To put wall plugs into brick, mark your spot, drill a hole using a masonry bit, insert the plastic plug, and tap it flush with a hammer. Always drill directly into the brick rather than the mortar for maximum hold.
Wall plugs are available suitable for both brick and plasterboard walls. A variety of different sizes are available, so always check the maximum load to ensure your wall plugs will support whatever you want to hang from the wall.
To prevent cracking, it's essential to drill your holes to the correct depth. Some drills have a depth stop attachment you can set to stop the drill once you get to a certain depth. Masking tape can be used as a depth stop if you don't have a drill with a depth-stop attachment.
To attach items to brick without drilling, you can use specialized brick clips for items under 30 lbs, or heavy-duty construction adhesives/tapes for flat, lightweight decor. The method you choose depends on the weight and type of item you want to hang.
The FBS screw is specially designed for mounting metal and plastic window frames and allows direct screwing into brick. This screw has a special thread at the screw tip with reduced diameter which helps reduce the setting torque and therefore helps allow a longer battery life for your cordless screwdriver!
To secure items directly into brick without using wall plugs, use masonry screws (commonly called concrete or tapcon screws). These heavy-duty, self-tapping screws feature specialized hardened threads that bite directly into the brick.
You generally cannot screw directly into brick. Because brick is extremely hard and brittle, driving a regular screw straight in will crack the brick or strip the screw. For a secure hold, you must either use masonry screws (with a pre-drilled pilot hole) or traditional wall anchors.
Attaching items to a brick wall depends on the weight of the object and whether you want to drill holes. For light items, use no-drill spring-loaded brick clips. For heavy items, use a masonry bit and concrete anchors (like Tapcons or sleeve anchors). Always drill into the brick itself, not the softer mortar.
Brick clips can be removed with no damage since they clamp onto the brick surface. Hardwall plastic hooks and steel utility hooks leave only small pin holes that are much less noticeable than drill holes. For completely damage-free hanging on brick, brick clips are the best option.
Yes, double-sided tape can work on brick, but only if you use a heavy-duty mounting tape. Standard stationery tapes will not adhere to rough or porous masonry.
If you're mounting shelves, brackets, or anything into concrete, brick, or block, the biggest mistake is using the wrong drill setting and bit. You need a drill with hammer mode and a proper carbide masonry bit to get a clean, solid hole that actually holds. Dust control also makes a big difference.
Drilling into brick is tough because bricks are made of dense, baked clay that is specifically designed to resist weathering and heavy impact. When using standard drilling tools, friction and heat quickly dull the bit. To successfully drill into brick, you need the proper tools and technique:
Make sure you choose the right drill
“As long as it has a hammer mode and a decent masonry bit,” shares Godfrey. “A non-hammer drill will struggle in most brick and tends to overheat bits. It often polishes the hole rather than cutting it cleanly.”
The phrase "wall plug" can refer to physical mounting hardware (drywall anchors) or electrical wall receptacles. The best alternatives for each scenario are detailed below:
Yes, the key trick to drilling into brick is using a masonry bit (which has a wider carbide tip) combined with a hammer drill set to "hammer" mode. For better precision, create a small indentation first with a nail and hammer, then drill slowly to prevent the bit from slipping, applying steady, firm pressure without forcing it.
Hammer-In Wall Plugs
Hammer-in plugs are used in solid materials such as brick or masonry and can be used for lightweight fixings.
You can hang lightweight items on brick using heavy-duty double-sided tape or brick adhesive, while heavier objects require specialty steel clips that grip the bricks without drilling. The most popular, damage-free methods range from lightweight decorative clips to robust heavy-weight hangers.
Two different types of expan- sion anchors are generally recommended by their manu- facturers for use in brick masonry: the wedge anchor and the sleeve anchor (see Fig. 7). These anchors develop their strength by means of expansion into the base mater- ial.
Standard 3M Command hooks and strips will not stick to unpainted or rough brick. Because standard Command adhesive is designed for smooth, flat surfaces, rough brick textures prevent the adhesive from making the necessary contact to hold weight.
For small, light pieces on smooth painted brick, adhesive hooks or strips can work. For rough brick or heavier art, choose brick clips, picture rails, or drill into mortar with masonry anchors for a stronger, longer-term hold.
Yes, you can use wall anchors in brick, but you must use masonry-specific anchors (like lead shields, sleeve anchors, or concrete screws) and a masonry drill bit. Never use standard plastic drywall anchors in brick, as they will not hold properly.
How you stick items to a brick wall depends heavily on the weight of the object and whether you want a temporary or permanent solution. Always clean the brick with a brush and warm water to remove dust before attempting to stick anything to it.
Unlike drilling into softer materials like wood or drywall, brick presents unique challenges due to its hardness and brittleness. However, with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can successfully drill into a brick wall without causing any damage.
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.
Hold the drill firmly with both hands to maintain stability, and start drilling at a low speed. This helps the drill bit get a good grip on the brick and prevents it from slipping. As soon as the hole begins to take shape, increase the drill's speed slightly and continue drilling.