How to hang something on brick

Things You’ll Need

Masonry drill bit

Concrete sleeve anchors

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.

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.

Measuring

Step 1

Place the object to be mounted on a scale to determine its weight. Obtain the appropriate concrete sleeve anchors for that weight.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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 only real downside to having a fully tiled bathroom or a big exposed-brick wall is figuring out whether—or how, rather—to hang art on them. Yes, it’s possible to drill right into either surface in a way that will bear weight—but it’s not as if you can just grab a tub of spackle to cover up the resulting holes if you ever rearrange. Replacing a single subway tile with a matching subway tile is one thing (not super fun but doable); replacing a well-patinaed brick is . . . not something your landlord (or your contractor) is going to be excited about attempting (#constructionfail alert!).

Fortunately, there are ways to hang art and decor on both surfaces without leaving any holes at all.

Mounting on Brick

If your grout is recessed, meaning the bricks poke slightly out over the grout line, you can use brick clamps to hang things on the wall. Snap the clip (sometimes called a “clamp”) right onto the brick face and that’s it; the hook is part of the device. While shopping for one, just check how much weight it can bear before purchasing (this one costs just $8 and can bear up to 25 pounds of weight). If your walls are painted over, making for a smoother brick surface that the clamps can’t latch onto, try using sticky hooks instead.

Mounting on Tile and Glass

Now, if you want to secure a piece of art on a tile wall or glass surface (yes, glass—decorate your windows!), turn to those peel-and-stick art hangers you can now find in any pharmacy or hardware store. Designer Nicki Clendening used Command’s Picture Hanging Strips to prop up a little painting on her bathroom tile without any fear of it coming down: “They work beautifully!” And of course, you simply pull them loose when you’re ready to move the painting (or move out). Just size up for heavier pieces.

Related Articles

A brick fireplace adds warmth to a room. A large mirror adds dimension, especially to a small room. Combine the best of both design elements by hanging a large mirror over your brick fireplace. Since most large mirrors are also quite heavy, hanging one requires some planning and precautions.

Weigh the mirror. The easiest way is to step on the scale, note your weight, step off the scale, and then step back on the scale while holding the mirror.

Purchase anchors to hang the mirror on. Look for anchors that are rated to hold the weight of your mirror, plus 10 to 20 pounds. If your mirror’s weight is at the top end of the range, get the next highest rated anchor. Choose metal instead of plastic. Plan on using at least two anchors for added security if you are in an area prone to earthquake. Anchors that use closed screw hooks that won’t let the hanging wire dislodge from the hook are recommended in earthquake zones. You can supplement the hook by applying earthquake putty to the hook when you hang the mirror. Purchase a masonry drill bit that is the same diameter as your anchor.

Ask one or two people to hold the mirror in its final position. Mark the top edge and sides of the mirror with masking tape. You might need to stand on a ladder or step ladder.

Approximate the slack that will be taken up in your hanging wire when the mirror is hanging from the wall. As a rule, the anchors should catch the hanging wire about one-third of the way in from the frame. Measure the distance from the top of the taught wire to the top edge of the mirror. Measure the distance from the side of the taught wire to the side edge of the mirror. Transfer these measurements to the brick, using the masking tape you put up earlier as a reference. Mark the spots where you’ll drill your holes with a marker. Use a carpenter’s level to ensure that the spots you marked are level with each other. If possible, place the marks for the holes on mortar. It’s softer and less likely to crack.

Drill the holes for your anchors. Wear safety goggles since small pieces of brick and mortar will likely be flying off the wall and drill bit. Clean out the holes with compressed air. Place the end of the anchor into the hole and gently tap it in with a rubber mallet. You may need to use some force, but avoid hammering too hard. Screw the closed hooks into the anchors. Place a small amount of earthquake putty in the crook of the hooks.

Enlist your helpers to lift from both sides of the mirror as you guide it from the step ladder. Your helpers can look behind the mirror and watch as the hanging wire catches the anchors. Level the mirror as needed by sliding it left to right on the anchors. Place small amounts of earthquake putty on each corner of the mirror and press against the wall for additional support. Remove the masking tape.

Does anyone know any way to hang something that weighs about 10 lbs on our brick fireplace wall without drilling a hole? It’s in the living room and I’d really prefer not to have to fix a masonry hole when we leave. I can’t believe there isn’t something out there that can do this. We have pretty deep groutlines, so maybe is there something that latches onto the bricks? I don’t want to rest it on the mantel, I want it up higher.

Thanks in advance!

amysrq

I used 3M outdoor double-stick foam tape to hang a metal piece in the patio area in Florida. I expected it to leave a mess but it came down easily when we moved. That was a painted stucco surface. I am guessing your bricks are raw. I know the stuff would hang whatever, but I am not sure how much yuck it would leave behind when you try to remove it.

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mahatmacat1

O.K., so after I post I decide to search google a little more specifically and found this below. Has anyone used it? (scroll down–it’s at the bottom of the page)

Here is a link that might be useful: little slap on forehead

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i have a clear plastic wreath hanger on our stone fireplace(that looks similar to the hangers in link) that would work better on brick-they’re made for brick. just to make sure it stayed secure in the stone, i put a dab of clear epoxy on the back. has stayed tight for a couple of years and can hold easily 10lbs.

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Though it’s not a difficult process, specific materials are required to safely hang items on a brick wall. Brick is a very strong building material, but it’s also very porous, and improper handling can cause it to easily crack, crumble, or break.

Though brick is a very strong building material, it’s porous and can crack, crumble, or break with improper handling.

Picture hangers for concrete and brick are the best option for hanging most artwork. Also called brick hooks or brick clips, these specialized picture hangers typically come in sizes able to support up to 30 pounds (13.6 kg), 50 pounds (22.7 kg), and 100 pounds (45.4 kg). The hangers are easy to use and readily available at most home improvement superstores as well as smaller hardware stores.

A brick and concrete picture hanger consists of a small piece of gold-, silver-, or bronze-colored metal, with a hook-shaped bottom and a hole that penetrates the top. Also included with the hanger set is a brass-plated, unbendable nail that has an extremely sharp tip. Installation is quite easy: after positioning the hanger on the brick wall, simply insert the brass-plated nail into the hole on the hanger and gently tap it with a hammer. It’s best to place the nail directly into the brick rather than into the surrounding mortar, as the mortar will probably be too fragile to support the weight of the item being hung.

Masonry drill bits are necessary to bore holes into brick walls.

Concrete screws are another option to hang items on a brick wall, and depending on size, they can bear different weight loads. These screws are very hard so that they can be drilled into brick and concrete without damaging them. They are also specially threaded in order to dig into the surface of the brick wall and to grip securely once installed. An electric drill, with a low-speed setting and equipped with a carbide masonry bit, is necessary to install a concrete screw into a brick wall. A hole that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw is carefully drilled at a downward, 45° angle into the brick. Replacing the masonry bit with a standard screwdriver bit, the concrete screw should then be slowly drilled into the hole until it is tightened securely.

You can also use lead anchors. As with the concrete screws, an electric drill with a low speed setting and a carbide masonry bit are required. With the masonry bit, a hole just large enough to hold the anchor should be drilled at a 45° downward angle into the brick. The anchor should then be gently tapped into the hole with a hammer. The final step is to insert the screw that comes packaged with the anchor. The sides of the anchor will expand and flare out inside the hole as the screw is inserted. Either a hand screwdriver or the electric drill on slow speed and fitted with a standard screwdriver bit can be used to install the screw into the anchor.

When installing hooks, screws, and anchors into brick, it’s important to remember to work slowly and carefully, and to use the proper materials and tools. It’s not difficult to hang items on a brick wall, but rushing or using the wrong tools or materials to attach the hardware can cause damage to the brick that can be quite costly to repair.

A hammer can be used to tap a lead anchor into a brick wall.

This post was originally published on DIY Network’s blog Made + Remade in October 2015.

Hanging art and decorations can be challenging and damaging, but there’s a trick! Before you break up your brick or mess up your masonry with wall anchors, there are a few amazing products you MUST know about.

First, a few things:

• I tested two different products, one is the Brick Clip® Fastener (above, front) and the other is a block clip from The Hillman Group (above, in the background). (You can buy them both on Amazon – Brick Clip® and Block Clip)
• These are definitely marketed as products to be used with brick for good reason – bricks are manufactured for consistency, and the products are designed to fit common brick sizes. I have stacked flagstone in my own home, so my true curiosity in testing these products was in whether I could make use of them too. Spoiler alert, one works, the other doesn’t, but they are both GREAT on traditional brick.
• Bricks can vary in height, so the Brick Clip® Fastener is available in 3 sizes to accommodate this variance (learn more about types of brick here). Flagstone walls are a different story – at the narrowest points, my stones are all roughy 1″ tall with a 1″ mortar gap. If you’re reviewing this product for your own stonework, keep in mind that the natural materials are subject to greater variance.

I found that the product by The Hillman Group was a better fit on my flagstone walls. With this design, the clip creates tension between the bottom of the top stone and the top edge of the lower stone. The tabs at the top are rigid, but still thin enough to be bendable, so I adjusted the angles to fill the wider space between the flagstones.

The teeth clamp against the top of the stone, and the tabs act as a spring holding the accessory in place. The product itself is very narrow, allowing your decor to rest flush against the wall. The clips hold 25-50 pounds, which makes it useful for most artwork and decor you want to display (even large scale art and wall hangings ).

