What should I use to fix bolts into brick?

Question

Hello!

I have 100 climbing holds to go along my brick garage wall for my kids to climb on.

I now need to find a cheap way of fixing them.

I have seen expansion anchors, wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, ankorbolts and I am left feeling very confused!

The cheapest way seems to be wedge anchors - will they do the job?

Thanks, Emma

P.S. They will not be going very high so it wouldn't be highly dangerous if one came loose - the kids will never be more than a foot from the ground.

Answer 1

Use rawl bolts - see http://www.rawlplug.co.uk/

Answer 2

there are a few options.

you can use expansion bolts, but i dont know if your can get them in the size you need. i think the smallest they make is 3/8" in dia. and this will require alot of drilling, so i hope you have a good hammer drill.

there a what i call lag shields, there inserts that got into a hole, these probably are similar if not exact to the sleeves the others are talking about.

i do not like these as they crack and split in the hole, defeating there purpose of holding anything.

you can also get a tapcon kit and tapcons, they should hold very well for what you are trying to achieve and the s***w are no bigger than normal #12 screws.  i do suggest using a hammer drill for these as a normal drill may not be powerfull enough, or try a impact wrench for the screws.

use the tapcon screws with the nut driver head as the screws for a phillips have a tendency to stripout.  drill set is about $20 and box of bits (100 pcs.) maybe $15.

http://www.tapcon.com/

these are sold at all hardware and building supply stores (i.e. home depot, lowes, menards)

Answer 3

i think expansion bolts would be your best bet, but lots of drilling involved...

Answer 4

A wedge anchor will be fine . a 12mm wedge anchor is capable of holding 4 tonnes Metric so a child or adult should be fine.

But what sort of brick  are you fixing to I would be more worried about that as bricks can be very soft .. If it is a veneer definitely not as you may bring the whole wall down

Answer 5

Get a tube of construction adhesive that is good for bricks. It is in the paint department of Lowes or Home Depot. You will need a caulking gun.

Answer 6

I don't normally do this, but I must say you are asking for disaster.  The brick ties could come loose and the wall will come down on your little climbers.  Not a good plan.