HANGING THINGS on Internal brick walls

KD

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.

grumbler

All you need is a Masonry Drill bit and Wall Plugs with corresponding diameter. For not heavy items you mentioned 6mm drill bit will be fine. In B&Q or other DIY stores you can by ready sets containing a drill bit and plugs.

Weymouth_Man

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

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/cat.jsp;jsessionid=D4SW21NERYCNWCSTHZPCFFQ?cId=A131353&ts=78399&lnTrack=A131353#

They should call me Mr Screwfix ? :beer:

cpu

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.

http://www.whsmith.co.uk/whs/go.asp?ISBN=0007185235&DB=220&Menu=Books&shop=706=&gcid=S15538x055-0007185235&Keyword=collins+diy

covbaldy

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.

cam8

If you are hanging something fairly light, you could even use masonary nails. A 25mm nail knocked into the wall will support the weight.
This is easier than drilling.

David_B_2

covbaldy wrote:

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.

I'm with this guy and if your not used to this DIY business that double check where your drilling. I'm sure somebody will have a detector tool that you could borrow to save buying one, saying that they are a very handy bit of kit to have.

paul_h

Any cabling buried in plaster should only be run horizontally or vertically from any sockets or switches. Always avoid these areas.

It is possible that cables may be laid in the spaces inbetween, but these should be covered by steel capping or in conduit, which will give you a bit of a warning before going through the cable...

I can also recommend the cable detectors mentioned by David B and covbaldy above. They can often be found at places like Lidl or Aldi for a few pounds - and worth every penny to the DIYer.

herbal

cam8 wrote:

If you are hanging something fairly light, you could even use masonary nails. A 25mm nail knocked into the wall will support the weight.
This is easier than drilling.

I would advise againist this as when you come to chabge/move the picture and remove the nail it will take a huge chunk of plaster with it.

cam8

herbal wrote:

I would advise againist this as when you come to chabge/move the picture and remove the nail it will take a huge chunk of plaster with it.

What is the difference between pulling a nail out and removing a screw and plug? Both need filler and a repaint.

Dora_the_Explorer_5

herbal wrote:

I would advise againist this as when you come to chabge/move the picture and remove the nail it will take a huge chunk of plaster with it.

Sorry, don't agree. I've been using masonry nails and a borrowed hammer on brick and plaster walls for decades to hang stuff on the wall - nothing has ever fallen down and any hole is usually the size of the nail itself +/- a very little bit. This method is a girl thing - and very very moneysaving.