Tapcon
Tapcon, a brand of ITW Brands within Illinois Tool Works, manufactures the original patented concrete screw anchors and powder actuated fastening tools for professional contractors and DIY consumers in the United States, distributed primarily through major home improvement retailers and independent dealers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersGlenview, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Tapcon does
Tapcon is a brand of ITW Brands — itself part of the Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW) diversified industrial conglomerate — that manufactures and sells concrete screw anchors, masonry fastening tools, and related accessories. Founded in 1976 with the original patent on the concrete-tapping screw anchor (whose name derives from the ability to TAP threads into CONcrete), Tapcon anchors use a proprietary Advanced Threadform Technology featuring a Hi-Lo twin-thread design that cuts threads into concrete, block, and brick without expansion pressure, enabling closer edge distances and full removability. The product portfolio spans the original Genuine Tapcon line in multiple finishes (blue coating, white Ultrashield, 410 stainless steel, Maxi-Set flange, black), the premium Heavy-Duty Tapcon+ line for demanding structural applications, a complete Powder Actuated System (SA27, TP22, T22, HS22 tools, color-coded loads, and pins), and supporting accessories including carbide-tipped drill bits and the Pro Installation Kit.
Tapcon generates revenue through one-time hardware product sales distributed exclusively through U.S. retail and dealer channels — primarily the major home improvement chains (Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards), the Do It Best cooperative, and independent lumberyard/hardware dealers, with online purchase available through retailer websites. The customer base is split between professional contractors (primary segment, using Tapcon for sill plate attachment, masonry fastening, racking, fencing, and other structural connections) and DIY/homeowners purchasing at retail for residential projects. Pricing follows unit pricing by SKU, varying across diameter, length, head type, finish, and pack size. The company holds multiple ICC Evaluation Service Reports and City of Los Angeles Research Reports, which are central to its specification lock-in with code-bound commercial contractors. Tapcon operates with no software, no API surface, no AI/ML features, and no disclosed geographic presence beyond the United States.
Tapcon firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Tapcon
- Legal name
- ITW Brands
- Website
- https://www.tapcon.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Tapcon, a brand of ITW Brands within Illinois Tool Works, manufactures the original patented concrete screw anchors and powder actuated fastening tools for professional contractors and DIY consumers in the United States, distributed primarily through major home improvement retailers and independent dealers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Tapcon industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Construction Fasteners and Anchoring Products
- NAICS
- Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing (332722)
- SIC
- Bolts, Nuts, Screws, Rivets & Washers (3452), Screw Machine Products (3451)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fasteners, Anchors & Connectors (Bolts, Weld Studs, Plates) (IMADACAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Masonry Accessories & Reinforcement (Lintels, Ties, Mesh, Rebar) (IMADABAK)
Keywords
Where Tapcon is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Glenview
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Tapcon business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Product Sales: Tapcon generates revenue through one-time sales of concrete screw anchors, powder actuated tools, drill bits, and accessories. Products are sold through retail distribution partners at various price points depending on product type, size, and material finish.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Concrete Screw Anchors - Various sizes and finishes |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels3 records
Tapcon product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Tapcon designs, manufactures, and supplies concrete screw anchors and masonry fastening products that tap threads directly into concrete, block, and brick. Its portfolio spans the original Genuine Tapcon Screw Anchors, the Heavy-Duty Tapcon+ line, a Powder Actuated System (tools, loads, and pins), and supporting accessories including carbide-tipped drill bits and the Tapcon Pro Installation Kit.
Product overview
Tapcon is a manufacturer of concrete anchoring and fastening products under the ITW Brands umbrella. The product portfolio centers on the original Tapcon concrete screw anchor (patented in 1976 by ITW Buildex), which revolutionized the industry with its ability to tap threads directly into concrete, block, and brick. The core offering includes Genuine Tapcon Screw Anchors available in multiple variants (original blue, white Ultrashield, stainless steel, Maxi-Set, and black finishes), alongside the premium Heavy-Duty Tapcon+ line with enhanced holding power for demanding applications. The product range extends to a complete Powder Actuated System comprising tools (SA27, TP22, T22, HS22), compatible loads, and pins for heavier-duty fastening. Supporting accessories include carbide-tipped drill bits (standard and SDS), and the Tapcon Pro Installation Kit. The company operates exclusively as a physical products manufacturer with no software, API, or AI/ML offerings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Tapcon+ (Heavy-Duty): Heavy-duty version of the original Tapcon anchor providing superior holding power for demanding applications like sill plates, machinery equipment, racking, sign/fence poles.
