Concrete Anchoring - Cast Iron Firebox Doors

[tarheel adam]

Greetings!

I am trying to figure out the best method to secure cast iron firebox doors to concrete block.  As of now I've got Tapcon anchors, which are blue in color, to secure black cast iron doors.  I would like the paint the Tapcon anchors to match the matte black finish of the doors.  

Does anyone have suggestions on how to best do this?  Would it be better to prime and paint prior to securing?  Or paint once installed?  Also, would it be best to prime and paint the cast iron doors along with the anchors?  

Lastly, would you suggest using something other than the Tapcon anchors? 

BTW - the doors will become airtight via Rutland wood stove gaskets that will be pressed into place by the anchors.  

Thanks for any insight you folks may be able to offer!

 

[gr0uch0]

Greetings!

I am trying to figure out the best method to secure cast iron firebox doors to concrete block.  As of now I've got Tapcon anchors, which are blue in color, to secure black cast iron doors.  I would like the paint the Tapcon anchors to match the matte black finish of the doors.  

Does anyone have suggestions on how to best do this?  Would it be better to prime and paint prior to securing?  Or paint once installed?  Also, would it be best to prime and paint the cast iron doors along with the anchors?  

Lastly, would you suggest using something other than the Tapcon anchors? 

BTW - the doors will become airtight via Rutland wood stove gaskets that will be pressed into place by the anchors.  

Thanks for any insight you folks may be able to offer!

Adam, you can certainly paint the anchors, and I've painted them pre-install. After they've dried, I put some thin painter's tape over the heads before cinching them tight so I didn't mar the heads. Make sure to use a masonry bit for pilot holes, and a hammer drill if you can access one: also check the load rating on the screws.

BTW, your Heels put it on Louisville last night--pretty funny watching that fan make Pitino melt down.

 

[steveaggie]

I used Tapcon screws for mine.  The doors and frames are made of 1/4" steel so they're pretty heavy.  I put 3 screws in each side.  It holds it very securely.  I painted the outside with rustoleum high heat paint, but it's not food safe so I didn't do the inside.  I just coated the inside with canola oil to prevent rust.  I might go back and brush a little black over the screw heads, but they're not that noticeable.

 

[tarheel adam]

Adam, you can certainly paint the anchors, and I've painted them pre-install. After they've dried, I put some thin painter's tape over the heads before cinching them tight so I didn't mar the heads. Make sure to use a masonry bit for pilot holes, and a hammer drill if you can access one: also check the load rating on the screws.

BTW, your Heels put it on Louisville last night--pretty funny watching that fan make Pitino melt down.

Thanks!  Yes, the Heels looked good again Louisville and have been great at home this season.  Away, not so much lol.  

When using Tapcon anchors I always use the corresponding concrete bit.  My holes are done - 20v Dewalt hammer drill was a great investment years ago :)  Good suggestions, definitely don't want to break an anchor.  

 

[tarheel adam]

Thanks.  I've got some of that Rustoleum high temp black on hand now.  I am going to use a rope gasket kit to seal on the inside of the doors where they mate with the block of my structure, should make them fairly air tight.