HOW TO USE ANCHORS TO FASTEN OBJECTS TO A WALL
The Home Handyman|March/April 2023
Anything you hang from a wall - whether it's a simple family picture or large wall shelf unit will require that the item is attached directly and firmly, with the weight safely distributed. The fastener you use will vary according to the weight of the object and the type of wall construction.
HOW TO USE ANCHORS TO FASTEN OBJECTS TO A WALL

Our guide looks at what masonry anchors are, what they are used for, and the different types available.

What is masonry?
Before we explain what masonry anchors are, we must first define masonry itself. In its simplest form, masonry can be described as anything that a mason puts down. In other words, if it is laid by a stonemason or a bricklayer, then it is masonry. This can include building materials such as stone and brick, as well as block walls.

Blockwork walls are made from blocks that are commonly known as breeze block, Thermalite block, concrete blocks, or cinder block. Blocks are typically much quicker to lay than brick, so they are often used for the interior walls of modern houses. The walls are then covered with plaster or plasterboard to provide a smooth finish.

What are masonry anchors?
So, considering that, anchors for masonry are simply fixings used to fasten or attach an item to masonry. Strong and durable, they are designed for reliability and to provide a secure hold.

Traditionally, screws are used to fix items to masonry, but this method has its limitations with certain materials. It is not possible to screw directly into brick, stone, or block walls hence the need for specialist masonry anchors.

Plastic wall plugs and masonry anchors can help to achieve a secure fitting when fixing items to walls. They work by expanding against the hole you have drilled in the masonry, as the screw is screwed into the wall. This creates a highly secure and tight-fitting hold on the screw - providing that the wall is made from solid masonry or concrete.

What are masonry anchors used for?
Masonry fixings are anchors used to fasten or attach an item to masonry. They can be used with various kinds of masonry including brick and blocks, as well as concrete.

Using masonry plugs on different building materials is explored in further detail below:

This story is from the March/April 2023 edition of The Home Handyman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March/April 2023 edition of The Home Handyman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE HOME HANDYMANView All
SLEEP IN STYLE
The Home Handyman

SLEEP IN STYLE

This queen bed has a low profile yet it still has some unique design aspects. I used a hardwood and that made this project a little more difficult, but overall, I'm happy with how it turned out.

time-read
3 mins  |
November/December 2024
Paint roller tip for clean corners
The Home Handyman

Paint roller tip for clean corners

When painting a room, I've found that wrapping a small sandwich bag around the roller's edge works wonders for clean corners.

time-read
1 min  |
November/December 2024
Cable organiser using toilet paper rolls
The Home Handyman

Cable organiser using toilet paper rolls

Here's a clever little hack to keep your cables neat and tidy.

time-read
1 min  |
November/December 2024
Metal cutting tools for home projects
The Home Handyman

Metal cutting tools for home projects

I'm looking to get into metalworking and want to start with a few basic home projects, like making small furniture items and maybe even some sculptures.

time-read
1 min  |
November/December 2024
Pleasurable plumbing
The Home Handyman

Pleasurable plumbing

I just wanted to express my appreciation for your recent article on DIY plumbing fixes.

time-read
1 min  |
November/December 2024
MAKE SOME NOISE!
The Home Handyman

MAKE SOME NOISE!

Are you ready to embark on a musical adventure and create your very own drum kit from recycled materials? Get ready to unleash your creativity and make some noise with this fun and eco-friendly DIY project. Let’s dive into the step by-step guide and bring your mini band to life!

time-read
3 mins  |
July/August 2024
DIY HOME APPLIANCE REPAIR
The Home Handyman

DIY HOME APPLIANCE REPAIR

From the whirring of the washing machine to the gentle hum of the refrigerator, our trusty home appliances keep our households running smoothly. But what happens when these essential gadgets start to falter?

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR A PEST-FREE HOME
The Home Handyman

EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR A PEST-FREE HOME

Pests, those unwelcome guests, can turn our homes into uncomfortable environments, disrupting our peace and posing health risks.

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
COMMON SEALANTS FOR DIY USE
The Home Handyman

COMMON SEALANTS FOR DIY USE

By familiarising themselves with the diverse array of sealants available, mastering proper application techniques, and prioritising safety at every step, DIY'ers and homeowners in South Africa can tackle sealing projects with confidence and achieve lasting results that enhance the comfort, efficiency, and aesthetics of their homes.

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF ANGLE GRINDERS
The Home Handyman

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF ANGLE GRINDERS

In the world of DIY, few tools are as versatile and indispensable as the angle grinder. From cutting and grinding to polishing and sharpening, this powerhouse tool is a must have for any homeowner or DIY enthusiast.

time-read
7 mins  |
July/August 2024