex - PushLock® Anchors Optimize tensioning and fixation without knot tying. The 2.5 mm PushLock suture anchor provides a secure means of knotless fixation in the hand and wrist. Accommodating up to 1.3 mm SutureTape suture, this 2-piece anchor enables a no-profile …

PushLock® - Knotless Instability Repair - Isulmed The unique design of the PushLock anchor provides a secure labral repair while eliminating arthroscopic knots and the potential damage they may cause. The PushLock technique provides the ability to independently pass the suture through the capsule or labrum and adjust tissue tension prior to anchor implantation. PushLock Knotless Suture Anchors

Distal Extremity Anchors - Arthrex The 2.5 and 2.9 mm PushLock suture anchors enable precise manual tissue tensioning and offer safe and knotless fixation of ligaments to the bone. Accommodating sutures ranging in size from #4-0 FiberWire to 1.5 mm LabralTape suture, this 2-piece anchor enables a no-profile repair that is quick and straightforward.

PushLock® - Knotless Instability Repair - Orthopaedic Associates … The PushLock is a knotless suture anchor designed for arthroscopic glenohumeral joint instability repair. The anchor provides the ability to independently pass the suture through a desired amount of tissue prior to anchor implantation.

OUTCOME OF ARTHROSCOPIC BANKART REPAIR USING KNOTLESS PUSHLOCK ANCHORS ... Standard portals were used and repair done using 2.9 mm pushlock knotless anchors (Arthrex®). Patients had sling for 4 weeks and followed by a strict physiotherapy rehab protocol. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks and 3 monthly thereafter.

Thumb UCL Repair/Reconstruction - Arthrex The 2.5 mm PushLock uses a PEEK eyelet to place the sutures at the bottom of a drill hole, allowing the surgeon to tension precisely by hand and lock the sutures in place by impacting the tak portion of the anchor. Both the high strength radiolucent PEEK and the absorbable PLLA 2.5 mm PushLock optimize tissue tension and fixation without knot ...

PushLock ® Anchors - Arthrex Vet Systems The PushLock suture anchor is offered for CCLs and soft tissue-to-bone reattachment. Made with an inert, radiolucent, and nonabsorbable thermoplastic material called PEEK, this anchoring system allows for knotted or knotless reconstructions.

Arthrex - PushLock® Anchor Designed for arthroscopic instability or rotator cuff repair, the knotless PushLock suture anchor uniquely allows surgeons to adjust tension on the tissue intraoperatively, ensuring precise tissue reduction and fixation. PushLock anchors are available in 2.4 …

Latchways® Single Point Anchors | MSA Safety | United Kingdom The MSA Latchways® Single Point Anchor range provides permanently fixed and removable anchor devices to which a worker can confidently and safely attach a connecting device.

PushLock® Knotless Shoulder Instability Repair - Arthrex secure labral repair while eliminating arthroscopic knots and the potential damage they may cause. The PushLock technique provides the ability to independently pass the suture through the capsule or labrum and adjust tissue tension prior to anchor implantation.

3.5 mm Self-Punching PushLock® Anchors - Arthrex The 3.5 mm self-punching PushLock anchors combine trusted PushLock anchor technology with the convenience of a PEEK self-punching eyelet option, simplifying use of the device. The SP PushLock anchors are available in both biocomposite and PEEK options. The 3.5 SP PushLock is not recommended for labral repair.

Mini PushLock® CCL Anchor - Arthrex Vet Systems Perform a lateral or medial parapatellar approach with arthrotomy, or stifle arthroscopy, to allow for complete exploration of the stifle joint and visualization and palpation of the menisci. Pathology of the cranial cruciate ligament and meniscus should be treated appropriately. Thoroughly lavage the joint and close the joint capsule.