"Gita" wrote in message
...
I live in a condo (spackle-covered concrete ceiling) and want to install
a ceiling hook to use to swag a pendant light to centre it over my
dining table.

What's the best way to go about installing the hook so
that it stays securely in the ceiling (the last thing I want is for it
and/or the light to come crashing down on my glass dining table)?

You did not specify the weight of the fixture. Most will be under 15 pounds.

A tapcon screw sunk 1" into the concrete and securely tightened (I say
securely because sometime they strip out) will support 15 pounds with no
problems. The problem is finding a hook that can be attached using a tapcon.

All the ceiling hooks that look good that I have seen are the ones sold with
a toggle or machine thread/lag screw combo.The toggle won't work in
concrete. You will have to use the combo screw.

My pesonal experinces have been that the non-conical, fluted plastic
concrete anchors have the same or more holding power than a lead anchor. A
picture link for illusration puposes only:

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/pro...source=froogle

If you go this route or the lead anchor buy the anchor that is on the low
end of the scale to increase the compressive power. Example: If the anchor
is good for screws size 10-12, use it with a 12 screw.

And here may be more reading than you care to do on the subject:

http://www.chase-pitkin.com/How-To/P...an/masonry.htm



Colbyt











Someone suggested a concrete anchor (the sleeve type that expands when
you insert the screw...is it called a lead anchor?), but I wasn't sure
how well that would work in a ceiling (as opposed to a wall). Another
option I thought of is to use one of those special concrete screws,
though I'm not sure what type of hook I could use in conjunction with
one of those...

Any suggestions for a secure installation would be appreciated.

Thanks!