I don’t have brick on my home, but I know plenty of people who do. I bought the other product, the Brick Clip® Fastener to see if any of its sizes would attach to my stone. To attach correctly, I would have needed a very large clip, one in the 3-4″ range, to attach around the height of two horizontal flagstones and the mortar mashed between them.

While it wasn’t perfect for my stone, they did work wonderfully on classic brick, even in instances when the mortar was nearly flush with the brick surface:

Damaging your stone, brick, or mortar for the sake of decorating is irreversible, but I’ve been really impressed with how these products can help you hang decorations both indoors and out.

The oldest of historic brick homes have solid brick walls of two or more layers called wythes, with plaster covered interior walls. Owners who expose an interior brick wall as part of the restoration are then faced with the question of how to hang something on a brick wall.

Here’s what Bob Villa has to say:

“If you’ve never done it before, this may seem like a daunting proposition. Whereas drywall or plaster yield easily to a nail, bricks and mortar obviously require a different approach. And yes, the steps involved are different, as are the necessary tools and materials, but even a beginning do-it-yourselfer can hang pictures on a brick wall. Simply follow the instructions detailed below.”

MATERIALS AND TOOLS
Chalk; Spirit level (optional); Drill; Masonry bit; Wall anchors; Flush-mounting picture hooks or screws; Screwdriver

STEP 1
You may never before have considered picture hanging a messy project, but when you’re working with brick, there’s the risk of dispersing dust around the work area. So before you begin, it’s a good idea to cover fragile items nearby with either plastic sheeting or a drop cloth. Doing so will minimize the amount of time you’ll need to spend cleaning up once you’ve completed the job.

STEP 2
Use chalk to mark the location (on the mortar, not on the face of a brick) where you want to install the picture hook. Don’t worry—chalk can be rubbed away when you’re done.

STEP 3
Ask a friend to stand in the middle of the room while you hold the picture frame over the chalk mark you’ve made on the mortar. Taking into account the manner in which the frame is going to hang—from a wire or by means of a D-ring or sawtooth hanger— confirm that you’ve chalked the correct spot. If you are hanging multiple pictures, you may want to break out the spirit level so you can make sure everything aligns.

STEP 4
Attach a masonry bit to your drill/driver and proceed to drill a hole into the mortar where you marked it with chalk. Drill deep enough to accommodate a wall anchor, but not so deep that you might puncture any wires or pipes behind the brick.

STEP 5
Place a wall anchor into the hole you’ve drilled. Next, screw a picture hook into the embedded wall anchor. Finally, hang the picture frame over the hook you’ve secured into place. Now you’re done. Last but not least: Stand back to enjoy the view!

• Choose a masonry bit that’s the correct size for the wall anchor you’re using.
• Use two wall anchors to safely secure a heavy, glass-fronted picture frame.
• When drilling, be careful to protect your eyes from the dust that may scatter.

Renaissance Development, a leader in brick restoration and historic preservation, specializes in the restoration of an old brick building’s mortar joints using traditional methods (tuckpointing) and materials. Contact us for a free site visit and project quote.

Click to read full answer. Keeping this in view, how do you hang something on a brick wall?

If you need to hang heavy objects or ensure the object is secure on the wall, use screw-in anchor hooks. All you have to do is pre-drill holes into the mortar or brick, then screw in the anchor hook. You can also use anchors that stick to or clamp to the wall, but these are best for light objects only.

Secondly, how do you hang things on brick without drilling holes? A: Devices called brick clips or brick hangers allow people to hang pictures, mirrors and other objects on walls without drilling into the brick. Two examples are Brick Clips by a company called Tuopu (10 for $14.99 on Amazon) and OOK Brick Hangers (two for $2.48 at Home Depot).

Similarly, is it better to drill through brick or mortar?

Brick usually holds better and supports more weight than mortar. However, if you have old, fragile brick and you’re mounting a heavy object that requires deep holes and expansion-style anchors, drilling into the brick may not be the best choice.

What is the best anchor to use in brick?

Self-tapping brick anchors, concrete block or concrete screws are used for fastening items to brick. Concrete screws are most commonly called Tapcon® masonry screws. The heavy-duty masonry screw has the versatility for use in brick, mortar joints, CMU, block or solid concrete.

I want to put up decrative iron pieces on the front of my house, which is brick, but have never done it before. Whats the best type of nail or screw to use? The pieces arent real big or too heavy so I shouldnt need anything too heavy duty. Thanks!

10 Answers

If you want to do a serious job and make sure it is solid and won’t come loose, you must use mortar anchors. You can buy mortar anchor kits at any home supply or hardware store, and the staff there will help you chose exactly what you need.

You have to use an electric drill and a masonry bit. Most mortar anchor kits include the drill bit you need.

But please do it that way. “Easier” methods usually don’t work. Use eye protection when drilling into the mortar.

Have a good time.

You can do the mason anchors or nails or you can use the house’s wooden trim to attach screws,nails,hooks into and use either a small chain,heavy fishing line, or a heavy gauge wire to hang your decor from.For stability you need to use two wires from two hooks/screws to each piece of iron decor.Make the hooks and wires wider apart than the iron piece is wide so it won’t swing or blow.Best wishes with your decorating!

To Hang Something

If you want to nail it, use a masonry nail. Since you are going to hang something on it, you’ll want to make sure to get the fluted masonry nails, not the cut nails.

If you want to use screws, you’ll need a masonry drill bit to bore the hole and a concrete anchor to hold the screw. These are fairly simple. You drill you hole 1/8″ larger than the anchor, tap it in with a hammer, and insert the screw. The anchor expands as the screw enters to hold it in place.

There is a product called a brick hanger that actually hangs onto the edge of the brick that juts out from the mortar. They come in different sizes and formations, and have different maximum weight capacities. This is one kind:

Do a search on “Brick Hangers” and you’ll find something.

It’s not hard to hang picture frames on a brick wall. First, read through our simple instructions. Then grab your drill, some wall anchors, and a friend—and get to work!

Although exposed brick offers a warm, appealing aesthetic redolent of history, many homeowners are puzzled by the question of how to hang pictures on a brick wall. If you’ve never done it before, this may seem like a daunting proposition. Whereas drywall or plaster easily yield to a nail, brick and mortar obviously require a different approach. Yes, the steps involved are different, as are the necessary tools and materials. But make no mistake: Even a beginning do-it-yourselfer can hang pictures on a brick wall. Simply follow the instructions detailed below.

STEP 1

You’ve probably never thought of picture hanging as an especially messy project, but when you’re working with brick, there’s always the risk of dispersing dust around the work area. So before you begin, it’s a good idea to cover fragile items nearby with either plastic sheeting or a drop cloth. Doing so minimizes the amount of time you’ll need to spend cleaning up once you’ve finished the job.

STEP 2
Use chalk to mark the location (on the mortar, not on the face of a brick) where you want to install the picture hook. Don’t worry—chalk can be rubbed away when you’re done.

STEP 3
Ask a friend to stand in the middle of the room while you hold the picture frame over the chalk mark you’ve made on the mortar. Taking into account the manner in which the frame is going to hang—from a wire or by means of a D-ring or sawtooth hanger— confirm that you’ve chalked the correct spot. If you are hanging multiple pictures, you may want to break out the level, so you can make sure everything aligns.

STEP 4
Attach a masonry bit to your drill/driver and proceed to drill a hole into the mortar where you marked it with chalk. (Don’t have any masonry bits? You can easily order a set from Amazon or elsewhere.) Be sure to drill deep enough to accommodate a wall anchor, but not so deep that you might puncture any wires or pipes behind the brick.

STEP 5
Place a wall anchor into the hole you’ve drilled. Next, screw a picture hook into the embedded wall anchor. Finally, hang the picture frame over the hook you’ve secured into place. Now you’re done. Last but not least: Stand back to enjoy the view!

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Additional Tips

– Choose a masonry bit that’s the correct size for the wall anchor you’re using.

– Use two wall anchors to safely secure a heavy, glass-fronted picture frame.

– When drilling, be careful to protect your eyes from the dust that may scatter.

I want to put up decrative iron pieces on the front of my house, which is brick, but have never done it before. Whats the best type of nail or screw to use? The pieces arent real big or too heavy so I shouldnt need anything too heavy duty. Thanks!

10 Answers

If you want to do a serious job and make sure it is solid and won’t come loose, you must use mortar anchors. You can buy mortar anchor kits at any home supply or hardware store, and the staff there will help you chose exactly what you need.

You have to use an electric drill and a masonry bit. Most mortar anchor kits include the drill bit you need.

But please do it that way. “Easier” methods usually don’t work. Use eye protection when drilling into the mortar.

Have a good time.

You can do the mason anchors or nails or you can use the house’s wooden trim to attach screws,nails,hooks into and use either a small chain,heavy fishing line, or a heavy gauge wire to hang your decor from.For stability you need to use two wires from two hooks/screws to each piece of iron decor.Make the hooks and wires wider apart than the iron piece is wide so it won’t swing or blow.Best wishes with your decorating!

To Hang Something

If you want to nail it, use a masonry nail. Since you are going to hang something on it, you’ll want to make sure to get the fluted masonry nails, not the cut nails.

If you want to use screws, you’ll need a masonry drill bit to bore the hole and a concrete anchor to hold the screw. These are fairly simple. You drill you hole 1/8″ larger than the anchor, tap it in with a hammer, and insert the screw. The anchor expands as the screw enters to hold it in place.

