How Do You Hang Heavy Items On Concrete Walls?
How Do You Hang Heavy Items On Concrete Walls?
Concrete walls, such as those found in basements, are famously difficult to anchor onto because fasteners are difficult to push into this hard, dense building material.
While driving specific masonry nails into concrete is feasible, it requires some skill, and it is easy to break out a chunk of concrete in the process, requiring you to start over somewhere else.
Drilling a pilot hole and installing a concrete screw or a heavier-duty anchor, such as an expanding anchor, is preferable. Drilling the correct size hole for the screw or anchor is critical to success.
If you’re hanging goods that are heavier than the weight restrictions of concrete screws, you’ll require wedge anchors, the most powerful sort of expanding anchor.
This steel anchor is tapped into a predrilled hole before being expanded within the hole by turning the anchor’s nut, allowing it to adhere snugly inside the concrete.
When using a wedge anchor, avoid drilling a hole that is too big, or it may pull free. The nut and washer are used to secure the item being hung once the anchor has been attached.
Unlike conventional drill bits, which break when used on concrete, masonry drill bits contain carbide tips that can withstand the density of the concrete.
These can be used with a standard drill, but even with a masonry drill bit, driving the bit into concrete can be difficult and may cause your drill motor to burn out prematurely.
Consider purchasing or renting a hammer drill, which vibrates the bit while drilling to assist smash and remove concrete as you drill.
Choose A Drill Bit
Select a drill bit that is the correct size for the screw or anchor you will be using. Concrete screw pilot holes should be smaller than the screw thread diameter; the threads will flex slightly as they penetrate the concrete.
The pilot hole for an expansion anchor should be the same diameter as the anchor; this allows you to drive in the anchor while guaranteeing the anchor can hold the concrete once enlarged.
Drill The Pilot Hole
Wear goggles when using a drill or hammer drill to protect your eyes from concrete dust. Drill the hole 1/2 inch deeper than the screw or anchor to give the screw or anchor adequate room to avoid bottoming out.
Hold the drill perpendicular to the wall and use the slowest setting. Using a can of compressed air, clear dust from the hole on a regular basis.
Place The Anchor
To install an expanding anchor, press the anchor into the hole with a hammer until the washer rests on the concrete surface.
Then, spin the nut clockwise with a ratchet or open-end wrench to secure the anchor.
To install a concrete screw, use a drill with a hex-head nut driver or socket and drive it like a conventional wood screw. A screwdriver tip can also be used, but be cautious not to screw the screw head; a nut driver gives more power without stripping.
Allow the screw to protrude 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the wall to give a surface to hold the object you’re hanging.
How Do You Hang Things On A Concrete Wall Without Drilling Holes?
Adhesive ZigZag Picture Hangers are great for tiny photographs as well as lightweight art or objects.
They feature an adhesive base that adheres firmly to the wall and can often handle up to 6 pounds (with two hangers), depending on the brand.
So, if you’re concerned about drilling holes in the wall, sticky wall hooks are ideal.
They’re so simple to use that you’ll be done in under a minute.
Wash The Wall
If you want a particularly strong hold, clean the place where the hook will go before you glue it to the wall. I like to use an alcohol-based cleaning, but any mild generic home cleaner would suffice.
Warm soap and water are usually plenty. Wipe the area with a paper towel or cloth dipped in cleaner.
An adhesive hook’s glue adheres significantly better to a clean surface. You won’t be able to acquire a good grasp if the wall is covered with dust or filth.
Unless the concrete is unclean, you do not need to scrape vigorously. Most cleanings remove dust, filth, and sometimes some concrete powder. Before you connect the hook, make sure the area is dry.
Mark The Location
I prefer to use a pencil to note the exact location of the hook. Make sure the mark is level because you won’t be able to alter it later if the hook becomes stuck. It is preferable to take your time, be exact, and prevent errors.
Glue It To The Wall
The glue will be protected by a plastic cover on the adhesive anchor. Remove the plastic wrap to reveal the glue. Avoid touching the adhesive since the oils from your fingers might weaken it. For around 30 seconds, carefully push the anchor to the wall.
Make sure to line up the hook precisely where you want it and press firmly but not too hard. Apply just enough force to keep it in place.
Allow The Adhesive To Dry
Allow at least 30 – 60 minutes before hanging anything on the hook. It takes time for the glue to cure and fully adhere to the wall. When you’ve had enough time, hang your image. Make certain that nothing too heavy is hung.
If your image is too heavy for the hook, it may rip straight off the wall. If this occurs, acquire stronger hooks or use more of them. A hefty painting can be hung with two or more hooks.
