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Anchor Point Pull Out Testing

We provide on-site pull out testing using our cutting-edge Hydrajaws pull tester equipment, ensuring the strength and reliability of your anchor points, fixings, and structures. 

Our Anchor Testing & Pull Out Test Services

Our engineers have years of experience in pull out testing, also known as anchor testing or pull testing. We assess the strength, durability, and load-bearing capacity of fixings embedded in construction materials such as concrete, brick, stone, and steel.

This test may be a mandatory requirement for your project and involves applying a controlled force to an anchor point to determine whether its holding strength is fit for purpose.

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Maintain Compliance To British Standards

We help your operation comply with regulations such as British Standards BS 8539 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Our pull-out testing services ensure that your anchors and fixings withstand the required operational forces, protecting your business, employees and the public.

Prevent Costly Repairs With Pull Out Testing | Spanner Fixing Gear

Prevent Unnecessary Downtime & Damages

Our pull testing identifies installation and degradation issues before operational failures occur, saving the time and cost of emergency repairs or replacements. Tested and verified anchors are legally compliant and help to prevent expensive damage in the event of failure.

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Schedule Pull Out Testing When It Suits You

We have a team of experienced Pull Out Testers & LOLER inspectors operating nationwide – available at a day or time that suits you (and on evenings and weekends where necessary) – to ensure your equipment, anchors and fixing are legally compliant, and fit for their intended purposes.

We Use The Industry-Leading Hydrajaws Pullout Tester

To ensure our tests are accurate and reliable, our engineers use Hydrajaws M2050, the best anchor point testing equipment for precision and safety.

With the cutting-edge Hydrajaws anchor pull tester, we’ll conduct thorough assessments with minimal disruption to your operations to ensure your business maintains compliance with BS 8539 and other safety regulations.

Have peace of mind knowing your structural fixings are approved by experts using premium, high-performance equipment – book your Pull Out Test with Bramley Engineering.

Proof Load Testing vs. Pull Testing – What Do I Need?

Pull testing and proof load testing are both methods used to assess the strength and reliability of anchors and fixings and we can help with either test. While both tests involve applying loads and testing capacity, they serve different purposes and are typically required at various stages of a project.

Pull testing is used to determine the ultimate strength of an anchor prior to its use, while routine proof load testing is recommended to ensure continued safety and performance post-installation to verify that the anchor can handle the expected loads during operation. 

If you’re not sure which type of test you need at this stage, get in touch and we’ll talk through your project and advise the best course of action.

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Pull Testing

This test is generally performed before installation to determine the maximum load an anchor or fixing can withstand before failure. By applying a controlled tensile force until the anchor fails, pull testing helps in selecting appropriate anchors for specific applications and ensures that they meet the required safety standards.

This process can also be used destructively when testing the anchor to its breaking point – typically to qualify the design of load-bearing parts before they are put into service.

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Proof Load Testing

This is a similar test to a pull test. However, proof load testing is done routinely after installation and involves applying a specified load to an anchor or fixing without causing failure. It can also be done on a variety of equipment, not just fixings and structures. The purpose is to verify the quality of the installation and confirm that the anchor can safely support the intended load. It can also be performed routinely to test for wear and tear as time goes on.

This method is non-destructive and is commonly used for routine inspections and ongoing maintenance.

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Our Pull Out Tests Check For:

Load-Bearing Capacity

We assess fixings, concrete, masonry, and more to test whether anchor points can withstand required loads without movement, deformation, or failure.

Installation Quality

Incorrect installation can compromise fixing strength so our tests ensure anchors are properly embedded and secured to meet operational and legal requirements.

Material Deterioration

Environmental factors like corrosion, moisture, and mechanical stress can weaken anchor points. We identify signs of wear and deterioration that could lead to a costly failure.

Compliance Verification

Our engineers will ensure that all tested anchors meet legal safety requirements and industry best practices, with documented verification certificates included.

Why Choose Bramley Engineering for Your Pull Out Testing?

Bramley Engineering works with Safe Working Loads across a number of applications, from crane design to equipment inspections. We pride ourselves on providing a reliable, efficient, and professional pull out testing service tailored to your business needs, with minimal disruption and downtime. 

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Industry-Leading Equipment for Accurate Anchor Testing

We use Hydrajaws M2050 pull testers, known for their precision and reliability, which allow us to apply controlled force accurately. We’ll make sure your fixings meet safety and performance standards to protect your business and staff.
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Pull Test Engineers with Decades of Experience

With over 40 years of experience in the lifting safety industry, our certified engineers test a wide range of load-bearing anchor points and fixings across applications and industries, to British Standards BS 8539, providing you with documented proof of compliance.

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations Is A Legal Requirement

On-Site Service with Minimal Disruption

We come to you, working around your schedule to perform tests efficiently. Our process ensures minimal disruption to your construction, manufacturing, or operational activities so your business doesn’t have to stop.

Experienced Anchor Pull Out Testing Company

We’ve built a reputation for delivering precise and reliable anchor testing services across the UK. Our engineers understand the unique challenges across various sectors we conduct tests that meet the highest standards of safety, and compliance. No matter your industry, we provide tailored solutions that keep your fixings secure and your operations running smoothly.

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Nationwide On-Site Pull Out Testing Across the UK

At Bramley Engineering, we provide on-site pull out testing across the UK and Ireland, including Scotland, Wales, and the Channel Islands. With our expertise and industry-leading equipment, we help UK businesses across multiple sectors verify the strength and safety of their fixing anchors, keeping operations safe and secure long-term.

