This guide will help you mount cabinets, TV mounts, and other objects on a brick wall. You’ll need a plastic wall plug and a few basic tools to hang something on a brick wall in eight simple steps.
Mounting something on a brick wall may seem daunting but with a little patience, you can mount wall fixtures, outdoor lighting, and heavy objects without damaging the wall. While brick is a durable material used for interior and exterior walls, it can crack if you drill incorrectly.
While this guide will teach you to insert wall plugs, there are also ways to mount a lightweight object onto a brick wall without drilling. You may also use a sleeve anchor or another type of anchor to mount heavyweight objects onto a brick wall.
In 8 simple steps, you’ll learn how to hang something on a brick wall using a masonry drill bit, a plastic wall plug, and a few basic tools:
Tools needed:
- Pencil
- Masking tape
- Ladder (optional)
- Tape measure (optional)
- Power drill
- Masonry drill bit
- Plastic wall plug
- Hammer
- Screwdriver or screwdriver bit
Safety measures: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIYer, you must protect yourself. Wear safety glasses, a dust or face mask, work gloves, and ear muffs whenever you’re working on home improvement projects.
Step 1: Mark the Mounting Location
Use a pencil to mark where you’ll drill a hole into your brick wall. You may use a tape measure for a more precise placement. If you’re working in a hard-to-reach area, use a ladder placed on level ground. You can ask a friend or a family member to keep an eye out for you while you’re using the ladder.
Step 2: Identify the Drilling Depth
The depth you’ll be drilling into the wall depends on the screw’s length. Place a piece of masking tape on your masonry drill bit at a point that corresponds to the screw’s head to help you visualize your desired depth so you will know when to stop drilling into your brick wall.
Pro Tip: Always use a masonry drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw’s size. This will give you enough room for error and ensure the screw can still firmly grip the brick once it’s inserted.
Step 3: Choose the Right Plastic Wall Plug
A plastic wall plug, commonly known as a plastic anchor or a Rawlplug, typically comes in three standard sizes. Choose a wall plug that fits the size of the screw you’ll use. The screw should have a snug fit once inserted into the wall plug.
Step 4: Drill the Hole

Insert the masonry drill bit into your power drill and drill slowly into the mounting location. Some helpful techniques you can follow when drilling a hole into a brick wall include properly positioning the power drill and checking the drill bit to see if it’s getting blunt or bent.
Learn More: How to Drill into a Brick Wall
Step 5: Thoroughly Clean the Hole
Remove debris and dust from the hole in your brick wall using a vacuum cleaner. This will help you complete the next steps smoothly.
Step 6: Insert the Plastic Wall Plug

Insert the plastic wall plug into the hole. Afterward, lightly tap the head of the wall plug with a hammer until it is flush with the brick wall.
Step 7: Insert the Screw
Insert the screw into the wall plug. Drive it into the brick wall using a screwdriver. Don’t overtighten the screw because you’ll need room on the screw for the next step.
Step 8: Mount the Object
Mount the object onto the screw and give it a light tug to ensure it’s properly in place. If you’re mounting pre-built shelves or other ready-to-assemble furniture, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a proper fit.
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