Hi!
For too long, I've been guessing on how to best drill into a wall that's first plaster and then brick. I'm hoping to get some good tips to make future drilling easier!
So, we have brick walls covered with plaster (about 2 cm thick). Every time I drill, a large hole forms in the plaster, and then I always end up sliding with the drill into the joint between the bricks. It's very rare that I manage to drill a proper hole. How can I do it differently?
I'm also wondering if I should drill deeper than the plug (since the screw needs to go in further than the plug)? And does it matter if the screw doesn't grip in the plaster and I just use a plug in the brick?
I'm also wondering if there's a big difference in the various drills you can buy. I have a bunch of universal drills in different sizes, but I'm considering whether it's worth spending a bit more on high-quality drills.
Grateful for any and all tips!
For too long, I've been guessing on how to best drill into a wall that's first plaster and then brick. I'm hoping to get some good tips to make future drilling easier!
So, we have brick walls covered with plaster (about 2 cm thick). Every time I drill, a large hole forms in the plaster, and then I always end up sliding with the drill into the joint between the bricks. It's very rare that I manage to drill a proper hole. How can I do it differently?
I'm also wondering if I should drill deeper than the plug (since the screw needs to go in further than the plug)? And does it matter if the screw doesn't grip in the plaster and I just use a plug in the brick?
I'm also wondering if there's a big difference in the various drills you can buy. I have a bunch of universal drills in different sizes, but I'm considering whether it's worth spending a bit more on high-quality drills.
Grateful for any and all tips!
Always a drill with good quality for the purpose is my opinion,
Member
· Västra Götaland
· 3 540 posts
Assuming you have a drill? Start with the smallest drill bit you have and then proceed to the desired final size.
and having a really good hammer drill, when paired with a good drill bit, it's almost like a good machine is more important than the bit..
I have an old Hilti I bought used 10++ years ago that puts most competitors to shame.. My brother bought a Hitachi/Hikoki but still comes to borrow mine when he needs to drill into his plastered house, which is plastered in large parts both inside and outside.. And he’s not the only one among neighbors and friends..
There is a big difference between different hammer drills, and many are junk..
The Hilti performs better with a worn bit than many others with a new bit.. that's how big the class difference is.
I have an old Hilti I bought used 10++ years ago that puts most competitors to shame.. My brother bought a Hitachi/Hikoki but still comes to borrow mine when he needs to drill into his plastered house, which is plastered in large parts both inside and outside.. And he’s not the only one among neighbors and friends..
There is a big difference between different hammer drills, and many are junk..
The Hilti performs better with a worn bit than many others with a new bit.. that's how big the class difference is.
Are you using a hammer drill or an impact drill? A hammer drill strikes much more forcefully than an impact drill, which is almost always a good thing. However, it can lead to bricks cracking and plaster that is poorly adhered/very porous coming loose.Jonawullt said:
I previously lived in a house from the 50s that had some plastered brick walls. I always used a drill bit that was 0.5-1mm smaller than the plug and drilled WITHOUT impact down to the brick and then with impact.
The depth of the hole should generally be somewhat deeper than the plug, because the screw will go in deeper than the plug. If you buy reasonably good plugs, the drill depth will be indicated on the packaging.
I'm afraid I don't know how to eliminate the risk of landing between the bricks...
Yes. Hilti makes extremely good machines. Just congratulations on a fine machine. I myself have a Hikoki. Works for putting up a TV now and then but not much more than that.P polaris78 said:
I have brick and slagstone in my walls and here are my ways to hang something on the wall:
1. Nail, thin and hard. Good for paintings.
2. Gypsum screw straight into the wall. Holds incredibly well considering the effort.
3. Drill about 4mm without hammer action and then insert brick screw. Doesn't work in mortar...
4. Drill first without hammer action and then with if necessary for plug as usual. I usually go for 8-10mm as it doesn't matter much if it's mortar or not. Good plugs are important!
1. Nail, thin and hard. Good for paintings.
2. Gypsum screw straight into the wall. Holds incredibly well considering the effort.
3. Drill about 4mm without hammer action and then insert brick screw. Doesn't work in mortar...
4. Drill first without hammer action and then with if necessary for plug as usual. I usually go for 8-10mm as it doesn't matter much if it's mortar or not. Good plugs are important!
What is the size of the drill then?
With such walls, use a 5 mm masonry drill bit and red plugs.
Works for most screws, but drill deeper than the plug.
But I don't know what you're planning to put up, but red plugs work for a lot.
With such walls, use a 5 mm masonry drill bit and red plugs.
Works for most screws, but drill deeper than the plug.
But I don't know what you're planning to put up, but red plugs work for a lot.
Hello everyone! Thanks for the tips! It took a while before I got the chance to try, but I made an attempt this weekend. I started with a drill without hammer action until I reached the brick. Then I drilled with hammer action and slightly deeper than the plug. It went smoothly! We'll see if I just got lucky or if it holds up.