- Tapcon Pro Installation Kit
- 410 Stainless Steel Tapcon
- Maxi-Set Tapcon
Products and services
- Genuine Tapcon Screw Anchors Original concrete screw anchors with Advanced Threadform Technology that tap threads into concrete, block, and brick. Available in Star and Hex head styles with corrosion-resistant coatings including original blue, white Ultrashield, and silver finishes. Designed for professional contractors and DIYers needing code-recognized masonry fastening.
- Heavy-Duty Tapcon+ Heavy-duty all-in-one substrate screw anchors providing up to 20% more holding power than other concrete screw anchors and installing 2x-3x faster than expansion anchors. Available in 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2" diameters for demanding applications such as sill plates, machinery equipment, racking, and sign/fence poles.
- 410 Stainless Steel Tapcon Stainless steel concrete screw anchor with ultimate corrosion, rust, stain, and temperature resistance. Available in 3/16" and 1/4" diameters with Phillips and Hex head options for marine construction, railings, pool enclosures, and coastal applications.
- White Ultrashield Tapcon White-colored concrete screw anchor with Ultrashield coating providing long-term corrosion resistance and a discreet finish designed to blend with light surfaces.
- Maxi-Set Tapcon Large diameter flange concrete screw anchor with a 5/8" flange for increased pullover resistance and more surface area coverage to reduce cracking. Available in silver and white Ultrashield finishes in 1/4" diameter.
- Tapcon Black Concrete Screw Anchors Black-finished concrete screw anchor variant designed for applications requiring a dark or matte finish aesthetic.
- SA27 Powder Actuated Tool Professional-grade .27 caliber semi-automatic powder actuated tool for concrete fastening. Features an ergonomic cushioned handle for recoil absorption, power adjust dial, auto-load advancement, and barrel grip; weighs 4.9 pounds for reduced user fatigue.
- TP22 Powder Actuated Tool .22 caliber powder actuated tool designed for high-use concrete fastening applications as part of Tapcon's powder actuated system.
- T22 Powder Actuated Tool .22 caliber powder actuated tool designed for moderate-use concrete fastening applications.
- HS22 Powder Actuated Tool .22 caliber powder actuated tool designed for occasional-use concrete fastening applications.
- Powder Actuated Loads Color-coded and numbered powder loads for Tapcon powder actuated tools. Available in .27 caliber strip loads (red, yellow, green) and .22 caliber single shots (brown, green, yellow).
- Powder Actuated Pins Fasteners for use with Tapcon powder actuated tools in concrete and steel applications. Available in lengths from 1/2" to 3" with standard and washered options, including ACQ-treated lumber pins.
- Tapcon Drill Bits Carbide-tipped drill bits for drilling pilot holes in concrete, block, and brick prior to Tapcon anchor installation. Available in standard and SDS formats in 5/32", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" sizes and 3-1/2" to 10" lengths.
- Tapcon Pro Installation Kit Professional installation tool kit (part number 79013) compatible with all drills and drivers. Includes drill adapter, hex drivers, and star bits in a storage pouch; features recessed hex drivers to reduce over-torqueing and head-snapping when installing Tapcon anchors.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20% more holding power than other concrete screw anchors
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Tapcon
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Tapcon technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Tapcon partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Home DepotcoreHome Depot serves as a primary retail distribution channel for Tapcon products, offering anchors, drill bits, and accessories both in-store and online at homedepot.com. Products are searchable via tapcon brand page.
- Lowe'scoreLowe's distributes Tapcon concrete anchors and accessories through its nationwide home improvement retail network with online purchasing options available through lowes.com.
