When it comes to warehouse safety and rack stability, pallet rack anchors play a critical role—and their importance is often underestimated. According to ANSI/RMI standards, every upright column in a storage rack system must be properly anchored. But why is that such a big deal?
In this blog, we’ll break down why pallet rack anchors matter, what types are commonly used, how to choose the right size, and what standards you need to follow. Whether you're installing a new system or inspecting an existing one, understanding these anchoring fundamentals is key to keeping your warehouse safe and compliant.
Figure 1: A close-up view of a rack baseplate, a pallet rack anchor, and an empty anchor hole.
While often incorrectly referred to as anchor bolts, pallet rack anchors are mechanical fasteners used to connect a rack system to the building floor. Their purpose is to secure pallet racks and resist constant antagonizing forces, including:
Should the pallet rack anchor fail to withstand these destabilizing forces, the consequences could be large bending forces on the upright, affecting the overall stability of the system and, in the worst case, resulting in a collapse. To avoid this, it’s key to select the right pallet rack anchor type based on the facility’s different conditions and the rack type.
Wedge Anchors, a popular type of anchor, are manufactured from carbon steel, hot-dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel, or zinc-plated steel. These fasteners are mostly used in solid concrete and cannot be removed if you decide to rearrange your pallet racks because they will damage your floor.
Concrete Strike Anchors are impact-expansion form anchors also used in solid concrete. Given their mechanical properties, they should not be installed in any other type of masonry material.
Sleeve Pallet Rack Anchors are ideal for light- to medium-duty anchoring in concrete and masonry. No matter the type of anchor you choose, all can be found in a variety of diameters, lengths, and thread lengths.
A rule of thumb is that the broader the diameter and the deeper the embedment, then the greater the strength of the anchor. So, it’s important to check local building codes or have an engineer determine the bolt sizes, given that several factors need to be considered: the hole size of the upright’s baseplate, seismic activity, and the area where the anchor is to be used.
Additionally, the thickness of the flooring material, its mechanical properties, and the level of the floor should also be considered in case shims are needed.
Figure 2: A shim placed under a pallet rack column.
The ANSI/RMI standards require a pallet rack anchor, which states that all rack columns should be anchored with at least one anchor per upright column. Depending on the type of pallet rack anchor, two anchors can be installed to prevent the column from pivoting upon impact.
In situations where the user cannot correctly anchor the rack, it is recommended to verify with the rack manufacturer’s engineers for other ways of anchoring the system while keeping the structure safe for use.
Anchors for pallet racking must be properly tightened to the minimum recommended torque specified by the manufacturer. For 3/8" pallet rack anchors, this is typically 40 ft-lb. Inadequate tightening can make the pallet rack anchor ineffective.
Pallet rack anchors are an essential part of any racking system, directly impacting its support and overall stability. Every detail matters, from selecting the right anchor type and size to ensuring proper quantity and torque. Overlooking any of these factors can compromise safety and performance.
At Damotech, all our products are delivered and installed using Hilti screw-type anchors, which are known for their high shear capacity, removability, and ease of installation. Unlike expanding wedge or sleeve anchors, they minimize damage to concrete while providing reliable, long-lasting anchoring.