The Tools for a Fireplace Screen

Drill

• Use an electric drill to bore holes in the wall. Base the position of the holes as well as the number of holes on the layout of your particular fireplace screen. Most fireplace screens have four ready-made holes, one in each corner. These holes are meant to be aligned with holes that you drill into the fireplace. Carefully mark the locations of the holes on your fireplace and use the drill to bore them. Make sure to take into account that some fireplace screens have different hole layouts, so plan your drilling accordingly.

Concrete Drill Bit

• Although you may be less likely to have this tool on hand, concrete drill bits can be found in almost any hardware store or online. Concrete drill bits differ from traditional drill bits in that they have incredibly hard tips. Traditional drill bits are designed to bore through wood. When applied to concrete, the steel tips will quickly get worn down. By contrast, concrete drill bits are studded with industrial diamonds. They can be put through much more strenuous use than traditional drill bits while lasting much longer. Concrete drill bits are necessary for drilling through the cement or brick that makes up a typical fireplace.

Concrete Plugs

• Concrete plugs turn a rough hole bored in concrete into a threaded surface that screws can be screwed into. These plugs, also available in hardware stores or online, are inexpensive and made of durable rubber. They can simply be pushed into a hole you have drilled in a fireplace. If they do not easily fit into the hole, use a hammer to lightly tap them into place. Concrete plugs come in many shapes and sizes. Simply find a size that is identical to the size of your concrete drill bit and you should have no problem fitting them into the hole that you have drilled.

Fireplace Screen

• Last but not least, a fireplace screen is a must. Fireplace screens come in many varieties. The best place to purchase a fireplace screen is at a specialized fireplace store. If you do not have access to a fireplace store, consider a hardware store. It is not recommended that you purchase a screen online, as it is important that you be able to measure the screen with your own hands before making a purchase. Before shopping for a fireplace screen, measure the length and width of the mouth of your fireplace. The screen should exceed the size of your fireplace mouth by 4 inches. Decide if you want a chain link screen, an opaque metal screen or a see-through glass screen. Chain-link screens require the least maintenance. Opaque screens can turn a fireplace into wall space during the summer. Metal screens require frequent cleaning but are the only screens that seal out smoke while still allowing you to view a fire.