Screwing/Nailing into old brick

[ISUFan22]

Doing some remodel work in our new studio space - has a lot of old brick in it. Need to hang some items - wanting to do it the right way.

I have a Ramset (uses a .22 shell to fire in the nail) that I have used on concrete before - great tool. I'm concerned I may have issues with it on the brick - anyone with experience?

Otherwise we'll just drill small holes and use screws.

[RyCy04]

Lots of opportunities for wife jokes with that subject line.

[CtownCyclone]

Not sure I'd use the Ramset. I've used them before and they are great, but I would worry about putting a big crack in the brick. What I've done when i need to hang something from brick is use a concrete/masonry anchor. Use a masonry bit to drill out the hole, slip the anchor into place, and then drive your screw.

[Senolcyc]

Doing some remodel work in our new studio space - has a lot of old brick in it. Need to hang some items - wanting to do it the right way.

I have a Ramset (uses a .22 shell to fire in the nail) that I have used on concrete before - great tool. I'm concerned I may have issues with it on the brick - anyone with experience?

Otherwise we'll just drill small holes and use screws.

The gun will destroy the old brick. Even using screws is being destructive to what sounds like vintage materials that deserve better. Can you get by with command strips? A generous supply of them is usually as strong as nails or screws and you respect the building.

[Cysrevenge]

by a masonry bit for your drill. drill holes into the mortar (not the actual brick itself). use tapcon screws that can be bought at any hardware store

[coachdags]

Doing some remodel work in our new studio space - has a lot of old brick in it. Need to hang some items - wanting to do it the right way.

I have a Ramset (uses a .22 shell to fire in the nail) that I have used on concrete before - great tool. I'm concerned I may have issues with it on the brick - anyone with experience?

Otherwise we'll just drill small holes and use screws.

Safest way is to drill use anchors and screws depending upon load. Been here before with old brick and it is beautiful, but very porous and unstable.

[ISUFan22]

by a masonry bit for your drill. drill holes into the mortar (not the actual brick itself). use tapcon screws that can be bought at any hardware store

Why the mortar? Won't this just disintegrate over time?

[coachdags]

Safest way is to drill use anchors and screws depending upon load. Been here before with old brick and it is beautiful, but very porous and unstable.

add on:

We have use fishing line before to hang from above to keep from drilling if possible....

[Cysrevenge]

Why the mortar? Won't this just disintegrate over time?

the mortar is more stable then the brick. and there aren't huge hollowed gaps inside of it.

[keepngoal]

by a masonry bit for your drill. drill holes into the mortar (not the actual brick itself). use tapcon screws that can be bought at any hardware store

this.

[drmwevr08]

Why the mortar? Won't this just disintegrate over time?

If it does its a lot easier to patch or fill than the brick will be.
You may also want to consult the owner. He may be protective of the material and have some of his own ideas on what is acceptable.

[ISUFan22]

If it does its a lot easier to patch or fill than the brick will be.
You may also want to consult the owner. He may be protective of the material and have some of his own ideas on what is acceptable.

Owner has given us the green light on that type of work.

[keepngoal]

I have 50lb TV hanging from a wall mount attached into a brick wall through the mortar .... with just two 'screws'... it won't move/wiggle, let alone fall.

-keep

[ISUFan22]

I have 50lb TV hanging from a wall mount attached into a brick wall through the mortar .... with just two 'screws'... it won't move/wiggle, let alone fall.

-keep

Excellent...thanks keep and everyone for the suggestions.

[HILLCYD]

this.

I will 3rd the use of Tapcons. Worked as an electrician for a school district and all we did was work with old brick.

Drill a small pilot whole and then use a Tapcon. Will hold strong forever.