Researching this I have found 2 schools of thought- Drill the brick/Block NOT the mortar, or Only drill into the mortar? Who is right? I have probably done both with no thought as to which was correct…
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fasten what down with what???
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Lets say 2x to block or brick wall, and drilling holes for conduit.
How old and soft/hard is the brick? How hard is the mortar? What are you anchoring? What sort of anchors are you using?
It all depends.
Generally you drill into the brick or block if you have to hold up any kind of serious load. For lightweight stuff like conduit, for instance, you can get away with drilling into the mortar for the straps.
However, if the mortar is old and soft (type O, for instance), don't.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
foolish men call Justice....
It depends on what you're trying to hold and how important it is to preserve the brick, block, or stone.
Mortar won't hold as well as brick, block, or stone, but it's easily patched if whatever you're anchoring is ever removed.
I think drilling into the mortar started before they invented the hammer drill.
The only reason I can think of for not drilling the brick or block these days is if you ever want to take down what you are putting up. It is a lot easier to patch mortar than brick.
I'll vote with you.
Drill the brick or block unless removal / appearance of future patching is a consideration.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
I have drilled into a lot of brick and block over the years, to frame for concrete pours. I drill a 3/16" hole, insert 2 pieces of tie wire and then pound in a 16b double head. This holes tight enough for what i need, and it's easy to patch. The reason i stay away from the brick/block, when you drill though the brick it usually will blow out on the inside. you don't get the same holding power, unless your lucky enough to hit a web dead on.
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