Where I live the most popular way to anchor railings or fence into concrete is a method that I cannot find any reference about it on the web.
A 7mm hole is drilled into concrete and then a 8mm steel rebar without any coating is inserted into the hole with a hammer. Then the railing is welded on site with the rebar.This always works no failures.
The other less common way that is not preferred due to being hard to do and more expensive is with bolts with a flange.
Which way should I prefer for anchoring a long railing?
Best Answer
There are several anchoring system for attaching to concrete or brick masonry. My favorite is a screw type anchor called tapcons. You need a hammer drill and a normal drill or impact driver to sink the concrete screws. The dill bit is included in the box of screws usually. Drill and prime the hole to remove excess dust. Then sink the screws directly in the holes. It cuts the grooves into the concrete when sinking.
There are also drop in anchors, redhead brand... with the hammer drill make your hole the correct dia. for the drop in anchor. Drill deep enough so the top is just below the surface. Then you have a drive tool that will flare the anchor securely in the hole. Afterwards the anchor will accept a normal threaded screw of the proper size. Remember to use weather resistant outdoor screws.
For widow shutters drill 1/4 in holes into morter joints an use plastic insert anchors. Then attach threaded screws thru the shutter into the plastic anchor