OT: Need help with mounting a TV into brick...

[CadaverDawg]

I am trying to mount a 32 inch Samsung on my back porch. I have a brand new masonry bit and screws, but just a standard corded drill.

First question....

Can I do it with a standard drill or will I need a hammer drill? (I don't care if it takes longer with a standard)

And second, and most important...

Do I need to mount it in the brick or in the mortar joint? I just want to make sure it holds the TV up, and doesn't form a big crack in my brick or mortar in the process. When you google it, it gives some people saying drill into the brick, and some saying drill into the mortar. But I figured people that live in the same region of he US, and typically similar bricks, could give me some feedback based on actual experience.

thanks in advance for all help.

 

[RocketDawg]

You can do it with a standard drill if you have the patience (and you may go through several masonry bits) but it's about a thousand times easier with a hammer or impact drill. They're not all that expensive ... you'd be better off to go buy one. That way, you can make each hole in a matter of seconds. Home Depot has a good selection ... mine is a Rigid that I got for either $50 or $100 ... can't remember which. You need a corded one.

Put the hole in the brick if at all possible given the hole pattern. The mortar isn't strong enough. Won't take but a few minutes if you get a hammer drill. And you'll use it for a lot of other projects too.

 

[was21]

All you need is a sledge hammer, pair of pliers and a screwdriver...trust me

 

[CadaverDawg]

You can do it with a standard drill if you have the patience (and you may go through several masonry bits) but it's about a thousand times easier with a hammer or impact drill. They're not all that expensive ... you'd be better off to go buy one. That way, you can make each hole in a matter of seconds. Home Depot has a good selection ... mine is a Rigid that I got for either $50 or $100 ... can't remember which. You need a corded one.

Put the hole in the brick if at all possible given the hole pattern. The mortar isn't strong enough. Won't take but a few minutes if you get a hammer drill. And you'll use it for a lot of other projects too.

Looks like I did have a hammer drill after all. So I guess my only question is drilling into the brick or the mortar. I'm going to do it in the morning, and as of right now I guess I'm going into the brick.

 

[Dawgbite]

Regulal drill will work but a hammer drill would be better. Most higher end cordless drills have a hammer setting on the clutch. I always try to use the mortar joints since the bricks tend to break and shatter especially if you drill too fast. I use lead anchors instead of plastic,1/4 inch bolt size, the OD will generally take up the space between adjoining bricks. You will have to put at least one anchor in a brick most likely. I have a 42 hanging on my patio fireplace, best money I ever spent. I watch more TV outside than inside.

 

[Hellsyeah]

Regulal drill will work but a hammer drill would be better. Most higher end cordless drills have a hammer setting on the clutch. I always try to use the mortar joints since the bricks tend to break and shatter especially if you drill too fast. I use lead anchors instead of plastic,1/4 inch bolt size, the OD will generally take up the space between adjoining bricks. You will have to put at least one anchor in a brick most likely. I have a 42 hanging on my patio fireplace, best money I ever spent. I watch more TV outside than inside.

I'd go with this. Did construction for a few years in high school and college and you always want to go in the mortar joints. If you drill in brick you stand a chance of shattering it

 

[RocketDawg]

Yes, go into the brick. It's much stronger, and almost as easy to drill with a hammer drill as the mortar is. The mortar is just not strong enough, plus if you use inserts they'll eventually work their way loose. I don't know what screws you're going to use, but there are some really good ones that don't require inserts at Home Depot and Lowe's, and they come with the proper size masonry drill bit. They are blue in color, and come in various sizes. Can't remember what they're called but they're really good and made for the purpose.

 

[RocketDawg]

Not if you're reasonably careful and don't drill near the edge. The brick is much stronger and you never know how much mortar is in there. May not be much. And you can get screws that don't even need an insert ... very good fastener.

 

[civildawg88]

Do not drill in brick. Always in mortar

 

[Hellsyeah]

Not if you're reasonably careful and don't drill near the edge. The brick is much stronger and you never know how much mortar is in there. May not be much. And you can get screws that don't even need an insert ... very good fastener.

The hard part about that is that the tv mount holes may not be spaced out enough to drill into the center of bricks. Same thing with mortar joints. Most mounts are spaced for interior mounting on 16" stud centers. Just be careful and find a spot that is either center of a brick or center of mortar line

 

[RocketDawg]

Agree. But you need some in the brick to carry the load. Obviously the hole pattern will dictate how much leeway you have.

 

[FlabLoser]

Do not drill in brick. Always in mortar

^^ This.

The brick may seem more solid, but it is hollow. Your anchor is going to have more grip though solid mortar. Don't know what kind of anchor you have. They make anchors specifically for hanging heavy things from mortar. I've got a couple outside holding some fairly heavy artwork.

 

[dawgoneyall]

Joint will be fine but use epoxy glue for anchor bolt. Probably best to use horizontal joint?

Even something like liquid nail or goop glue will be fine.

 

[operch]

Put one in a brick and one in the mortar and report back which one held the longer.

 

[fevans]

I did that a few years back above our fireplace. I tried to use a regular corded drill and was getting absolutely no where. The bricks I drilled into were definitely solid. I picked up a $30 hammer drill from Harbor Freight and was amazed how quickly it cut through the brick. You could literally see sparks flying out of the hole. If you use the metal anchors, I don't think there's any need to use any kind of cement.

 

[MeridianDog]

Google "Mounting TV bracket in Brick"

They will tell you that the joint is fine. Use the biggest shield you can and hopefully one that will span the mortar joint. If I was mounting it, I would use JB Weld in the hole and a good lead shield. The guy at Lowe's can help you as can the site you google.

The joint will hold it just fine, especially if you JB weld epoxy it in place

 

[dawgoneyall]

And 45 years later......

 

[Lawdawg.sixpack]

I have a 50 in Panny plasma mounted in brick, drilled with regular cordless drill and one new masonry bit. Drilled into the brick, and it has been rock solid for 4 years.

 

[WrapItDog]

How are yall running the power cord and cable/coax/hdmi when mounting on bricks or above a fireplace?

 

[CadaverDawg]

How are yall running the power cord and cable/coax/hdmi when mounting on bricks or above a fireplace?

I am mounting mine near the ceiling on my porch, so I am just going to run a cord from my attic to the porch and drop it out of the ceiling next to the TV. I'm thinking I will eventually install an outlet up there, but not sure how difficult that is.