Install Shelf on Brick


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Old 04-12-16, 02:20 PM
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Install Shelf on Brick

Hello,

I am installing a 12 foot (1" x 12" x 12') shelf with 4 metal brackets into a brick wall. I'm wondering what type of screws to use for this for installation?

I do know to not drill into the brick itself, but in between the bricks as it is more sturdy. Any other tips or advice for this project?

Much appreciated in advance.
 
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Old 04-12-16, 02:42 PM
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Joint Strength

The bed joints of the mortar will be more solid than the head joints
 
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Old 04-12-16, 05:02 PM
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Thank you for that. Any advice on what screws / drill bit to use?
 
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Old 04-12-16, 05:09 PM
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I would use a tubular plastic anchor and any standard pan head wood screw that is the appropriate size for the anchor.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...89e6a0714ec2o0

The size of the hammer drill bit will depend on the size of anchor you choose. IMO, 5/16 or 3/8 is what you should aim for.
 
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Old 04-12-16, 05:19 PM
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I do know to not drill into the brick itself, but in between the bricks as it is more sturdy.
Interesting. I have always thought in the brick was stronger. Seen lots of mortar I wouldn't trust to hold a box of Kleenex.

Method of fastening depends on the weight. For light weight plastic anchors will work. For heavier Tapcons are better.

Personally I like hammer drive anchors but you won't be able to easily remove them.

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Old 04-13-16, 05:37 AM
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I'll add to what Ray said. It depends on what you're fastening. For instance, window shudders that are plastic and face the sun will require a lead anchor or tapcon type fastener. My shudders were plastic and were both fastened in the brick front and in the mortar joint. All the plastic anchors worked loose due to the heat of the sun flexing the plastic shudders. If the shudders are wood then it should not make any difference.
 
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Old 04-13-16, 06:42 AM
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I would like to apply something that will support heavy weight. By heavy, I am thinking there may be 100 lbs spread out across the 12 ft shelf (again, supported by the 4 metal brackets).

Tapcons are my best bet then?
 
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Old 04-14-16, 06:16 AM
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Actually been reading some bad things about tapcons. Any personal experience with them?
 
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Old 04-14-16, 06:27 AM
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I don't like the 3/16 ones, they strip too easily. I use the 1/4". Hex heads drive better than phillips. And the length you buy is critical. Should go into not much more than 1" of concrete or they get hard to drive. If you can't decide which length to get, buy both.

The plastic hollow anchors I mentioned will work fine. Think about how many fasteners you will use... 100 lbs is nothing when you think about how much weight that is per fastener.

You could always try tapcons and if they don't work out, drill holes bigger and use hollow anchors. Can't do it the other way around though. If this is inside the house, I don't know if blue tapcons will be very attractive... if that matters.
 
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Old 04-14-16, 07:01 AM
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Thanks for that info.

It's a garage shelf on a brick wall, so not worried about appearance really. I just checked my metal brackets that have 2 pre-drilled holes on both sides. They do not line up to the mortal properly.

Would you drill a hold into the metal bracket to ensure both pilot holes are going into the bed mortar? Or would it be okay to drill into mortar and brick for each bracket?
 
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Old 04-14-16, 07:03 AM
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Just opinion I would not try to anchor 100 pounds in mortar joints only. I use to have put a caution in my work proposals when replacing trim around doors are windows that the bricks might come loose when I removed the trim. I started doing that after I had bricks come loose several times when carefully removing wood trim around doors and windows. It happened enough I started expecting it. The mortar had just crumbled away and only the trim was holding the brick.
 
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Old 04-14-16, 07:06 AM
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Thanks for your opinion, Ray. I have been researching drilling in mortar or brick for an hour now. I seriously think it's about 50/50 on the responses I read. I have no idea what to think. Lol.
 
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Old 04-14-16, 07:14 AM
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You probably can't line up all the holes in the mortar any way so probably doesn't matter. I think my opinion may have been colored by bricks laid by the lowest bid and profit driven contractors.
 
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Old 04-14-16, 09:46 AM
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Can't see your brackets, so can't offer a opinion. People avoid drilling in brick because it is so stinking hard. Mortar is softer and easier to drill into... easier to repair. (Can't do much to make a hole in brick disappear other than caulk it.) If you can line up one hole with a horizontal mortar joint and the other hole with a vertical mortar joint, I would do that.
 
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Old 05-17-16, 09:21 AM
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***Update***

I ended up drilling into mortar for MOST of it. However, the mortar started breaking up when I got to one end.

I dared to drill directly into brick. My Lord. You guys weren't lying how difficult it was.

It took me 30 - 45 minutes, and broke 1 drill bit. I'm glad that's overwith, but I really had no choice for where that particular bracket was positioned.

I now have a very sturdy 12 foot long shelf. I can submit a picture or 2 if anyone is interested.
 
 

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