Abstract: An expansion dowel is formed of an axially elongated expansion member and an expansion element insertable into a bore through the expansion member. The expansion member has two axially extending first slots located diametrically opposite one another and open at one end of the member. Two axially extending second slots are located in the expansion member offset circumferentially by 90.degree. from the first slots. The second slots are closed at their opposite ends. The first and second slots partially overlap in the axial direction, so that the expansion member is radially expandable in the overlapping region of the slots, while the expansion element is prevented from moving off center during the expanding operation.