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Builders’ Tip: Vacuum Dust From Anchor-Bolt Retrofits
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I frequently drill holes in concrete foundations for seismic anchors, such as all-thread bolts.
The bolts are bonded to the concrete with epoxy, which means the holes that I drill have to be thoroughly cleaned for the epoxy to get a proper grip.
I used to blow the dust out of the holes with compressed air. But that technique makes a mess and could cause damange to my lungs and eyes. So I switched to a better method:
- As shown in the accompanying drawing, I made a simple nozzle out of copper plumbing fittings for my shop vacuum.
- The series of copper reducers steps down to an 8-inch long piece of 1/2-inch copper pipe that is small enough to fit inside the 3⁄4-inch diameter holes I drill in the in the concrete.
- This vacuum rig does a nice job ― without the mess or the risk.
And just for the fun of it, the nozzle makes a pretty good sound when played like a horn through the narrow end — if you like trumpets and horns.
— Randi Dickson, Oakland, Calif.
Tips & Techniques provided by Fine Homebuilding.
©2005 The Taunton Press
To request a reprint of this feature, e-mail Christina Glennon at Fine Homebuilding.
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