There is a product called a brick hanger that actually hangs onto the edge of the brick that juts out from the mortar. They come in different sizes and formations, and have different maximum weight capacities. This is one kind:

Do a search on “Brick Hangers” and you’ll find something.

I wanted to share our experience because we were so nervous about hanging a heavy mirror over our fireplace, but it wasn’t difficult and we quickly figured out how to hang a heavy mirror on a brick fireplace and how to drill into brick and it’s surprisingly easy! And not scary. Here’s the process and what you’ll need!

You have a brick fireplace. You want to hang something heavy on it. Probably a mirror, to bounce a little light around the room. No problem (and good idea, by the way, I’m sure it will look fabulous). There is obviously more than one way to do this (and always default to professionals), but here’s how we hung the super heavy duty mirror we stenciled and framed.

• Drill
• Drill bit (for the wood backed mirror)
• Masonry bit (some masonry screw brands sell the bit in the package)
• Masonry screws
• Wood screws (for the mirror)
• Masking tape (to use as a depth gauge)
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Heavy duty picture hanging wire and D-rings

How to Hang a Heavy Mirror on a Brick Fireplace (How to Drill into Brick):

1. We measured where we wanted the mirror hung, choosing two anchor points (for more strength) in the mortar between the bricks.

2. We taped off the length of the screw on the drill bit, so we knew what depth to make the hole (this is the “poor man’s depth gauge”).

Masking tape works well, because it doesn’t leave a sticky residue on the bit.

3. Using a masonry drill bit that came with our masonry screws, we drilled holes into the mortar, stopping when we reached our poor man’s depth gauge. Handy Hubs kept the drill as straight as possible, so as not to enlarge the hole.

Step number three made a huge mess.

4. Finally, we drove in the masonry screws, making sure they hugged the brick as tightly as possible, so they are nice and secure.

Easy-peasy. Next we tackled the back of the mirror.

1. We picked up some heavy duty hangers from our local hardware store and screwed them into the wood the mirror is mounted to, using wood screws. We pre-drilled these holes too, to ensure a tighter fit. (Pre-drilling also keeps the wood from splitting).

2. Using heavy duty picture hanging wire (this stuff is weight-rated), we tightly strung it from the hangers, actually triple-stranding it to make it extra tough. We also kept quite a long tail, wrapping it back onto itself.

3. We also wanted to make sure the wire sat where it should on the screws, so we marked the points in pencil on the back of the mirror. It’s important the wire isn’t too loosey-goosey, so we adjusted the tension accordingly.

And that’s it! I was really stressed about how to hang a heavy mirror on a brick fireplace (I pictured the whole fireplace crumbling or hearing a crash*bang and finding bits of shiny Hungarian poem everywhere), but Hubs knew what he was doing! We lived with this mirror for years, and never had it move an inch!

UPDATE: in our new house, we drilled right into the composite stone fireplace (not between the bricks into the mortar) and we bought a super awesome tool for that for that, which made it so, so easy! You can take a look at that project right here and learn more tips and tricks for how to drill into brick.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jann Seal

As a design element, nothing lends a more rustic feeling to a room than a brick wall. The history of those bricks and the families they have observed can be enhanced by artwork reflecting the personalities of the current occupants.

Hanging pictures on a brick wall is possible without drilling holes into the bricks. Devices for hanging pictures, mirrors, photographs and decorative elements have been created, and all can be used without being invasive and damaging the bricks. They also can be removed without harming the original bricks. Plaster walls can also benefit from these hanging suggestions since the plaster can crack when nailing picture hangers into it.

Preparing the Bricks

Remove any furniture from the front of the brick wall. If the mortar is rough and level to the brick face, you may want to “point” the mortar to create an even and depressed seam between the brick and the mortar. Wipe down the brick face to remove any dust that accumulated and let it dry before continuing.

Using a Picture-Hanging Rail

Running a picture-hanging rail across the ceiling level to the brick wall is a system used by many museums. It preserves the walls and allows the flexibility that is necessary for hanging multiple pictures. Recessed ceilings use a top rail, while flat ceilings use an up rail.

Hanging Brick Clamps

One of the easiest systems for hanging pictures on a brick wall is the brick clamp or clip. Be sure that the mortar is well-pointed behind the brick in order to create a ledge for the clamp. After measuring the depth of the brick, purchase a clip that coincides with that depth. Also measure the height of the picture. Hang the clamp on the top of the chosen brick. If the object is over 30 pounds, use several clamps.

Challenges of Adhesive Hangers

Unless your bricks have an even surface, adhesive hangers won’t work. You may have to sand the brick to create a surface for the hanger to grip properly. Painted brick is the best for adhesive hangers. Peeling the plastic off the back of the hook allows it to adhere to the brick, and doing the same on the back of the picture hook gives you a hanging system without defacing the brick.

Another adhesive option is double-sided industrial tape. This works on an even surface, such as painted or sanded brick. Be cautious of the weight of the object, as the grip can loosen, and your artwork may end up on the floor. Placing a sofa as a cushion for falling objects is one way to protect the art – but not the household member.

Securing the Art

One hanger may not be enough if the artwork is heavy. If possible, string several hooks across the brick and position the hanger wire into all of them. Do not exceed the recommended weight for each type of hook.

6sqft’s series Apartment Living 101 is aimed at helping New Yorkers navigate the challenges of creating a happy home in the big city. This week we offer up ideas for decorating exposed brick walls without drilling.

Exposed brick is one of the most common architectural elements in NYC apartments — even otherwise bland spaces often feature the material. Though it offers tons of character, it can make decorating quite challenging since drilling into brick isn’t the easiest task. Renters especially have a tough time, as putting holes in a brick wall can be a big no-no for landlords. But 6sqft has come up with 10 ways to dress up such walls, no drill necessary. Thanks to decor like string lights and ladders, you’ll never have to stare at a blank brick wall again.

Garland from Lucy Birdy/Etsy

1. Garland ↑

We tend to think of garland in its pom pom form for children’s rooms, but there are plenty of adult-worthy versions out there. Using wrapping paper, wallpaper, or fabric you can cut out fun designs of just about anything (some of our favorites includes simple triangles or hearts cut from old map pages) and string them onto some twine or ribbon. Other ideas include tassels, feathers dipped in paint, and felt balls from the craft store. It’s also an inexpensive way to change decor out seasonally, and since they’re so lightweight they’ll hang from your brick wall with just a few tacks or mounting putty.

String lights via Juliana Isaac

2. String lights ↑

Similar to garland, string lights come in all sorts of sophisticated varieties these days, many of which are nice and lightweight. We prefer subtle versions like those pictures above; clunky lights like the notorious chili peppers can distract from the classic brick wall. Some tacks or tiny stick-on hooks should do the trick.

POP lanterns on 6sqft via Studio Ljung & Ljung

3. Lanterns ↑

Another way to use light is by hanging lanterns from the ceiling. This alleviates the need to work with the brick directly, but still uses it as a backdrop. Hang the fixtures at varying heights and select different colors, patterns, or shapes to create a more artistic look.

Image via the Corcoran Group on 6sqft

4. Hanging plants ↑

This is the same idea as the lanterns — use the ceiling as your surface instead of the wall. Hang various indoor plants at different heights using the brick as a canvas.

Image via Decor8

5. Unframed pictures ↑

Hanging unframed pictures, papers, and postcards doesn’t have to look messy. If you’re going the paper route, pick a color palette, but vary the sizes and designs. Postcards of all types work nicely together since they’re the same size. Thinking of doing a photo collage? Why not print them all in sepia or use one of today’s fun Instagram printers?

6. Lightweight frames ↑

Simple wood or plastic frames don’t weigh much, so can be hung up with adhesive hooks. Find them in different colors (or paint them yourself), sizes, and finishes to create an artistic collage.

7. Fabric and curtains ↑

Because they’re so light, curtains or large fabric panels make great wall art. Use them to frame out spaces (like the faux headboard above) or simply stand in place of a colorful painting. To tie them off to the side use a hook mounted horizontally.

Image from Urban Outfitters’ Firefly String Lights

8. Ladders ↑

If you don’t want to adhere anything at all to your brick wall, consider a decorative ladder. Some models have deep enough steps to hold tchotchkes, but they’re also another great way to adorn the wall with lights, garland, and plants.

Image via the Corcoran Group on 6sqft

9. Leaning pictures or mirrors ↑

Oversized pictures and mirrors don’t always need to get hung up. Consider leaning them against your brick wall for a decorative effect that helps ground the room. If you go the mirror route, a nice addition it to place a cabinet or table in front of it to add depth.

Image via DigsDigs

10. Backless bookcases ↑

You can still display all your books and keepsakes while letting the brick shine through with a backless bookcase. Just make sure the structure is made to stand without the back and will be sturdy enough.

Bonus! Brick Clips ↑

If all else fails (and if your specific brick allows), hang up your heavier paintings, mirrors, or sconces with Brick Clips. They hook on to the lip of the actual brick and can hold up to 25 pounds each.

I moved into a apaertment and was told we was not allowed to drill holes in the brick ,but need something on wall, to bare looking .. any suggestions how i could do this?

the brick is smooth to no edges to use clips.

6 Answers

If they are lightweight, you can use an adhesive as was already mentioned above. If you need to hang something heavier, you could always drill into the ceiling joists above & suspend from there. I’ve seen that done attractively.

