How to Fasten Heavy Point Loads to Masonry Walls

Select the Correct Anchor

• 1

  Weigh the item you will attach to the wall. Different masonry anchors are rated for different load weights.

• 2

  Determine if the item will create a shear load, tensile load or both. Shear loads exert force parallel to the attaching wall, such as a picture hanging on a wall. Tensile loads exert force perpendicular to an attaching wall, such as a heavy plant hung from the ceiling.

• 3

  Choose masonry anchors based on the type and weight of the load being attached to the wall. Wedge anchors are effective at attaching heavy loads to concrete, while sleeve anchors are more appropriate for brick walls.

• 4

  Determine how many anchors will hang the load. Only use masonry anchors at about one-quarter of their rated load capacities, since the quality of the masonry can affect their holding power. Also, remember to divide the load weight between the number of masonry anchors attached to the wall.

Installing Wedge Anchors

• 5

  Drill a hole for each anchor equal in diameter to the diameter of the wedge anchor, with a hammer drill with a masonry bit.

• 6

  Clean any dust or debris from the hole with a vacuum or compressed air.

• 7

  Put the included washer onto the threaded end of the anchor then thread on the nut. Only thread the nut enough so that the top of the nut is even with the top of the anchor.

• 8

  Position the item you are attaching so that its hole aligns with the anchor hole in the concrete, and then hammer the anchor through the item's hole into the concrete. Several threads should reach below the surface of the concrete.

• 9

  Tighten the nut finger tight then give it 3 to 5 complete turns with a wrench.

Installing Sleeve Anchors

• 10

  Drill a hole for each anchor, equal in diameter to the diameter of the wedge anchor, with a hammer drill.

• 11

  Clean any dust or debris from the hole with a vacuum or compressed air.

• 12

  Position the item you are attaching so that its hole aligns with the anchor hole in the concrete, and then push the anchor into the wall so that the washer is flush with the item being attached. You may have to tap the anchor with a hammer to set it completely into the brick.

• 13

  Tighten the nut 2 to 3 turns with a wrench.