Replies

1. 
   Sphere | Aug 20, 2008 10:27pm | #1

   I've done a LOT with just a tapcon and the strap. Lacking a tapcon take a sliver of alum,copper ot galve sheetmetal about a 1/16" wide by 3" long, fold in half and stick the fold in the hole, now bend the "ears" back and drive a corrosion resistant deck screw in the hole.

   The sheetmetal wads up and holds everything tight.

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

    

1. 
   rickjl | Aug 20, 2008 10:47pm | #2

   you mean these screws? 

   http://www.confast.com/products/technical-info/tapcon-concretescrew.aspx

   Would you drill into the mortar between the (guessing) 3" x 6" bricks or into the bricks themselves?

   How deep would you drill into the mortar

   Edited 8/20/2008 3:48 pm by rickjl

1. 
   webby | Aug 20, 2008 11:32pm | #3

   Drill into the mortar.

   Whatever length concrete screw (you might need a longer one than you think due to the mortar joint depth) Drill deeper as per the manufacturers instructons. Concrete screws can easily strip if the drill dust doesn't have a little space to go to at the end of the hole.

   Alot of times I start with a 3/16 diameter screw than if something happens and it doesn't hold I can go up to the 1/4 inch.Webby 

    

1. 
   Sphere | Aug 20, 2008 11:35pm | #4

   I disagree with drilling the mortar, I like to solidity of the brick, mortar is too soft.

   When we hung DS, we hung it as if it could be shinnied down in the event of a fire, mortar can't be trusted for that kind of attachment. Also most of our DS was copper, and thieves can easily yank out fastners from soft mortar.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

    

1. 
   webby | Aug 21, 2008 12:06am | #5

   Ok,

   Whatever works for you. I have drilled brick too.

   I was giving the advice of how I was taught too generally drill the mortar joint not the brick.

   I see your point about the solid connection. Especially if the mortar is softer.

   I couldn't get to my downspouts in the event of a fire if "me life depended on it".Webby