Get in Touch To Book Your Anchor Pull Out Test

Do you need on-site pull-out testing for your project? Our professional engineers will carry out thorough anchor point testing using premium equipment to ensure your fixings are safe to use and legally compliant. Get in touch today to arrange a Pull Out Test and we’ll take care of the rest.

Pull Out Testing FAQ’s

Need more information about pull-out testing, who requires it, and how it’s carried out? We know that understanding testing requirements and compliance standards can be complicated, so we’ve outlined the key details on anchor testing to help.

What is a Pull Out Test?

A pullout test, also known as a pull test, pull-out test, anchor test, or anchor pull test, is a method used to assess the strength and reliability of fixings embedded in materials like concrete, masonry, or metal. It’s used to detect possible construction weaknesses from anchor points like bolts or other fixing by conducting a stress load test. The pullout testing method is widely used in construction, civil engineering, and industrial applications to guarantee that anchors and fixings perform reliably under load so that projects and operations are safe.

By applying a controlled tensile force, a pull test measures how much load an anchor, screw, or fastener can withstand before failure, ensuring compliance with safety standards and structural integrity. A specialised testing rig, such as a Hydrajaws tester, is attached to the fixing, and a controlled force is gradually applied until the fixing either fails or reaches its safe working load limit. The maximum force is then recorded to check if the fixing meets the required safety standards.

What is the Pull Test for?

A pull test is a method used to assess the strength, integrity, and load-bearing capacity of fasteners and fixings. The test ensures structural safety and compliance in construction and engineering projects by:

  • Verifying the quality and suitability of fasteners used in construction.
  • Ensuring safety when attaching heavy equipment, beams, or structural supports to walls, floors, or ceilings.
  • Testing different types of anchors on materials like concrete, masonry, and steel.
  • Meeting compliance requirements with building codes and safety standards such as BS8539.

What is the British Standard for pull out tests?

British Standards (BS) are nationally recognised guidelines and specifications developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) to ensure quality, safety, and performance across various industries. While some British Standards are voluntary, many are legal requirements in UK regulations. In situations where a failure could result in serious injury, like with fall protection anchors or heavy lifting equipment, pull tests are usually required by law.

BS8539:2012 is the British Standard for the selection, installation, and testing of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry. It provides best-practice guidelines to ensure that anchors used in construction are safely and correctly specified, installed, and regularly tested. BS8539 outlines responsibilities for all parties involved in anchor selection and installation, including:

  • Designers & Specifiers – Ensuring the right anchors are chosen for the application.
  • Distributors & Suppliers – Providing accurate technical information and compliant products.
  • Installers – Follow manufacturer instructions and ensure proper installation.
  • Testers & Inspectors – Conduct pull-out tests by qualified professionals to verify anchor strength and compliance.

Is a pull out test destructive?

A pull out test can be either destructive or non-destructive, depending on the purpose of the test and the load applied.

  • Non-Destructive Pull out Testing – In this method, force is applied up to a predetermined safe load limit without causing failure. This is commonly used for on-site compliance checks to ensure fixings meet safety standards without damaging the anchor or substrate.
  • Destructive Pull out Testing – This involves applying force until the fixing fails or pulls out completely, determining the maximum load capacity. It is typically used for research, development, and safety verification where fixings need to be tested to their breaking point.

If you’re worried about damage to your infrastructure, don’t be. For most of our clients, a pull out test is non-destructive. There are times when a destructive pull test may be requested, but this is usually only chosen for research and development purposes.

For construction and safety compliance, non-destructive pull out testing, as it confirms maximum load-bearing capacity while keeping the fixing intact and usable providing there is no failure. Get in touch to discuss your test requirements.

What are the types of failure in pull out tests?

In anchor pullout tests, various failures can occur, each caused by weaknesses in the anchor system or the surrounding material. The most common types of failure include:

  • Concrete Cone Failure (Concrete Breakout): This occurs when the concrete around the anchor forms a cone-shaped fracture and breaks away. Cone failures typically occur when the anchor’s load exceeds the tensile strength of the concrete. 
  • Pull-Out Failure: This happens when the anchor is pulled out from the drilled hole, partially damaging the surrounding concrete and leaving a fracture or further damage. 
  • Splitting Failure: Characterised by a splitting crack that divides the base material into two parts, this type of failure occurs when the dimensions of the concrete component are limited or the anchor is installed close to an edge. 
  • Steel Failure: This occurs when the anchor’s steel rod reaches its yielding capacity and ruptures after developing large deformities, leaving the concrete base material undamaged.
  • Pull-Through Failure: In this mode, the anchor is pulled through the concrete, causing lateral damage around the area of the anchor’s head. 
  • Blow-Out Failure: This failure is characterised by the lateral spalling of concrete near the anchor’s head. It usually occurs in cast-in-place anchors installed near the edge of a concrete element. 

Can anyone do an anchor pullout test?

No. An anchor pull out test must only be carried out by a competent person who is trained and qualified, ideally from an impartial company that is independent and different from the anchor installation team, like Bramley Engineering.

Industry Accreditations

Bramley Engineering is fully competent and accredited with all the necessary bodies to carry out Pull Out Testing on your behalf.

LEEA Full Member

UVDB

THSP

ISO 9001 Socotec UKAS Accreditation

ISO 9001

Coughlan Business Insurance