It’s called command adhesive. It is a strip of adhesive that comes with a tab that you pull when you want to remove it and it causes the adhesive to release from the wall and its hook. The hooks come in a variety of styles and “weights” some of them hold up to 10 pounds. The are great, don’t leave a mark on the wall and hold your artwork.

You can use I-hooks and photo frame wire to suspend artwork from the ceiling. Or how about placing a shelf or ladder rack against that wall? You can place art work or photos on that and take it with you when you move.

You can get those little stick backed things at the store but the adhesive will stay on the wall when you remove it–HHMMMM I guess then you’d have to use adhesive remover when you leave. Happy decorating.

When people think of drilling, they usually think that it’s simple. You drill a hole, and that’s it. Drilling itself is very simple, but there can be a lot of additional stuff that you need to pay attention to while drilling, depending on the material that you plan to drill. We have compiled a list of five things that you need to know to make drilling into brick or mortar easier for you.

What do you need to know when drilling into brick or the mortar?

1. It’s going to get dusty

Regardless if you plan on to drill into brick or mortar, you should know that there is going to be a lot of dust everywhere. Most dust is going to get to the ground, but some of it will remain in the air for up to several hours. That’s why it’s best to drill when there are a few people around as possible. This is especially true for people that have breathing problems, like asthma. Here you can see how much dust there is when you drill into brick or mortar.

Before you begin drilling, place some nylon on the ground directly below the area where you want to drill. Also, if possible, ask a friend or your wife to hold a dustpan below the place where you want to drill, as close as possible. That way, you will be able to catch most of the dust that falls below. Another, perhaps even better way of doing this is to use a vacuum cleaner. Remove the bottom part of the vacuum cleaner and turn it on. Place the tube below (or beside, if you are drilling on the ground) the drilling area and turn the vacuum cleaner on. You can start drilling, and the vacuum cleaner will collect all dust particles automatically.

2. You’re going to need a face and ear protection

Since there’s going to be a lot of noise, get a pair of ear muffs (check on Amazon.com). A lot of construction workers I know don’t usually wear them, but I highly recommend that you use them. If you plan on drilling a lot, they will significantly protect your hearing.

Another protective piece of equipment I highly recommend that you wear if you are drilling into brick or mortar is the dust mask (check on Amazon.com). They are very cheap and you won’t cough, or even worse, have breathing issues after you finish drilling. I usually only wear a mask if I am going to be drilling for a longer period of time. You don’t have to use a mask if you are going to drill one hole for a picture.

3. If you can choose between drilling into brick or mortar, choose brick

This piece of advice goes for people that drill into walls to install cabinets or to place screws for picture frames the most, but there’s something to learn in this for everyone. Drilled mortar will decay and more and more parts will fall off after a couple of years. Brick, on the other hand, tends to be more firm and won’t deteriorate.

However, when you are drilling bricks, you should be careful not to fragment them, and to drill them correctly. If you don’t drill a brick precisely, and cause a small fracture, there’s a risk that this fracture could become larger.

4. Always use a hammer drill

Not using a hammer drill while drilling brick or mortar is a common mistake that I see beginners often make when they first try to do this. Although the market is saturated with many different types of drills, hammer drills are specifically designed for drilling brick or mortar.

If you use a hammer drill like Black & Decker DR670 (you can buy on Amazon.com) , a hole that you make will be a lot less prone to decay, and your work will be of higher quality. You will also be able to drill with more precision, as hammer drills often have handles that make it very easy to hold them steady, even during the most intense drilling sessions.

There are many different accessories that will make drilling brick or mortar with a hammer drill, even more, easier for you. Don’t worry. It isn’t difficult to drill with hammer drills themselves, either.

5. Always insert anchors before nails

This is an issue that I see a lot of people does. If your nail or a screw ever fell off from a wall, you probably didn’t insert an anchor. Anchors should be tightly inserted into holes in order to, well, anchor themselves and the screw in the wall and prevent the screw from falling off.

Since drilled holes are prone to decay, anchors prevent that decay and make placing the screw possible. Seriously, you wouldn’t believe just how many people don’t know this and insert screws directly into drilled holes. This is not so terrible if you do this for a hole where you want to hang a painting, but if you do not insert an anchor into the hole for your kitchen cabinet, you risk that the entire cabinet falls down from the wall.

Anchors are easily inserted. All you need to do is to push them in the wall. An anchor should fit in tightly. Don’t drill holes that are too wide for anchors because there’s no point to insert an anchor then.

Conclusion

I hope that this guide has broadened the horizon for you, as far as drilling into brick or mortar goes. If you follow this advice, you will have an easier time than most other people that do this, as these are the things that people most commonly forget to do while drilling.

Most of the handy devices for hanging things on our walls were designed for drywall, not plaster. Everything from how to find a stud in plaster walls to what type of fasteners your should use is different.

Everyone wants to decorate their walls, so learning how to hang things on plaster walls is important for every homeowner to learn. It’s important not just to make the decorating process simpler, but to also avoid costly damage.

What’s the Real Difference Between Plaster and Drywall?

There are a few things that make the two different, especially related to attaching things to your walls.

• Drywall is usually 1/2” thick, compared to historic plaster, which can range from 3/4” to just over 1” thick.
• Plaster is much harder than drywall
• Plaster is more brittle than drywall
• Plaster has lath (wood, metal mesh, or rock lath) behind it that supports it, whereas drywall has nothing behind it

All these differences mean that the two require different fasteners and fastening methods for decorating.

Picture rail

What About Picture Rail?

If you’re one of the fortunate ones, you may have picture rail in some of the rooms of your home. Don’t confuse this little piece of molding at the top of your wall for some kind of miniature crown molding. It has a wonderful purpose and that is to protect your walls and make your life easier.

Picture rail was installed to give you a place to hang things like mirrors, art, pictures and anything else you want to decorate your walls with without putting holes in your plaster. Here’s how it works:

The picture rail is nailed to the studs, giving it better holding strength and was installed toward the top of the wall. The height is often variable depending on local traditions and builder preference, but seeing picture rail anywhere from about 1/2” to 1’ below the ceiling is not uncommon.

Pictures were hung on longer wires or cord to whatever height preferred by the homeowner and hung on small hooks that latched onto the picture rail. This made the pictures easily movable left or right anywhere in the room, and to raise or lower them, you simply change the length of the picture wire.

Picture rail works great for most decorations, but don’t try hanging extremely heavy items from it. After all, it is just a piece of wood molding. If you think something is too heavy, then it’s best to mount it in a more secure way to the wall.

Hanging Without Picture Rail

If you don’t have picture rail or don’t want to install some, that’s just fine. I can still give you some great ideas for hanging on plaster walls.

First thing: Put away the hammer. Hammering nails into plaster is a quick way to knock plaster loose from the lath that is supporting it. You may not notice the damage, but as plaster comes loose from the lath, it will eventually begin to sag and soon fall off the wall if the sagging continues unchecked.

Light Items

Screws (and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items) are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail. For lighter items, simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1/4” drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done.

I prefer if the screw hits the wood lath behind the plaster for a little extra holding power to make sure things stay hung. You can usually tell when you hit the lath because the screw will grab better. If you miss, back the screw out and move the screw up (or down) about 1/2” and you’re sure to find the lath.

Heavy Items

Heavier items need more support, and so I recommend screwing into a stud with a 2” screw. Stud finders rarely work on plaster, but you can find the studs using the magnet trick.

Unfortunately, it seems that every time I need to hang something heavy, there is never a stud where I need one. When that happens, I am stuck using anchors. There are a number of anchors available, all rated by how much weight they can hold. Find one appropriate to your project and go to town.

Anchors aren’t my favorite because they require you to drill larger holes into plaster, but it is a reality of life in an old home. A word of caution, avoid the drywall anchors that are made to be installed without drilling. These self tapping anchors don’t work on hard plaster walls. To put any anchor into plaster, you’ll need to drill first.

Once you’ve got everything hung just where you want it and your husband or wife decides it needs to be rearranged, you can always fill small holes with spackle or even add some sand to the spackle to help it blend into sanded texture plaster.

If you did some big damage, you can use my post How To: Patch Plaster to get your walls back on track.

Good luck and happy decorating!

Founder & Senior Editor

I love old houses, working with my hands, and teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself! Everything is teachable if you only give it the chance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Sylvus

The anchor used to hang heavy objects on a cinder block wall must grip the sides of the anchor’s pilot hole tightly. Anchors with heavy-duty spring-loaded wings hold objects against the hollow part of a cinder block, and wedge-style anchors hold objects against the cinder block’s solid webbing. Avoid placing a heavy object’s anchor within 1 inch of a cinder block’s mortar joint. To safely hold heavy objects against a cinder block wall, use multiple anchors with a total rating 400 percent higher than the object’s weight. For example, 2 anchors rated at 100 lbs. can safely hold an object weighing 50 lbs.

Things You’ll Need

Step 1

Lay out the heavy object’s anchor placement and spacing on the cinder block wall with a pencil, using a tape measure and bubble level as a guide. The anchor placement and spacing depend on the heavy object’s requirements.

Step 2

Equip an electric hammer-drill with the masonry drill bit included in an anchor kit. Anchor kits contain the proper size masonry drill bit for the anchor’s pilot hole.

Step 3

Drill the pilot holes into the cinder blocks at the layout marks with the hammer-drill and masonry drill bit. If the drill bit punches through the cinder block’s surface and enters a cavity, hang the heavy object with a spring-loaded wing-style anchor. If the drill bit remains in solid material after it passes the 1 1/4-inch depth, hang the heavy object with a wedge-style anchor.

