Hanging things on a cinderblock wall? Please help!?
Question:I am a high school band director. My office at school is nice but average-sized, and I would like to be able to hang things on the wall, and maybe add shelves. The problem is, the walls are all that white "school" cinderblock we've always had in schools. What is the easiest way to hang things? I have tried using "stick-on" methods with limited success.
Also, if you suggest a drill for the shelving, an ampere rating and type would be helpful. If not, ANYTHING would be helpful. Thanks in advance!
Answers:
You can purchase anchors specially designed for concrete cinder blocks at most hardware stores. The simplest and easy way to construct shelves is place vertical wooden runners (1x4s would be sufficient) up the wall at 16 inch (on centre) for the span of the desired shelves; secured to the wall using those speciality anchors. You can then attach a simple shelving system to the wooden runners. Cheap but secure.
However, I would suggest you get permission from the school board before embarking on any construction project.
As for a drill, I would suggest the Makita 8450. It is a 120 volt, 5.1 amp drill with standard and hammer drill features; the latter being very useful if your going to be drilling into concrete cinder blocks.
You need a hammer drill and wall plugs. Drill a hole, pop a plung in for grip, and then the screw. Shelves are probably best since it is a little more difficult to drill small holes in walls
Cordless Hammer drill, masonry drill bit, and some CMU (concrete masonry unit) anchors form your local hardware store, its as easy as that, unless the CMU are filled with grout which they may be depending on were the wall is in the building, but drill a test hole first in a inconspicuous area to see. then buy the appropriate anchors.
pl400 const. glue will glue a 2by 4 on the wall or anything else the shop teacher at school should be able to help, Whatever you glue with pl400 will stay
drill holes and put anchors
For hanging pictures, photos, diplomas etc., simply use a hardened nail driven into the wall at a 20-30 degree (approx.) downward angle. It is also possible to drive a screw directly into cinderblock (it will create it's own thread), however, don't rely on this method if you intend to hang anything heavy from it - it WILL pull out of the wall (and take a fair chunk of the block with it when it does).
For shelving, you may want to consider purchasing a shelving unit - it saves all the hassle of drilling, plugging the holes and screwing into the plugs that inevitably comes with hanging shelves - not to mention getting them level (and also negates the possibility of the blocks failing if too much pressure is applied to a single fixing). Note: Depnding on the height of the unit, you may want to anchor it to the wall (to prevent toppling) - use the info below and drill 2 holes - one on either side and use the straps supplied with tall units to anchor it.
If, however, you really want to hang shelves, use a 12 volt (or greater - for charge longevity) cordless drill and a masonry bit (or a normal bit, if you don't mind ruining it) to drill the holes - hammer action isn't required. Use anchors that are designed for use in cinderblock walls - CMUs (Concrete-Masonry Units) - any good hardware store will carry them.
Bear in mind that cinderblock is a fairly soft material (as opposed to brick or concrete - it can be cut using a handsaw that's designed for cutting wood) and don't place objects that are too heavy on shelves fixed to it - I have seen a number of injuries occur because somebody has done just that (even though the correct anchors have been used - the anchors don't fail, the block does!). As a very rough guide, place no more than about 30-40lb on a single shelf, depending on length.
Hope that helps
Good luck
just get a standard drill and go to home depot or Lowe's purchase a box of Tap-Con Masonry screws They come in various sizes and be sure to buy the ones that come with the drill bit in the package . After drilling the hole they just screw right in . Great product .
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