- MenardscoreMenards, a regional home improvement retailer primarily in the Midwest, stocks and sells Tapcon products at store locations and via menards.com online platform.
- Do It BestminorDo It Best is an independent hardware dealer cooperative that provides Tapcon product distribution through its member stores across the United States.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Tapcon competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rawlplug: Established European-origin manufacturer of mechanical anchors, screw anchors, and façade fixing systems. Comparable concrete and masonry fastening portfolio with global distribution.
- Red Head (ITW): Sister ITW brand focused on concrete and masonry anchoring products (wedge, sleeve, and adhesive anchors). Direct overlap with Tapcon in concrete fastening sold through the same U.S. home improvement and pro channels.
- Powers Fasteners: Manufacturer of mechanical and adhesive concrete anchors, powder actuated fasteners, and screw anchors. Comparable product portfolio to Tapcon across concrete fastening categories sold through construction distribution.
- Hilti: Global premium supplier of concrete anchors, powder actuated tools, and installation systems targeting professional contractors. Direct overlap with Tapcon in concrete screw anchors and PAT systems, though positioned at a higher price tier with broader international reach.
- Würth: Global fastening and assembly products supplier with a deep concrete anchor and screw portfolio serving trades through direct and distribution channels. Comparable SKU breadth and pro-contractor focus.
- GRK (ITW Brands): ITW Brands sister brand specializing in structural and exterior-grade wood/construction screws. Shares the ITW pro-channel go-to-market and competes for the same contractor specification set, though focused on wood rather than masonry.
- Ramset (ITW Brands): ITW Brands sister line focused on powder actuated fastening tools, pins, and loads for concrete and steel. Direct competitor in Tapcon's newly launched powder actuated category, leveraging the same pro-contractor motion.
- Paslode (ITW Brands): ITW Brands sister line for pneumatic and gas-powered fastening tools used in construction. Adjacent fastening category sharing the same ITW distribution and pro-channel infrastructure.
- Simpson Strong-Tie: Leading manufacturer of structural connectors, fasteners, and concrete anchors for the construction industry. Competes directly with Tapcon in code-recognized concrete fastening solutions for contractors and builders.
Broad incumbents
- DeWalt (Stanley Black & Decker): Major pro-focused power tool and accessory brand offering drill bits and consumables relevant to Tapcon's installation workflow. Overlaps in drill bits/accessories and competes for pro-contractor mindshare, though not a direct screw anchor competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Tapcon social profiles
Digital presenceTapcon compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Tapcon financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Tapcon leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Tapcon funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Tapcon M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Tapcon
What does Tapcon do?
Tapcon designs, manufactures, and supplies concrete screw anchors and masonry fastening products that tap threads directly into concrete, block, and brick. Its portfolio spans the original Genuine Tapcon Screw Anchors, the Heavy-Duty Tapcon+ line, a Powder Actuated System (tools, loads, and pins), and supporting accessories including carbide-tipped drill bits and the Tapcon Pro Installation Kit.
Is Tapcon a public or private company?
Tapcon is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Tapcon founded?
Tapcon was founded in 1976. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Tapcon based?
Tapcon is headquartered in Glenview, United States, in the North America region.
How does Tapcon make money?
One revenue line is on record: hardware Product Sales.
Who are Tapcon's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rawlplug, Red Head (ITW), Powers Fasteners, Hilti, Würth, GRK (ITW Brands), Ramset (ITW Brands), Paslode (ITW Brands) and Simpson Strong-Tie. DeWalt (Stanley Black & Decker) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Tapcon have an API?
No public API is recorded for Tapcon.
What industry is Tapcon in?
Tapcon's product category is Construction Fasteners and Anchoring Products. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADACAJ, Fasteners, Anchors & Connectors (Bolts, Weld Studs, Plates), with a secondary code of IMADABAK, Masonry Accessories & Reinforcement (Lintels, Ties, Mesh, Rebar). Its NAICS code is 332722 and its SIC code is 3452.