Step 4

Clean the dust out of the pilot hole with compressed air.

Step 5

Assemble the anchor. If using spring-loaded wing-style anchors, spin the anchor’s bolt into the hinged side of the anchor’s retaining nut. The anchor’s wings fold over the retaining bolt. If using a wedge-style anchor, twist the bolt onto the anchor’s threads.

Step 6

Insert the end of the anchor opposite the bolt into the pilot hole. If using wing-style anchors, squeeze the wings and press the anchor into the pilot hole. The wings spread once the ends of the wings reach the cinder block’s cavity. If using wedge-style anchors, insert the anchor fully and tighten the anchor’s bolt with an adjustable wrench until the anchor’s ribs expand against the side of the pilot hole.

Step 7

Place the heavy object’s retaining device onto the end of the anchor’s bolt. Tighten the bolt, if needed, and install the heavy object. The heavy object’s mounting method depends on the type of object and its mounting style. Heavy objects that use a hanging wire, such as mirrors and pictures, use an anchor with its bolt head exposed. Heavy objects that use brackets, such as televisions and fireplace mantels, use anchors with the bolt tightened against the bracket’s mounting surface.

This post may contain affiliate links, it helps us pay the bills, more info here.

Do you drill into the brick or mortar when you are going to hang a picture, TV, or shelves on a brick wall? I get this question all the time when people watch our first how to hang shelves on a brick wall video.

There are all sorts of experts on the web, with varying degrees of expertise, who will weigh in on this topic. I work 80% of the time in 120 year old brownstone row houses, where there are many brick walls. I have hung many TVs, heavy mirrors, large pictures, etc. on brick walls. So I have an opinion about what is best that is based on experience.

Do You Drill Into Brick or the Mortar?

I’ve seen lots of crumbling mortar in the old buildings I work in, and some bad brick, but I always drill into the brick. If you are drilling into cinder block or cement block, I drill into that and not the cement pointing around the block.

In my mind, bricks are stronger than the mortar around them. They can hold an anchor and a screw or bolt well. I suggest using plastic anchors for lightweight objects, and lead anchors for medium weight items. For heavy things like TVs, you should use sleeved anchors. Be aware that once you put a sleeved anchor into brick or block, it probably won’t come back out, its permanent. Something to consider if the house is a rental.

When drilling into cinder block, aka cement block, most blocks have hollow spaces in them, so you may be pressing on the drill and then you will hit the hollow space, and the drill will slam into the cement face. If the cinder block is an outside wall, the hollow spaces may be filled with cement and rebar (reinforcing rod) if you hit rebar with the drill bit, its not good. The drill bit will be damaged and you can’t drill through rebar with a masonry bit.

BTW, here is detailed post on how to hang a TV on a cement wall using sleeved anchors.

You get what you pay for when buying tools, especially with masonry bits. Don’t cheap out on them.

Decorating one’s home is all about taking certain liberties with the areas of the house—in other words; it often has to do with making radical improvements of your own to personalize your home. This can include home-improvement projects like changing the floor tiles, or installing certain lights and even painting the walls. One of the easier ways to change the way a house looks and feels is by hanging some pictures around the walls. If there are no places you can hang them from, then you can always install something of your own to accommodate the picture or illustration (with the use of the ever-handy drill). The only thing you have to keep in mind when it comes to hanging pictures is the kind of wall you are going to be drilling. Normally, these walls are easy enough to punch a hole through and add a hook, which you can use to put up your decorations, but there are situations where even a veteran of home-projects can be unsure. One of these situations is when you wish to hang a picture on a brick wall.

Because of the texture and the way a brick wall looks, it seems that the conventional way is not going to cut it (or at the very least, a hammer and nail will not be able to do a good job). The truth is, it is just as simple—you only need some different tools to get the job done. So if you are interested in hanging a picture (or anything else) on a brick wall, then read on to the step-by-step process provided by this article below:

Once you are done, you can now hang the picture of your choice. You can even hang other items—there are plenty of possibilities.

Questions

Ask a Question Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

Question: Hanging Pictures on Brick?

I have a picture 20″ X 28 1/2″ that I would like to hang over my brick fireplace. How would I go about doing this?

Answers

Our fireplace is stone, Alan. And we had the same concern. The picture we wanted to hang was reasonably heavy (framed). We have a drill, asked at the local hardware store for advice on drill bits and made a hole in the mortar. Therafter, we used a special kind of non-slip bolt (recommended by the fellow at the hardware store). It’s working wonderfully well, no slippage, no cementing the bolt in (although we were told to consider it). The next people who own this place will likely want to hang something in that spot, too (so we didn’t worry about making an irreparable hole).

Archives

ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.

Archive: Hanging a picture on a brick fireplace.

We have a brick fireplace and I would like to hang a picture on it. Is there anyway to hang it without putting a hole in the fireplace? The picture is not very heavy.

Answers:

Hanging a picture on a brick fireplace.

If the picture isn’t very heavy, you can get stick on hangers at the hardware store. You will want to make sure you clean the surface well or the sticky stuff won’t hold. Clean it with alcohol or ammonia, something that will cut the soot. Then detach the backing from the stick-on and put it up. You won’t be able to reposition it so make sure you are putting it in the right place.

Another way that does make a hole (but is good if you have something heavy to hang) is to use a masonry drill bit and drill a small hole in the brick. This is a much more permanent way and the hole will always be there. Again, measure carefully and make sure you are putting it in the right place. Then you can fit a nail or screw into the hole and hang the picture on it.

Hope this helps.
(02/17/2003)

Hanging a picture on a brick fireplace.

Use the hook & loop tape (aka Velcro) with the adhesive back. Put a continuous strip around all 4 sides of the pictures. Leave it fastened together while doing that. Then, place it where it is to be located and press firmly, inch by inch all around to fasten it to the brick.

We placed one above our fireplace 2 or 3 years ago. Not only has it held firmly. It is very flat against the brick at the top also.
(02/19/2003)

Hanging a picture on a brick fireplace.

For those brick clips, you’ll probably need to go to a real hardware store, like home depot or True Value. (05/22/2006)

We have an all brick fireplace with a cement mantle and I want to be able to hang a wreath or decoration on top but what can I use that will hold it? We cannot drill holes into the mortar for the brick clip things.

Has anyone used the 3m Command hooks on brick before?

Comments (10)

I’ve seen clips before that somehow clip onto brick. Do a Google search

The command hooks are great. We rent and can only drill a certain amount of holes in our walls. So we used them to hang our curtains and you can’t even see the hooks. I love them.

Let me Google that for you.

You can drill into the brick and use a anchor to put a hook in.

I’ve had them work on brick if the thing I’m hanging isn’t very heavy but I’ve also had them fall off of brick too.

Or. This idea from Pinterest.

If you’re not, do you have a BF / SO (significant other) or DH? If the answer is yes, I’d put whatever you want hung on the mantel and open a bottle of wine. Have a glass, wait for your handy man to do it for you, and enjoy some wine.

I suck at hanging pictures, pretty sure my kids could do better than I do!

I haven’t tried command hooks on brick but did buy a special hook that slipped in between the bricks – has held a painting for years. Don’t remember where I got it though – it was one of those online catalogs.

There are a couple of different bronze hangers that grip between two bricks, there are teeth that grip the lower brick and little tension arms that press against the upper brick. Our fireplace is also all brick, the bricks are crumbly and uneven, and these little bronze hangers still work fine for a wreath. I wouldn’t use 3m command hooks on our bricks because they are too crumbly.

MSE NEWSFLASH 10/08

Moved into a house built in 1959, so all walls are brick with proper plaster finish and I don’t know how to hang things up on the walls – pictures, clocks, photos, etc.

OK, I admit it- I know nothing about this- don’t even know where to start – i’ve got a drill with ‘bits’ (??) and a mixed box of ‘chipboard’ screws (??)- all lengths together with rawl plugs/other plastic holders(?). AHHH!

Been on here searching and on the net surfing trying to get very basic information and found zero. Happy to learn rather than pay a joiner to come and fit everything.

Anyone suggest a site/ book that covers the basics for the novice.

Replies

We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse.

. withdrawal, NOT withdraw e l .. bear with me, NOT bare with me
. definitely, NOT defin a tely . separate, NOT sep e rate
should have, NOT should of . guaranteed, NOT guar e nteed

Have a look at this link, hope it help’s

They should call me Mr Screwfix ? :beer:

Solid brick walls can be better for getting a secure fixing for heavy items than plasterboarded stud walls, so don’t worry about them being brick.

I would suggest that you use decent quality fixings. Don’t use poor quality plastic things for example, some really cheap ones I have seen are really thin brittle plastic and in my experience these crack or break too easily and you may not get a firm enough fixing with them. Screwfix is a useful source of info on the various types there are, as well as for purchase.

This Collins DIY book is quite good. Maybe look on eBay for a cheaper copy? I’m sure there are others too but I can’t quite remember more titles off the top of my head.

Be careful where you drill on the wall – make sure your not too close to any light switches as sometimes the wiring can run in funny directions underneath the plaster.

You can buy a tool that detects where wires and pipes are, this way you avoid drilling through anything you shouldn’t!

Oh and you may well need a plug in drill (rather than a cordless) as some of the cheaper makes aren’t powerful enough to go through brick.

