Best Fasteners for Brick Walls: Complete Shopping Guide

Fasteners for brick walls are essential for securely hanging shelves, artwork, TV mounts, and more—without damaging your home. With so many options available, choosing the right fastener can be confusing. Our shopping guide breaks down the best fasteners for brick, helping you find the safest and most reliable solutions for your next project, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a first-time homeowner.

Comparing Fasteners for Brick Walls

Fastener Type	Best For	Load Capacity	Installation Method	Material Options	Reusable	Aesthetic Head Options
Sleeve Anchors	Solid/hollow brick, heavy loads	Heavy (up to 200+ lbs)	Drill pilot, expand	Carbon steel, stainless steel	No	Hex, acorn, round, flat
Tapcon (Masonry Screws)	Solid brick, medium-duty	Medium (up to 100+ lbs)	Drill & drive self-tapping	Carbon steel, galvanized, stainless	Yes	Hex washer, flat countersunk
Lead Anchors	Fragile/old brick, light/med load	Light to medium	Drill pilot, insert/screw	Lead, lead-free alternatives	No	N/A
Expansion (Wedge) Anchors	Solid brick, heavy/structural	Very heavy (200+ lbs)	Drill pilot, expand	Carbon steel, galvanized, stainless	No	Hex, bolt head
Lag Shield Anchors	Medium/heavy-duty in solid brick	Medium to heavy	Drill pilot, use lag bolt	Zinc, steel	No	N/A (works with separate bolt)
Toggle Bolts	Hollow brick/CMUs, med/heavy load	Medium to heavy	Drill through, insert toggle	Zinc, steel, nylon	No	Bolt or machine screw
Brick Hooks	Lightweight décor, temp use	Light (up to 25 lbs)	Clip over brick, no drill	Plated steel	Yes/Temp	N/A (concealed)
Adhesive/Epoxy Anchors	Delicate/unique shapes/surfaces	Variable	Inject adhesive, insert	Epoxy or hybrid adhesives	Sometimes	N/A (hidden)
Plastic (Ribbed) Anchors	Light fixtures, non-heavy décor	Light (up to 50 lbs)	Drill pilot, insert	Plastic, nylon	No	N/A

Types of Fasteners for Brick Walls

1. Sleeve Anchors

Description:
Sleeve anchors are among the most popular choices for brick walls. They consist of a threaded bolt encased in a metal sleeve that expands as you tighten the bolt, creating a tight grip inside the brick or mortar.

Applications:
– Heavy-duty installations such as shelving, TV mounts, handrails, and exterior fixtures.
– Suitable for both solid and hollow brick, as well as strong mortar joints.

Variations:
Available in various diameters (often 1/4″ to 3/4″) and lengths for different wall thicknesses and fixture sizes. Head options include hex, acorn, round, and flat for both functionality and aesthetics.

2. Tapcon (Self-Tapping Masonry Screws)

Description:
Tapcon screws are hardened self-tapping masonry screws specifically designed to cut threads into brick, concrete, or block. Known for their blue coating (for corrosion resistance), these screws allow for fast, secure installations.

Applications:
– Medium-duty tasks such as mounting signs, electrical boxes, small shelves, and fixtures.
– Ideal for projects where removability is important—they are reusable and easy to adjust.

Variations:
Available in multiple lengths (from 1-1/4″ to over 4″) and diameters (3/16″, 1/4″, etc.), with hex washer and flat Phillips, countersunk heads.

3. Lead Anchors

Description:
Lead anchors are soft-metal expansion devices designed for situations where the brick is fragile, old, or prone to cracking. They expand gently as a screw is inserted, providing good grip without overly stressing the brick.

Applications:
– Light to medium loads on historical or crumbly masonry.
– Best when minimizing installation force is crucial.

Variations:
Available in cylindrical or fluted shapes for improved hold, and as lead-free versions for environmental safety.

4. Expansion (Wedge) Anchors

Description:
Wedge anchors (sometimes called “Red Heads”) are heavy-duty anchors for solid brick, concrete, and stone. As the anchor is tightened, the wedge expands for a secure grip that resists even extreme loads.

Applications:
– Structural or load-bearing installations (beams, brackets, equipment mounting).
– Not recommended for hollow brick or weak mortar.

