Drilling into concrete / brick internal wall

[Deleted User]

Hi all


I need some advice about hanging a heavy picture on a wall which I think maybe concrete or brick with a thin layer of new plaster.

I have an ordinary drill with 'hammer'action. How can I hang the picture without ruining the wall? I can usually only drill about 1/4 inch before hitting the brick and can't get any further. Do I need to buy special screws drill bit etc

Thanks in advance...

agent_orange_2

I assume you're not drilling above a window or door, so therefore it's fair to say you are drilling into brick. Some types of brick are particularly hard. Having said that, a decent drill with hammer action, a sharp masonry drill bit, you shouldn't have a problem. If that fails a sds drill would do the trick

[Deleted User]

Thanks for t he advice AO
but what's a sds drill? I have spare drill bits but don't know which is the masonary one and to make matters worse ex-boyfriend went off with the drill key, any ideas how I can change the drill bits without it.

Am not drilling above a window, does that make things more tricky?

El_Sid_III

bushbaby1103 wrote: »

Thanks for t he advice AO
but what's a sds drill? I have spare drill bits but don't know which is the masonary one and to make matters worse ex-boyfriend went off with the drill key, any ideas how I can change the drill bits without it.

Am not drilling above a window, does that make things more tricky?

SDS is a heavy duty type of drill bit and chuck. You shouldn't need it.

Masonary bits are the ones that have a little plate in the tip that's wider than the flutes.

You can buy spare chucks. You can tighten it a bit without, but it's likely to slip, damaging the chuck and bit. Never improvised this, partly because I use keyless chucks

You must use a rawl plug (I think that's the correct spelling <g>). Make sure the screws are big enough!

Be careful you do not hit any electrical wires (proper wiring is faily pedictable in it's location, but you can get testers if in any doubt).

Don't hit any plumbing.

woodbutcher_2

Take your drill to a diy shop or similar.Ask them for a chuck key for your chuck.I suspect the bit in your drill is not for masonary.You will then need to buy some plugs.If you buy red plugs you will need either a 5.5 or 6 mm masonary bit,it will say on the plugs.If you buy brown plugs you will need a 7mm bit.Drill hole in the wall(checking for obvious signs of pipes or wires) to a depth of slighly over 2 inches,insert plug and screw in a 2"x8 screw.Leave sticking out slightly,hang picture on protruding bit.

HTH

[Deleted User]

Thanks

I'm off to B&Q to buy rawl plugs and spare key to be on the safe side. Think i have a masonary bit. there are no electrical wires but the rooms just been decorated and I'm wary of ruining the wall paper.

Just a quick Q: do I put the drill on hte 'hammer' setting?

Thanks for the advice folks I'll let you know how I get on

Cheers

El_Sid_III

bushbaby1103 wrote: »

Thanks

Just a quick Q: do I put the drill on hte 'hammer' setting?

Hammer is used on masonary. Do not use hammer on wood or metal.

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone

I took the drill to B&Q where a very nice man repeated all the advice you lovely folk gave me (you def' know your stuff). Now picture is up with no hassle and looking fab!:j

Have a great w/end

Thanks again...

woodbutcher_2

Nice one.It's good when a plan comes together and shows the value of sites such as this.Glad i could help in some small way.