Pictures, mirrors, shelves, lamps, tools, sports equipment — the list of items you can hang on walls is almost endless. To keep them hanging where they belong, you need to choose the proper fastener and install it in the proper way.

Most wall framing is covered with drywall that typically measures 1/2 or 5/8 inch thick. To hang lightweight and medium-weight objects, you need only pierce this covering with a nail or expandable plastic screw anchor. Heavier objects, such as a large mirror, should be supported by hardware that either attaches to the wall framing or clamps securely to the wall surface from behind.

The wooden framing in walls, called studs, are typically spaced 16 inches apart. You can locate studs with an electronic stud finder that detects the nails that hold the wall covering to the studs. If you don’t own this handy device, you can measure 16 inches from a corner of the room and begin knocking the wall with your knuckles. If the wall sounds more solid at a point exactly 16 inches from the corner, there’s a stud there; you’ll most likely find other studs, spaced in increments of 16 inches from the first, along the length of the wall. If you hear a hollow sound at a point 16 inches from the corner, go to the opposite end of the wall, measure 16 inches, and knock. You’ll probably find a stud there, because carpenters always space studs from one end of the wall or the other.

To hang most lightweight objects, such as small pictures:

Step 1: Place a small piece of cellophane tape over the spot where the nail will be driven. This prevents the wall’s drywall or plaster from crumbling.

Step 2: Place a picture hanger flat against the wall and drive a nail through the hanger.

To hang medium-weight objects, such as large pictures:

Step 1: Buy plastic or nylon wall anchors made for the size screws you have, and examine the package to find out what size drill bit to use for the holes.

Step 2: Drill a hole in the wall to accommodate the plastic anchor.

Step 3: Tap the anchor all the way in with a hammer.

Step 4: Insert the screw through the item it is to hold, and then turn it into the anchor. The screw will expand the anchor to make it grip the sides of the hole.

When hanging heavy objects, such as shelves and mirrors, the best device is the expansion anchor, or expansion bolt. This type of fastener comes in different sizes to accommodate differences in wall thickness and in the weight of the things they are to hold.

Once you get the right fastener, here is how to install it:

Step 1: Check the package to see what size drill bit you must use, and then drill a hole in the wall.

Step 2: Lightly tap the fastener in place with a hammer.

Step 3: Turn the slotted bolt clockwise. When you can’t turn it anymore, back it out. The fastener is then secure against the inside of the wall, and you are ready to hang the object.

Step 4: Put the bolt through the object or its hanger, then reinsert the bolt in the expansion anchor.

For very heavy objects, such as cabinets or a bookshelf unit, use toggle bolts. Available in several sizes, toggle bolts require you to drill holes in the wall. Here is how to install them:

Step 1: Drill the proper-size hole.

Step 2: Remove the bolt from the toggle.

Step 3: Put the bolt through the object to be hung, or through its hanger, before you insert it into the wall. (You can’t remove the bolt after the device is in the wall without the toggle falling down behind the wall.) Reinsert the bolt in the toggle.

Step 4: Squeeze together the toggle with your thumb and forefinger and push it into the hole.

Step 5: Hold the object you are hanging right next to the wall as you insert the toggle. When it goes through, pull the bolt back toward you until you feel the toggle open and hit the back of the wall.

Step 6: Turn the bolt clockwise until the hanger or the item itself is flat and secure against the wall.

Now we’ve covered the basics of hanging objects on walls. All that’s left is to pull out your tools and have at it.

If you want to quickly curb appeal to your home’s exterior or decor to your porch walls, then you’re probably wondering how to hang things on vinyl siding. It’s actually easier than you think to hang decor on vinyl siding without using nails or damaging your home!

Like many American homes, our garrison colonial has vinyl siding.

The previous homeowners only installed vinyl siding on the back addition, and not on the main part of the house. So we have this odd combination of wood siding in front and vinyl siding in the back that’s not super appealing.

But do you know how expensive it is to put new, quality vinyl siding on an entire house? It’s really friggin’ expensive. So for now, we work with what we have.

Our screened-in porch has a wall of vinyl siding, and I wanted to make it look nicer by adding some pretty decor. But I had no idea how to hang things on vinyl siding without damaging it.

I was super worried about committing to nail holes or breaking the wall until I found the perfect hooks for hanging decor on vinyl siding without nails or screws.

With the right hooks, decorating your vinyl siding is an easy DIY project anyone can do. And it’s quick!

How to Hang Things on Vinyl Siding Without Nails

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Before you hang your decor, you need to make sure that you’re using the right kind of hooks made specifically for vinyl siding. Many of them are s-shaped so that one end tucks behind the siding planks.

These are the exact vinyl siding hooks I used to hang the metal wall decor on the walls of our screened-in porch and they ship free if you’re an Amazon Prime member.

They come in a pack of six, and this version holds up to five pounds. The vinyl siding hooks are made of plastic and worked perfectly to hang my light-weight metal wall decor.

When you’re ready to hang things on your vinyl siding, push the curved part of the hook between the siding panels.

My vinyl siding pieces are molded to look like two planks together, which means that the hooks only work between separated planks. The hooks need a spot to grip.

This is what the vinyl siding hook looks like after you install them:

And that’s all there is to it!

Because of how the plaques are made, I used wire to hang them. I simply popped the wire over the vinyl siding hook and used a level to hang the plaques evenly.

Well, at least until a child runs past and tilts them off-center!

Where to Buy Vinyl Siding Hooks

From my research on Amazon, it seems that most vinyl siding hooks claim to hold up to five pounds.

So, if you plan to use them to support window boxes or flower pots, be sure to use a few metal hooks to disperse the weight.

Oh, and make sure your vinyl siding is in good shape and securely attached before you try to hang anything substantial on it.

Now that you know how things on vinyl siding and where to buy the right kind of hooks, it’s time to start decorating! Be sure to check out my ideas for decorating a small porch as well as my decorating ebook below!

Are you wondering what type of tape is the best to use on brick?

It’s one of the questions we get asked all the time.

The answer is simple, the stickiest most durable tape to use on brick is Gorilla Tape.

One thing that is key to any kind of tape sticking to any surface is preperation. You can’t expect any tape to adhere to wet muddy brick for example. The surface needs to be in a good state.

Image: flickr

Why is Gorilla Tape the best for brick?

Gorilla Tape has a super sticky double-adhesive that is ideal for sticking to uneven surfaces like brick and concrete.

It’s water and UV resistant and is the next level up from the good old Duct Tape.

The best thing about Gorilla tape is the fact that even though it is so strong, you can still tear it by hand.

If you are wanting to buy Gorilla Tape you can check out our latest prices here.

Does Duct Tape Stick to Brick?

If you don’t have any gorilla tape and were wondering whether duct tape would also work well you are in luck.

The next best thing to Gorilla tape for brick is High Performance Duct Tape . It depends on the surface quality of the brick that is being stuck to but duct tape can do a pretty good job as well.

Here’s the thing…

It will really depend on exactly what you are trying to do, and how strong the tape needs to be.

Have you used Gorilla Tape before? Let us know how it works out for you.

How do you hang things on plaster walls?

Method 2 Medium to Heavy Pictures

• Determine where to hang your picture.
• Place painter’s tape over the mark.
• Place another bit of tape below the hole.
• Carefully drill a hole into the plaster.
• Hammer an anchor into the wall.
• Fix the screw into your anchor.
• Clean the area.
• Hang up the picture.

How much weight can a plaster wall hold?

Originally Answered: How much weight can a hollow wall/ plasterboard wall take? Your wall will be able to take as much weight as you can hang on it. Every 12″x12″ span of 1/2″ drywall can hold 40lb in pull out load, as if you were hanging from a ceiling. The other type of load is shear or pull down load.

How do you hang a heavy mirror on a plaster wall?

Hanging Heavy Mirror on Plaster Walls

1. Step 1: Use a Molly Bolt. One foolproof method to hang heavy mirrors or picture frames is to use a molly bolt.
2. Step 2: Draw Horizontal Line.
3. Step 3: Measure & Mark.
4. Step 4: Drill the Holes.
5. Step 5: Expand the Anchor Wings.
6. Step 6: Hang Mirror.

Can you hang a TV on a plaster wall?

Use a toggle: If there simply aren’t any studs where you want to mount the TV, then you need to use some sort of hollow wall anchor. Mounting a TV on drywall or plaster without attaching to a stud can be a very safe and reliable solution IF you know the limits of the wall and the toggles.

How do you hang a heavy picture on a plaster wall without nails?

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How To EASILY Hang Pictures On Plaster Sheet Walls(No Drill

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Can I hang a TV on a plaster wall?

Most mounts consist of two pieces. The first piece of the mount will attach to your wall. Use a drill and the provided hardware to mount it directly into the stud so that the plaster is not damaged. Attach the second piece of the bracket to your TV.

How much weight can I hang on drywall?

This can be 5 to 10 pounds, but keep in mind that the drywall is an extremely brittle material and, it is not strong enough to hold the weight for a longer period of time. If you don’t have any anchors to use or other hardware to use, then you’ll want to make sure you find a stud to drill your screws into.

What weight can a Rawlplug hold?

They can withstand weights of between 20 to 50 kg.

Then, you simply need to tighten the screw.

How much weight do wall anchors hold?

Toggles, anchors or molly bolts are surprisingly strong. A 1/8 toggle can hold 30 pounds on 1/2-inch drywall and a 3/8-inch toggle can handle a hefty 50 pounds or more safely. When applying any kind of drywall anchor, you should understand how they work and which screw anchor may work best to put into a hollow wall.