Variations:
Multiple corrosion-resistant coatings: zinc plated, galvanized, and stainless steel for outdoor or marine use.

5. Lag Shield Anchors

Description:
Lag shields are hollow metal expanders into which lag bolts are driven, causing the shield to expand and grip the drilled hole.

Applications:
– Medium to heavy-duty installations in brick or mortar.
– Often paired with lag bolts for mounting handrails or structural members.

Variations:
Short or long shields to suit different embedment depths.

6. Toggle Bolts

Description:
Toggle bolts consist of machine screw and spring-loaded “wings” that open inside hollow brick or masonry, providing strong support across a wide area.

Applications:
– Hanging heavy items on hollow brick where traditional anchors won’t work.
– Useful when wall construction is uncertain or back access is impossible.

7. Brick Hooks & Adhesive Anchors

Brick Hooks:
Specialized hooks clip directly over brick edges (no drilling) for lightweight items—ideal for temporary displays, holiday decorations, and no-damage setups.

Adhesive/Epoxy Anchors:
Strong chemical adhesives bond specially threaded rods or anchors into drilled holes in brick or mortar. These are often used in high-load, non-standard, or delicate situations where expansion could damage the wall.

8. Plastic (Ribbed) Anchors

Description:
Plastic wall anchors are cost-effective fasteners for attaching lighter items to brick or mortar. As the screw is inserted, the anchor expands for a snug fit.

Applications:
– Pictures, small mirrors, lightweight shelving.
– Avoid for heavy-duty use; designed for under 50 lbs.

Compatibility with Brick Types and Installation Methods

Brick Type Matters

Solid Brick:
Accepts the widest range of anchors—sleeve, wedge, masonry screws, lag shields, adhesive.
Hollow Brick (Cored or Frogged):
Requires anchors that expand across larger sections (toggle bolts, sleeve anchors) or use adhesive/epoxy bonding.
Old/Crumbly Brick:
Avoid high-expansion anchors. Use lead anchors, specialized low-expansion sleeves, or strong adhesives to minimize cracking.
Brick with Deep “Frogs” (Indentations):
Sometimes requires longer or different anchors for stability.

Mortar vs. Brick

Drill into Mortar When:
The brick is decorative/facing or historic.
Loads are light to moderate.
Avoiding irreversible brick damage is desired.
Drill into Brick When:
The load is heavy.
The mortar is weak or crumbling.
Long-term holding power is critical.

Load Requirements

Light Duty (200 lbs):
Wedge/expansion anchors, heavy sleeve anchors, long lag shields with thick bolts.

Safety Tips for DIY and Home Repair

Wear appropriate safety gear:
Eye protection to shield from flying dust/chips.
Dust mask when drilling masonry.
Hearing protection for prolonged drilling.
Use the correct tools:
Always use a hammer drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit.
Avoid overdriving or using excessive force.
Pre-drill correctly:
Match the bit size to the anchor’s specifications.
Drill 1/2″ deeper than the anchor length for debris clearance.
Vacuum or blow out the hole—dust impedes anchor grip.
Check brick and mortar condition:
Inspect for cracks, spalling, or crumbling.
Avoid anchoring into damaged or soft areas.
Follow spacing and edge distance guidelines:
Keep anchors at least 1.5x anchor length from mortar joints and wall edges to avoid splitting.
Follow installation torque recommendations:
Overtightening can strip threads or crack brick; under-tightening can result in loose fastenings.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

Always read anchor packaging: Each manufacturer provides sizing and load recommendations—follow them for the safest results.
Test hold in a non-conspicuous area: Especially for older brick or new types of anchors.
Use longer anchors for heavier loads or deep mortar.
For temporary mounts, consider hook-style or removable masonry screws.
If the brick is soft or crumbling, default to adhesives or lead anchors—expansion types can cause more harm.
Choose corrosion-resistant materials (stainless, galvanized) for outdoor, kitchen, bath, or coastal installations.
Use matching screws: Not all anchors include the screw—always pair with the correct type and length.

