The Simpson Opti-Mesh 3-1/2 in. Epoxy Adhesive Plastic Screen Tube for 1/2 in. Rod from Simpson Strong-Tie is engineered to deliver reliable, high-load adhesive anchoring performance in hollow or void-containing base materials such as hollow block and brick. Built around a formula-specific woven mesh insert, this plastic screen tube combines the cost efficiency of a plastic design with performance that surpasses steel screen tubes and competing plastic screen tubes - making it a practical choice for epoxy anchor installations requiring consistent, controlled adhesive coverage on threaded rod.

Key Features

• Integral cap centers the rod and displays drill bit and rod diameter - eliminates guesswork during installation, keeping the rod properly aligned and ensuring the correct bit and rod size are used every time.
• Flanges prevent the screen tube from slipping into over-drilled holes - maintains correct positioning even when the hole is drilled slightly deeper than required, reducing the risk of installation errors.
• Formula-specific woven mesh design controls flow of adhesive out of the screen - ensures the epoxy is distributed precisely where it is needed, supporting stronger, more consistent anchor performance.
• Uniform coverage of adhesive on the rod results in higher loads than for rods installed with standard screen - delivers a more complete bond between the rod and base material, maximizing the load capacity of the anchor installation.
• Open-mesh collar allows extra adhesive flow in hollow block applications - accommodates the unique demands of hollow block and brick substrates by allowing sufficient epoxy to fill voids and establish a secure anchor.
• Designed exclusively for use with the ET-3G epoxy adhesive formulation - the screen tube's mesh and flow characteristics are matched specifically to ET-3G chemistry, so performance is fully optimized when the correct adhesive is used.

Why This Product

• Outperforms standard and steel screen tubes in load capacity - the Opti-Mesh woven mesh insert promotes uniform epoxy coverage along the full length of the rod, producing higher anchor loads compared to rods installed with conventional screen tubes.
• Purpose-built for hollow and void-containing base materials - the open-mesh collar design actively supports proper adhesive distribution in hollow block and brick, where standard installation methods are prone to inadequate fill and weak anchorage.
• Built-in features reduce installation errors on the jobsite - the integral cap that centers the rod and displays sizing information, combined with flanges that prevent the tube from slipping into over-drilled holes, work together to promote correct, repeatable anchor installations.
• Economical plastic construction without the performance trade-off - Simpson Strong-Tie engineered this screen tube to deliver the cost advantage of a plastic screen while matching or exceeding the performance of steel alternatives, giving contractors a reliable and budget-conscious solution for epoxy anchoring work.

Specifications

• Model Number (MPN): EWS503P
• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Compatible Adhesive: ET-3G (Epoxy)
• 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

Approved Applications

• Hollow block and brick base materials containing voids
• Adhesive anchor installations requiring uniform epoxy coverage on threaded rod
• Applications requiring controlled adhesive flow in hollow base material conditions
• Installations using Simpson Strong-Tie ET-3G epoxy adhesive with 1/2 in. diameter rod

Frequently Asked Questions

What adhesive formulation must be used with the EWS503P screen tube?

The EWS503P is an epoxy screen tube specifically designed for use with the Simpson Strong-Tie ET-3G epoxy adhesive formulation. Screen tubes are designed for a specific adhesive type, and epoxy screen tubes must be used with the ET-3G formulation only.

What rod diameter and hole size is the EWS503P screen tube designed for?

The EWS503P is designed for a 1/2 in. rod diameter with a corresponding hole size of 3/4 in., and has a total length of 3-1/2 in.

Why is a screen tube necessary for adhesive anchor installations in hollow block or brick?

Screen tubes are vital to the performance of adhesive anchors in base materials that are hollow or contain voids, such as hollow block and brick. The Opti-Mesh screen tube's open-mesh collar allows extra adhesive flow in hollow block applications, ensuring proper anchoring performance where standard installation methods would not be effective.

How does the Opti-Mesh design improve anchor performance compared to standard screen tubes?

The formula-specific woven mesh design controls the flow of adhesive out of the screen, resulting in uniform coverage of adhesive on the rod. This uniform coverage produces higher loads than rods installed with standard screen tubes, while also outperforming steel screen tubes and competitive plastic screen tubes.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture. Please refer to the specifications listed above for confirmed dimensions.