Written by: Carol Finch

Written on: July 14, 2020

Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

The traditional way to hang a picture on a concrete wall is to drill a hole into the surface and then attach the picture to nails, screws or hangers. This isn’t always feasible. If you like to rotate your pictures regularly, you may not want lots of holes all over your walls.

If you rent your home, your tenancy agreement may prohibit you from drilling large holes in walls. If you are looking for alternative solutions, try hardwall picture hooks or double-sided adhesive strip fixings that can be used on their own or as backing for hook fittings.

Hardwall picture hooks

• Make a pencil mark at the spot on the wall where the picture will hang from the hook.
• Hold the hook at the base and hammer the pins into the wall.

Make a pencil mark at the spot on the wall where the picture will hang from the hook.

Position the hardwall hook on the wall. The hook goes on your mark; the round area goes above it.

Hold the hook at the base and hammer the pins into the wall. Use firm, sharp strokes. Hang the picture on the hook.

Adhesive strip fixings

• Mark the place on the wall where the hook fitting will go or where the strip will be sited to hang the picture.
• Generally, if attaching strips to a picture, attach them to the frame and remove the covers.

Mark the place on the wall where the hook fitting will go or where the strip will be sited to hang the picture.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for strip placement. Generally, if attaching strips to a picture, attach them to the frame and remove the covers. Position the picture on the wall, then remove as instructed. If using hooks, attach the strip to the hook, remove the liner and press the hook on to the wall.

Wait for the adhesive to activate according to instructions. Mount the picture on the wall or on the hook.

tackle this easier-than-it-looks project and create a glam gallery effect to be proud of, with three simple DIY options to suit any hangable art.

Published on December 2, 2015

Option 1: Brick Clamps (a simple and inexpensive solution)

If you’re skittish about power tools, or simply don’t want to drill holes into your walls, start with brick clamps. These ultra-handy and inexpensive attachments clamp onto bricks (sans anchors or adhesive) for the purpose of hanging art, wreaths, holiday lights, anything! Look for them at home improvement and organization specialty stores, usually sold in sets of two. And—this is important—be sure to measure your brick BEFORE shopping, as brick clamps are offered in different sizes. Who knew?

Option 2: Removable Adhesive Hooks (for painted brick only)

Sticky hooks aren’t what they used to be. Gone are the days when the only option was (yawn!) white plastic. Now you can choose from plastic or metal in your choice of finish, style, size, and weight limit. These are ideal for lightweight artwork (up to 5 pounds) or for a temporary attachment with the option to rearrange things from time to time.

Option 3: Wall Anchors (for heavier pieces)

If brick clamps and adhesive hooks aren’t the answer, wall anchors are the most durable and permanent solution. They’re the best option for hanging heavy pieces that require extra security.

To begin, you’ll need the following supplies:

• chalk
• drill
• masonry bit
• wall anchors
• flush-mounting picture hooks or screws
• screwdriver

Step 1: Check for Placement

Spend some time deciding where you want your art to hang. Unlike drywall, anchors attached to brick walls are essentially permanent and much more difficult to move if a mistake is made. Have a friend hold your art up in the place you want it to hang and examine the placement from different angles before proceeding. Use chalk to mark the selected spot on the wall (on the brick or mortar) to be sure of the placement before drilling.

Step 2: Time for Tools!

Attach a masonry bit to your drill and make a hole just deep enough to accommodate your wall anchor, being careful not to drill so deep that you risk puncturing wires or pipes behind the brick.

Step 3: Secure Your Hook

Place the wall anchor into the hole and screw in the picture hook. Leave just enough of the screw to hang your artwork securely.

Step 4: Hang Your Art

Yay! You’re finished—and we’re betting it was way easier than you thought.

Brick can be a dominating and beautiful feature in any home and adding a mirror to such a surface can break up the monotony as well as add character and function. If you have every tried to hang a mirror to brick you most likely were met with a hard reality: it is not easy. This article will show you how to hang a mirror on a brick wall or other brick surface such as a fireplace mantle.

Step 1 – Selecting the Right Anchor

You may think that brick is very sturdy and hard to break but, in fact, it is not. It is very hard and durable and, as such, can withstand much abuse from the elements be them outside the house or inside. Once you start hammering and drilling brick you begin to weaken it considerably. If you hang a heavy mirror to brick it could pull itself out of the wall and take chunks of brick with it. It is important to select an anchor to use with your mirror. The anchor acts as a support for not just the brick wall but also the mirror. Weigh the mirror you want to hang and go to the hardware store. Look at the anchors that they have a selection of and choose one that is rated for the weight of the mirror plus ten pounds. The more weight the anchor can handle the safer they will be for you. Metal anchors are also better than plastic unless you are planning on hanging the mirror outside.

Step 2 – Installing the Anchor

Look at the anchor package and find out the diameter of the anchor. Use a masonry drill bit that is the same diameter as the anchor. Decide where you want the mirror to be hung and slowly begin drilling the holes. Do not drill directly in to the brick because it will most likely crack when you do so. Instead, drill in to the mortar (the white or tan material between the bricks). The mortar is much softer which decreases the chances of it cracking. When your holes are drilled you can install the anchors. Place one of the metal anchors inside one of the drilled holes. They most likely will not simply slide inside the hole. You want the anchors to be snug. Use the rubber mallet and gently tap the anchor until it is fully inserted in to the mortar.

Step 3 – Hanging the Mirror

Now that the holes are drilled in the brick wall and the anchors are inserted, you can now hang the mirror. The hardware that came with the mirror should be perfect to hang it with now that the area in the brick is enforced. Read the instructions that came with the mirror. If your mirror doesn’t have the screws then purchase some with the same diameter as the anchor. You may need to use an electric screwdriver in order to attach them.

Sarah Kelsey

Cement or adobe walls add an industrial-chic feel to homes. The only problem? It’s hard to hang anything—from pictures to art—from them. But fear not, there is a way to spare these kinds of walls from being bare. Just follow a few of these how-to steps:

Step 1: Visit your local hardware store

The first thing anyone with cement walls should do is to visit their local hardware store. There, you can speak to design experts about the tools you’ll need for your art-hanging project. Drill bits, a drill, anchors, and screws are a must. You’ll also want a laser level.

Step 2: Weigh your art

The next step is to figure out how much your art weighs. The heavier it is, the larger the anchor you’ll need, and the more screws you’ll want to use to secure it in place.

Step 3: Wash away dirt

Before you start laying out your art, it’s important to wash any dirt or dust away from the wall’s surface (antibacterial wipes or basic soap and water will do the trick). Give the surface time to dry before you get down to business.

Step 4: Get measuring

Once your wall is dry, figure out where you want to hang the art. Measure it and ensure it will sit level on your wall. With a pencil, mark where you’ll want to drill your holes.

Step 5: Start drilling

Once you know where you want to place your screws, grab your drill, drill bits, and an anchor. Drill a hole into the wall; once the hole is finished, grab your anchor and hammer it into place. From there, grab your screw and drill it into place within the anchor. Repeat for as many holes as you need to hang your work of art.

Step 6: Clean up

Once you’ve drilled all of your holes, it’s important to clean up your mess (simply dusting or sweeping up the concrete will do).

Step 7: Hang your art

Voilá! You’re done! Hang your work of art and sit back and admire how chic it looks on your industrial-style walls.

Written by: Jason Williams

Written on: July 14, 2020

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. Specialised 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.

Place the object to be mounted on a scale to determine its weight. Obtain the appropriate concrete sleeve anchors for that weight.

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.

• 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.
• Determine the diameter of the sleeve anchors, which should be on the box, and obtain an appropriately sized masonry drill bit and wrench.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Place the object to be mounted against the wall and ensure that it is level.
• 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. 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.

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• 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.

• 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.

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.

If you had asked me what I thought would be challenging about living in Italy before we moved here, I would’ve said something like, “Getting too fat from eating a lot of pasta,” or “learning how to drive in what is essentially a daily commute of Mario Kart” (all things that turned out to be valid concerns). What I did not expect would be difficult, among many others thing (i.e. how to pee in a squatty potty or how to get mundane tasks done around the Italian nap schedule), was hanging shit on walls.

Italian homes, at least where we live in northern Italy, are made of concrete, not the soft, friendly sheetrock walls from back home. Initially, this doesn’t seem like an issue, until you go to hang a beautiful photograph of you and your husband on your honeymoon, go to drive a nail into the wall, and are met with the wall crumbling around your now bent-beyond-usability nail. This is what happens when you try to hang stuff up the American way into concrete walls — the wall literally just falls apart.

Because I have an aversion to white walls and Pinterest dreams of gallery walls on every bare surface, this was not going to do. Over the years, I’ve honed a few ways to hang things on these walls — everything from tiny calligraphy prints to giant maps to heavy shelves filled with books. And because this is a question I’m constantly asked from visitors of my home, who have met the faults of their concrete walls with disappointing results — well, I wanted to help y’all cure the white wall blues, too.

YOU’LL NEED:

for unframed things

for light things

for heavy things

• screw
• anchor
• drill (hammer drill works best)
• masonry drill bits
• screwdriver or screwdriver bit for drill
• optional: wall spackle/putty & spackling knife, plus pliers if you mess up for the anchors

DO THIS

Washi tape tips: I like to buy decorative washi tape, but because concrete walls are textured and cold, it can sometimes take some trial and error to find some that will actually stick. Function over form is sometimes key here — find a brand you like and literally stick with it.

