The Simpson Opti-Mesh 3-1/2 in. Acrylic Adhesive Plastic Screen Tube for 1/2 in. Rod is an essential accessory for achieving reliable adhesive anchor performance in hollow or void-containing base materials such as hollow block and brick. Engineered by Simpson for use exclusively with AT-XP acrylic adhesive, this plastic screen tube features a woven mesh insert that delivers economical value without sacrificing performance - outperforming both steel screen tubes and competitive plastic screen tubes in demanding anchoring applications.

Key Features

• Integral cap centers the rod and displays drill bit and rod diameter - takes the guesswork out of installation by keeping the rod properly positioned and providing a clear visual reference for correct hole and rod sizing right on the tool.
• Flanges prevent the screen tube from slipping into over-drilled holes - gives installers a more controlled, consistent anchor placement even when hole depth tolerances vary, reducing costly rework.
• Formula-specific woven mesh design controls flow of adhesive out of the screen - ensures the right amount of acrylic adhesive reaches the anchor zone for a strong, dependable bond every time.
• Open-mesh collar allows extra adhesive flow in hollow block applications - addresses the unique challenges of void-containing substrates by promoting adequate adhesive distribution where it is needed most.
• Designed exclusively for use with AT-XP acrylic adhesive - proper adhesive-to-screen-tube pairing is critical to performance; this acrylic screen tube must be paired with AT-XP to achieve the intended anchoring results.

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for hollow and void base materials - the Opti-Mesh design was specifically developed to address the performance challenges of anchoring into hollow block, brick, and similar substrates where a standard screen tube falls short.
• Superior performance in a cost-effective plastic format - the woven mesh insert gives this plastic screen tube an edge over both steel alternatives and competing plastic options, delivering high reliability without the premium price of steel.
• Installer-friendly design details reduce errors on the job - from the centering integral cap that clearly identifies drill bit and rod diameter, to the flanges that prevent the tube from disappearing into an over-drilled hole, every feature is aimed at making the anchoring process faster and more accurate.
• Made in the United States and backed by the Simpson brand - built to the quality standards professionals expect from Simpson, a trusted name in structural fastening and adhesive anchoring systems.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AWS503P
• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Compatible Adhesive: AT-XP (Acrylic)
• Bolt/Rod Diameter: 1/2 in.
• Hole Size: 3/4 in.
• Length: 3 1/2 in.
• Material: Plastic
• Packaging: Packs of 1 and Cartons of 100
• Country of Origin: United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Which adhesive must be used with the AWS503P screen tube?

The AWS503P is an acrylic screen tube and must be used exclusively with Simpson Strong-Tie AT-XP acrylic adhesive. Screen tubes are designed for a specific adhesive type, so using the correct pairing is critical to achieving proper performance.

What base materials is the Opti-Mesh screen tube designed for?

The Opti-Mesh screen tube is vital for use in base materials that are hollow or contain voids, such as hollow block and brick. The open-mesh collar allows extra adhesive flow in these hollow block applications to ensure a secure anchor.

How does the integral cap benefit installation?

The integral cap centers the rod within the hole and clearly displays the required drill bit and rod diameter, helping to ensure accurate placement and reducing the chance of installation errors on the job site.

What prevents the screen tube from slipping into an over-drilled hole?

The AWS503P features flanges that are specifically designed to prevent the screen tube from slipping into over-drilled holes, providing a more controlled and reliable anchoring installation even when hole depth tolerances vary.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture. Please see the item description above for specifications.