How to Mount Heavy Objects to Brick
Attaching heavy objects to brick is more difficult than mounting on wood or drywall; you can't just nail or glue something to bare brick. Specialized drill bits are required to bore through the brick, and concrete sleeve anchors are needed to expand inside the brick and act as sturdy, durable supports.
It is imperative that the correct anchors are used for heavy objects because insufficient or small anchors may break and damage both the wall and any mounted objects.
Things You Will Need
- Level
- Tape
- Pipe cleaner
- Dry vacuum
- Pound scale
- Hammer drill
- Masonry drill bit
- Concrete sleeve anchors
- Wrench
Tip
A deeper drill hole allows the anchor to fit even if some debris is left in the hole from the drilling process. You should still try to remove as much drill debris as possible before inserting the anchors. Spacing the drill holes and anchors too closely decreases their individual effectiveness. If the brick wall and the mounted object will be subject to vibration, the distance between anchors should be increased.
Warning
Always use caution when using power tools. Do not attempt to install a heavy object by yourself because juggling tools and heavy weights can lead to injuries.
Measuring
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Place the object to be mounted on a scale to determine its weight. Obtain the appropriate concrete sleeve anchors for that weight.
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Determine the diameter of the sleeve anchors, which should be on the box, and obtain an appropriately sized masonry drill bit and wrench. The drill and the anchor must be the same size because this process requires a snug fit between the hole and the anchor.
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Place the object to be mounted against the wall and ensure that it is level. This requires at least one extra set of hands. Use tape to make an outline of the object around its edges.
Mounting
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While your assistants hold the object in place, use the hammer drill (with masonry bit) to drill anchor holes through the object and brick; these holes should be slightly deeper than the length of the anchor (excluding the bolt, washer, and thickness of the object being mounted) and should be at least five anchor-diameters away from the edges of the object and 10 anchor-diameters away from each other.
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Use a pipe cleaner to clean out debris deep in the drill holes, followed by a dry vacuum to dispose of any loose material in the hole and on the floor.
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Turn the bolt on the anchor so it is flush against the top of the anchor (exposing as much of the anchor's length as possible). Insert the anchor through the hole in the object and into the drill hole. Push the anchor until the washer is pressed firmly against the object's surface.
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Tighten the bolt by hand until it is pressed firmly against the washer. Use the wrench to tighten the bolt several times until the anchor is tightly embedded between the brick and the object. Repeat the anchor installation for the additional drill holes. Remove the outlining tape when finished.
The Drip Cap
- Attaching heavy objects to brick is more difficult than mounting on wood or drywall; you can't just nail or glue something to bare brick.
- While your assistants hold the object in place, use the hammer drill (with masonry bit) to drill anchor holes through the object and brick; these holes should be slightly deeper than the length of the anchor (excluding the bolt, washer, and thickness of the object being mounted) and should be at least five anchor-diameters away from the edges of the object and 10 anchor-diameters away from each other.
- Tighten the bolt by hand until it is pressed firmly against the washer.
- Repeat the anchor installation for the additional drill holes.
References
Writer Bio
Jason Williams has been involved in journalism since 2000 as both a writer and an editor. Graduating from the International Baccalaureate program in 2004, he has written on a wide array of topics, specializing in topics of natural sciences and technology.
Photo Credits
- Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
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