Drilling into brick

[Bricago]

Hello,

I need to mount a decorative semicircular wire-frame display on an interior exposed brick wall. As you can see in the photos, there are two 1/4" diameter holes in the upper corners for a bolt to pass through. (The photos are oriented wrong and should be rotated 90 degrees clockwise).

I've never drilled holes into brick before and would like some instruction on which bit to use and how you recommend mounting the display. It weighs about three pounds.

My best guess is to use a masonry bit and some kind of wall anchor, but I don't know what they look like. I'm also thinking that a washer would help keep pressure against the mounting hole, instead of looking for a large enough screw head to cover it.

Thank you for any advice you can give.

 

[930dreamer]

Yes on the masonry drill bit and anchors.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

Drill a hole with a masonry drill bit (better in a hammer drill) and then use a tapcon to secure it.

 

[bobscogin]

I'd try to position it so the mounting holes fall on the mortar joints. Mortar is easily repaired, and the holes can be filled if you ever take it down. Crack a brick, and you've got a cracked brick for life.

Bob

 

[Bricago]

Thank you for the replies. Bob, I'm curious about the brick/mortar distinction. Is one "softer" than the other for drilling? We're installing this in a commercial space where aesthetics are not a concern for the owner. Since I don't have a hammer drill, if one is easier to work with than the other that would be a big help.

Thank you.

 

[The Cobbler]

.... Since I don't have a hammer drill, if one is easier to work with than the other that would be a big help.

Thank you.

The mortar joint would be easier to drill

 

[p_mori7]

A hammer drill is not required for the small job you need to do.

Perhaps you could get by with just one hole and use black baling wire ?

Tie the baling wire to each mounting hole, loop it over the one screw (kinda like a picture frame).

 

[Nowater]

A regular drill on a lower speed with a masonry bit will get the job done in ten minutes.

 

[ishiboo]

The mortar joint would be easier to drill

+1. Mortar has to be softer than the brick (otherwise expansion/etc would cause the brick to crack) and you can remove it in the future and repair like new.

 

[rburke65]

You can take a walk down the isle of your local Lowes or HD and look at all the anchors available. And if you don't know, ask some one there.

 

[7th Kahuna]

Hard to tell from the pictures, but that looks like old soft brick. Just the same, it would be better to anchor it in the mortar. It's easier to repair and easier on the building. This should be an quick job with a masonry bit and a standard drill. No need for a hammer drill. No worries.

 

[Stephenw]

I've drilled both bricks and mortar joints. Both drill easily with a masonry bit. Never use any kind of expanding anchor in a brick. Bricks are easy to split.

I would anchor in the mortar joints if at all possible.

 

[dadsEH]

Just go to your friendly hardware and show them the pic, they will guide you.

 

[Lambo nut]

Just go to your friendly hardware and show them the pic, they will guide you.

You put a lot of faith in your local hardware guys!

Kevin

 

[Bricago]

Got 'er done. Drilling into the mortar was a whole lot easier than I expected. The lead shields and washers provide a secure fit.

Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[Bricago]

Drilling into Concrete

Hello,

I couldn't find the "start a new thread" button, even though I should have permission to, so I'm changing the tack of this one from brick to concrete.

Here's the project: hang an exercise apparatus from a concrete ceiling. The device has two anchor points about 30" apart. It needs to support about 250 lbs.

The ceiling has concrete beams that hang 6" down and are 6" across. (see photo). I'm picturing two screw eyes inserted into the concrete beams from the bottom or from the side. The apparatus has ropes that would thread through the screw eyes.

If you have experience with this I'd love your advice on how to anchor these connections into the concrete. Thank you.

 

[Average_Joe]

Re: Drilling into Concrete

Hello,

I couldn't find the "start a new thread" button, even though I should have permission to, so I'm changing the tack of this one from brick to concrete.

Here's the project: hang an exercise apparatus from a concrete ceiling. The device has two anchor points about 30" apart. It needs to support about 250 lbs.

The ceiling has concrete beams that hang 6" down and are 6" across. (see photo). I'm picturing two screw eyes inserted into the concrete beams from the bottom or from the side. The apparatus has ropes that would thread through the screw eyes.

If you have experience with this I'd love your advice on how to anchor these connections into the concrete. Thank you.

Redheads?

 

[Rookie2]

Hammer drill will probable be easier. they make threaded studs and drive in eye bolts.

 

[38Chevy454]

Hammer drill makes drilling concrete very easy. Regular drill can work but will take a longer time, around 10x longer or more potentially.

As to whether drilling in the bottom and being in tension, or drilling in the side and being in shear, shear would be preferred if you have enough concrete to support the load without breaking out. I can't tell squat from your picture or where the holes would go.