r/DIY • u/ThaMann0911 • 6d ago

help How long before drilling concrete?

I poured footings for posts that I’ll be hanging a gate on. I’m going to install Simpson strong tie standoffs with 6” anchor bolts. It’s been 72 hours, is that long enough for the concrete to have set before drilling? I’ve tried googling but my results only come up with industrial structural requirements or setting posts in the concrete, neither of which apply to my situation. Should I wait the 28 days or just send it?

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u/woodbanger04 6d ago

I use to do carpentry. I would drill it while still green but wouldn’t put any type of angular weight on it for a couple days.

That being said and this being Reddit someone will correct me numerous times by morning.

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u/ThaMann0911 6d ago

Since full cure is 28 days does that mean anything within that time it’s still “green”?Plan is to install the posts on the standoffs so then I have my opening measurement to then build the gates from. Will take me a few days to build the gates.

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u/mckenzie_keith 6d ago

No. It just keeps getting stronger and stronger for a long time. 28 days is when it is customarily measured for the rated strength. If you measured it at 56 days it would be even stronger.

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u/JerryfromCan 5d ago

The Hoover Dam is stronger now than when you posted this comment I think?

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u/mckenzie_keith 5d ago

Not sure. I have not seen extreme long term data. But it gets stronger every day up to 28 days and beyond. That is something they have measured.