Tips for hanging light things: When I say tiny nails, I mean really tiny nails. The problem with pounding nails into the concrete walls is that they crumble away, but the tinier — and especially shorter — the nail is, the less likely you’ll have a problem since you hammer less. You can also find what we call “concrete nails” in the hardware store, which are plastic hooks with a tiny nail that you drive through it. The only downside I’ve found to this is that the hooks often aren’t very functional, and can’t really hang most picture frames up. The concrete nails can actually hold quite heavy things, but good luck finding a hook that will clip into the back of anything you own.

For heavy things, from mirrors to large canvases to shelves:

1. For heavier objects, the anchor + screw method is your savior. Though hammer drills are best because they’re more powerful, any drill will do — however, you will need masonry drill bits to get the job done, and if you don’t have a hammer drill, a little bit of muscle.
2. Once you’ve found the spot on the wall that you need to drill into, pick the correct bit, put it into your drill and begin drilling into the wall. This process may take some time — and if you see orange dust coming out of the wall, this is perfectly normal. You may also find that you have to drill through two layers, with a hard layer about halfway through your job. This is also normal.
3. Drill the hole so it is large enough to comfortably insert your anchor — the anchor should be snug, but you shouldn’t have to hammer it in too hard, or it may collapse. It’s fine if you need to lightly hammer the anchor into position. If you hammer too hard and damage the anchor by crushing it, that’s fine — just pull it out with needle-nose pliers, make your hole slightly larger, and insert another anchor.
4. If you accidentally drill your hole too large — don’t worry. This happens often with concrete, since it crumbles away so easily. You can use wall spackle around your anchor and put it into the wall that way — just make sure it dries before you insert the screw.
5. Using a screwdriver or the screw bit on your drill, screw the screw into place in the anchor, leaving a bit coming out of the wall so you have a surface on which to hang your photo. If you are hanging a shelving bracket, place the bracket between the anchor and the screw and then drill the screw into place.
6. If you want to remove the screw (or even a nail!) from the wall, unscrew the screw, remove the drill bit with needle-nose pliers, and fill the hole with wall spackle with a putty knife.
7. Hang your artwork and step back in admiration!

For the past 7 years I have tried (and failed) to hang a picture or some sort of art on our fireplace. Our rec room was added to the house in the 70’s and decorated in Brady Bunch chic. When we bought this house the rec room featured floor to ceiling wood paneling and a 10 foot floor to ceiling brick fire place.

I have tried every masonry drill bit and screw. NOTHING would penetrate this brick or the mortar. Just this week I had a new idea!

I anchored heavy duty picture wire to the paneling on either side of the fireplace. Then I used s hooks to hand the picture on the wire.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Pull it tightly and wrap the loose end

Using S hooks, hang the picture on the secure wire.

How to Hang a Nail-Free Wreath in 5 Easy Steps

An unsightly hole in your front door will detract from its charm. Use this wreath-hanging hack to decorate your front door without creating an unattractive hole.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Indoor adhesive hook
• Twine
• Holiday wreath

Step 1: Place the adhesive hook on the inside of your front door at eye level.

Step 2: Tie a loop in one end of your twine and attach it to the hook.

Step 3: Pull the twine over the top of your door, making sure to center it in the middle.

Step 4: Cut the twine on the outside of the door at wreath height.

Step 5: Tie a loop in the end of the twine and hang your holiday wreath.

1 Comments

To hang a wreath without a nail sticking out from your door face inside or outside, there are 2 options I have used. First, a storebought door hanger can be used. This is a metal piece bent in opposite directions at the 2 ends, one end fits over your door, other end bent up to hold wreath. Second way is to hammer a FLAT tack threw a string loop or a festive ribbon to the very top horizontal edge of your door, (that slides into the doorjam when closed). Measure the desired length of string or ribbon needed to hang wreath first.
I have used this method to hang my kids’ lovely schoolwork, artwork, pictures, etc. from kitchen pantry doors, taping to ribbons hanging down, so no tape residue on the doors ever. Works beautifully! Best wishes!

FAQ: How to attach an address plaque to your home, office or wall.

A. Mounting to stone, brick, or stucco B. Mounting to Vinyl, wood or hardy board siding C. Mounting using glue instead of screws

Mounting an address plaque in most cases is as easy as drilling two holes and attaching with two screws. Another option is using a strong adhesive glue and bonding the address plaque to the surface you desire. We will cover this option as well.

The most important thing to know when mounting your address plaque is what type of material you are attaching the plaque to.

There are 5 standard wall types homes are made of: stone/brick, vinyl siding, wood siding, hardy board siding, or stucco.

A. When attaching an address plaque to stone, brick, brick veneer, or stucco, screws with plastic sleeve are needed, as well as a masonry drill bit. Both can be purchased at any hardware store. The plastic sleeve fits into the hole allowing the brick not crumble, chip or break. These screws are called drive pin anchors, nylon nails and sometimes nylon nail-it anchors.

First, place the plaque in the desired spot on your brick or stone, being sure it is level and/or square. Using a pencil, mark the holes. Remove the plaque and, using your masonry bit, drill the holes following the instructions shown on the pack of screws (purchased separately). Basically drilling a hole the diameter of the sleeve and slightly deeper. Blow out any debris from the hole. Place the drive pin anchor in the hole, you may need to lightly tap it, but do not force it in. Repeat for the other hole marked on the wall.

Now, place the address plaque on the wall lining up the holes in the plaque with the holes in the wall. Using a screw driver place the screws in the holes and tighten.

If your plaque has holes that do not go through the front this is called a blind mount. You will have to make a pattern out of paper, then put the pattern up on the wall, drill slightly larger holes, blow out the dust, fill with silicone, screw the studs into the back of the plaque and push the plaque on the wall.

B. When attaching an address plaque to Vinyl, wood or hardy board siding, you will need a drill, drill bit slightly smaller than the size of the screws, and the screws. Depending on the plaque you purchase, your address marker may or may not include the screws.

First, place the plaque in the desired spot, being sure it is level and/or square. Using a pencil mark the holes. Remove the plaque, and using your drill and masonry bit, drill the holes slightly deeper than the length of the screws. Be sure your drill bit is slightly smaller in diameter than the screws. Blow out any debris from the hole.

Now, place the address marker on the wall, lining up the holes in the plaque with the holes in the wall. Using a screw driver, place the screws in the holes and tighten.

C. Attaching an address plaque using an adhesive glue is a fast way to mount an address plaque without the need of drilling holes or using any tools. First, keep in mind, when attaching a plaque using glue you are making a fairly permanent commitment. Yes, you can remove it, but it’s possible the surface you attach it to could be damaged in the process.

After receiving your address plaque, purchase a strong adhesive glue or bonding agent. Most hardware stores carry glues used to ad-here various material types.

Locate the area you are going to glue the plaque. Do a dry run and hold the plaque against the wall, and using a pencil, make a few marks noting the location of the address plaque.

Turn the address marker face down and apply several nickel to quarter size dots on the back. You will need roughly 4 to 6 dots depending on the size and weight of the address plaque. An average 3 lb 16” x 5” plaque would need one in each corner and two in the middle. Keep in mind when you push the marker against the wall, some will ooze out, so don’t apply in the very corner. Give yourself about one inch from the corners.

Now that the glue has been applied place the address plaque on the wall using your pencil marks as your guide. If your plaque is more than a few pounds you may want to hold the address marker in place for 4 to 8 minutes or until you can no longer hold your arms up. Be sure to check your marker to be sure its level before the glue dries. Leveling the address marker can be done with a level or by simply standing back and seeing if its level. Once the address marker is level firmly push the address marker against the wall.

Hang Pictures without Damaging Brick or Masonry

You may think you know how to hang pictures on your wall, but there are huge differences between picture hanging on drywall and on masonry or brick walls. To hang a picture on a brick wall, it’s crucial to use picture hangers that are designed for masonry. You can use one of two picture hangers depending on the amount of masonry around the brick: brick clips or brick hooks (also called wall anchors). Brick clips (or brick clamps) cost approximately $5.00 for a pack of two, and can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, at some hardware stores, or online. You will need not need tools to install these clips, but they’re only effective for hanging pictures on brick that is exposed at least 1/8 inch.

How to hang a picture using brick clamps:

1. Measure the exposed dimension of your brick to ensure accurate size choice.
2. Install the brick clip onto the exposed end of the brick by hooking the bottom spring end onto the brick then snapping the top tooth end in place.
3. Check to make sure the clip is flush against the brick.

Your second option is to use a brick hook (also known as a wall anchor). Brick hooks are essentially hooks with nails that do not bend. Brick hooks cost approximately $3.00 for a set of two and can be purchased online or in hardware stores; they make great wall hangers for walls where the brick isn’t exposed past the mortar. To install these wall hooks, you will need a drill, a 1/8 inch masonry drill bit, and a small hammer. These hanging hooks are best suited to bricks where the mortar is flush with the end of the brick.

How to use brick hooks:

1. Measure and mark the place where you will hang the picture. Since you are making a hole in the brick masonry, you do not want to make a mistake.
2. Choose the brick hook(s) according to the weight of the picture.
3. Drill a starter hole with the 1/8″ diameter masonry bit into the mortar of the brick. Drilling into the brick may cause it to crack.
4. Install the hook onto the wall by tapping it with the nail into the hole that you started with the drill.
5. Hang the picture on the installed brick hook.