Threaded rod and anchors
Since 22 October 2025, Chinese threaded rod has carried a definitive anti-dumping duty of 54.7 to 72.3 per cent under CN codes 7318 15 42 and 7318 15 48. The measure covers threaded rod, studs, tie rods, hanger rods, headless anchor rods and U-bolts. Taiwan is not covered. Of all the categories, this is currently the largest price gap.
With anchors, everything turns on the ETA. For structural use in concrete a European Technical Assessment is effectively mandatory, and since 2018 the design runs through EN 1992-4. That standard assumes cracked concrete unless demonstrated otherwise. An anchor approved only for uncracked concrete does not belong there.
Threaded rod
- DIN 975
- Threaded rod in 1 metre lengths.
- DIN 976
- Threaded rod in other lengths, commonly 1 or 2 metres.
- (EU) 2025/2153
- Definitive duty on Chinese threaded rod, 54.7 to 72.3 per cent, since 22 October 2025. Taiwan excluded.
- EN 1992-4
- Eurocode 2 part 4, design of fastenings in concrete. Replaced ETAG 001 Annex C and TR 029 in 2018.
- EAD 330232
- Assessment document for mechanical anchors in concrete.
- EAD 330499
- Assessment document for bonded and chemical anchors.
- Option 1 to 12
- The scope of the ETA. Option 1 covers cracked and uncracked concrete across the full strength range; higher numbers are more restricted.
- Seismic category C1 and C2
- C1 gives strength only, C2 gives strength and displacement. C2 is the more demanding qualification.
Anchor types
- Threaded rod 4.6
- Light suspension, pipework, sprinkler brackets.
- Threaded rod 5.8
- The most widely sold class, cold worked.
- Threaded rod 8.8
- Higher loads, machine foundations and heavier suspension.
- Threaded rod A2 and A4
- Where corrosion is a factor, with A4 as the minimum in chlorides.
- Wedge anchor
- Torque-controlled expansion anchor, the workhorse in concrete.
- Through bolt
- Set through the fixture, for thicker components.
- Drop-in anchor
- Internally threaded, set with a setting tool. Invisible once installed.
- Concrete screw
- Screws into a pre-drilled hole, removable, no expansion force.
- Chemical anchor
- Vinylester, epoxy acrylate or pure epoxy, with threaded rod or rebar.
ETA and design
- Electro-zinc plated
- Dry interior conditions.
- Hot-dip galvanised
- Exterior and damp environments.
- A4 stainless
- Coastal, de-icing salt, chloride exposure.
- HCR 1.4529 and 1.4565
- Extreme environments such as indoor pools and tunnels. The ETA states the approved corrosion class.
- Edge distance and spacing
- Determine the permissible load as much as the anchor type itself.
- Hole cleaning
- With chemical anchors, the most common cause of failure. Blow, brush, blow.
Applications
- Building services: threaded rod in 5.8 for pipe and duct suspension, in long lengths.
- Sprinkler systems: threaded rod with certified hanger assemblies.
- Solar on flat roofs: wedge anchors or chemical anchors with ETA for cracked concrete.
- Steel fabrication: anchor rods and chemical anchors for column bases.
- Facade work: A4 or HCR anchors depending on distance from the coast.
- Formwork: tie rods and accessories, high volume with fast turnover.
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Always ask for the ETA number
With anchors I ask the manufacturer four things as standard: the ETA number, the option, the seismic category and the corrosion class. If any one of those does not match your application, the price is not the issue.