The Beginner’s Guide to Anchor Setting Tools [Prices Included]

by Tom Wallek June 28, 2020

Welcome to Set It FAST's anchor setting tools guide for beginners. We're going to cover basic information such as how anchors work, what an anchor setting tool does, and the prices for both anchors and anchor tools. This guide should serve as an introduction for people interested in learning about the way anchors work and securing them quickly using anchor setting tools.

How Anchors Work

Anchors are installed into a wall for secure hanging. Most anchors are made from stainless steel or hardened steel. The anchor starts expanding and then "bites" into the wall when you place a screw into it. This creates the anchor point that you can use to secure items on the wall safely. If you don't have an anchor, the nail or screw you install is only going to spin around and eventually break out of the wall. This is why anchors are integral for all hanging purposes.

Drop-in anchors are a special sub-type of anchors that can only be used in hard concrete. If you install anchors such as drop-in anchors, you won't be able to remove them easily. Drop-in anchors are the most popular anchors for securing a bolted object on any form of concrete and they're used in numerous commercial and residential installations.

Anchors can be used to secure a light fixture or to secure an HVAC system as well. It's possible to use them at the ground level or overhead. The upside is that you can change the bolt when you need to use these anchors because they have a threaded hole.

Using an Anchor Setting Tool

To install an anchor on a wall, you need to use an anchor setting tool. This tool makes it easy to secure an anchor into the wall. The right setting tool can make anchor installation easier and faster to secure an anchor. See how Set It FAST’s anchor setting tools improve worker safety and reduce installation time here.

How To Know Which Anchor or Setting Tool You Need

The setting tool is determined by the type and size of the anchor being used. The anchors themselves are rated by weight and size, so the item you're hanging/securing should determine the size of the anchor (and anchor setting tool) you need. Some products out there include hanging hardware which makes them easier to install, but if you're conducting a DYI installation you'll have to choose the adequate size.

The size can also impact the price (listed below). It's important to choose an anchor that will handle the weight of the item being secured. Fortunately, most anchors come in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", and 3/4" - making it easy to select which one you need.

Average Price & Size of Drop-In Anchors & Anchor Setting Tools

Drop-in anchors are the most in-demand anchors because they're the easiest to install and anchor setting tools are available to make anchor setting faster. The anchor setting tools are more expensive than the anchors themselves, but this is because they're a one-time investment and can be reused for different purposes. The following prices are what you can generally expect to pay for drop-in anchors and setting tools);

1/4" Drop-In Anchors: $.50/piece.
3/8" Drop-In Anchors: $1.00/piece.
½” Drop-In Anchors: $1.50/piece.
5/8" Drop-In Anchors: $2/piece.
3/4" Drop-In Anchors: $3/piece.

Average Price Of Anchor Setting Tools

Here's the average price you can expect to pay for a state-of-the-art anchor setting tool:

3/8" Anchor Setting Tool: $35-$105/piece.
3/8" Mini Anchor Setting Tool: $35/piece.
1/2" Anchor Setting Tool: $35-$120/piece.

Note: The price for different-sized anchor setting tools is relatively similar.

Wedge Anchor Setting Tools

1/4" Wedge Anchor Setting Tools: $40-45/piece.
3/8" Wedge Anchor Setting Tools: $40-50/piece.
1/2" Wedge Anchor Setting Tools: $40-50/piece.
5/8" Wedge Anchor Setting Tools: $50-55/piece.
3/4" Wedge Anchor Setting Tools: $55-60/piece.

Have a construction project that requires anchor installation? See Set It FAST’s full line of drop-in anchor, drive pin anchor, and wedge anchor setting tools.