Technical Comparison Table

Attribute	Sleeve Anchor	Tapcon Screw	Lead Anchor	Wedge Anchor	Plastic Anchor	Toggle Bolt
Anchor Length Range	1–6 inches	1-1/4 – 6-1/4 inches	1–2.5 inches	2 – 10+ inches	1–3 inches	2–8+ inches
Diameter Range	1/4 – 3/4 inch	3/16 – 1/2 inch	1/4 – 5/8 inch	1/4 – 3/4 inch	3/16 – 3/8 inch	1/8 – 1/2 inch
Required Hole Type	Pre-drilled	Pre-drilled (exact)	Pre-drilled	Pre-drilled	Pre-drilled	Thru-hole
Max Load Capacity	200–350+ lbs	100–200+ lbs	50–100 lbs	200–500+ lbs	30–50 lbs	100–200+ lbs
Removal/Reusability	Not reusable	Reusable	Not reusable	Not reusable	Not reusable	Somewhat, but not ideal
Material Availability	Steel, stainless	Steel, stainless	Lead, lead-free	Steel, stainless	Nylon, plastic	Steel, nylon
Recommended for	Heavy/structural	Medium-duty, adjustable	Fragile/old brick	Heavy-duty/structural	Light fixtures	Hollow brick
Environmental Suitability	Indoor/Outdoor	Indoor/Outdoor	Indoor	Industrial/Outdoor	Indoor/Dry	Indoor/Dry

Conclusion

Selecting the right fastener for a brick wall is essential for safety, durability, and the long-term integrity of your home or project. The perfect choice depends on your brick type (solid, hollow, new, or old), the weight of the object to be secured, the installation environment, and whether reusability or aesthetics matter.

Sleeve and wedge anchors are top performers for permanent, heavy-duty installations on solid brick.
Tapcon screws excel where ease of installation and removability are desired, particularly for medium-duty tasks.
Lead and adhesive anchors are the go-to choices for old or delicate bricks.
Toggle bolts solve the challenges of hollow bricks or unknown wall cavities.
Plastic anchors, hooks, and light-duty adhesives offer solutions for lightweight décor when you want less drilling and easy removability.

Always use quality anchors from trusted manufacturers and adhere to the load and installation guidelines provided.

Whether you’re hanging artwork, mounting a TV, or attaching structural elements, this guide empowers you to make safe, long-lasting decisions for any brick wall fastening need.

FAQ

What is the best type of anchor for solid brick walls?
For most heavy-duty applications in solid brick, sleeve anchors and wedge (expansion) anchors offer the best strength, reliability, and durability.
Can I use regular wood screws or drywall anchors in brick?
No. Wood screws or standard drywall anchors will not grip masonry properly. Use only anchors specifically designed for brick or masonry.
How do I know if I have solid or hollow brick?
Check a brick cross-section or an outlet/vent. Hollow bricks have visible cores or frogs (indentations), whereas solid bricks are full-bodied without hollow channels.
Should I drill into mortar or the brick itself?
For the strongest, most permanent mounts, drill into solid brick. For lighter loads or when preserving brick, it’s often better to drill into the mortar joint.
How much weight can each anchor type hold?
Plastic anchors: up to 50 lbs
Tapcon screws: 50–200 lbs (varies by size/length)
Sleeve/wedge anchors: 200–500+ lbs
Toggle bolts: 100–200+ lbs
Always check specific manufacturer load ratings.
Can I reuse anchors in brick once removed?
Tapcon (masonry screws) are usually reusable if not stripped. Sleeve, wedge, plastic, and lead anchors are typically single-use because they deform during installation.
What special tools do I need to install anchors in brick?
At minimum, a hammer drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit matched to your anchor size. Do not use regular wood drill bits or basic power drills.
How do I avoid cracking or damaging brick during installation?
Pre-drill carefully, use sharp masonry bits, stay clear of brick edges/corners, and never overtighten anchors. Monitor for excessive force and vibration.
Are stainless steel anchors necessary for outdoor projects?
Yes, for exterior or humid environments, stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized anchors are recommended to prevent rust and ensure long-term performance.
What type of anchor should I use on old, crumbly, or historic brick?
Avoid high-expansion anchors. Use lead anchors, adhesive/epoxy anchors, or low-expansion shields designed for fragile masonry to reduce stress and prevent cracking.

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