The 5 Best Anchors for Brick and How to Use Them

They may be small, but masonry anchors play a mighty—and vital—role in securing fixtures, structural elements, decorations, and equipment to brick walls. Finding the right fixture can prevent a potential catastrophe in your home. The last thing you want is your mounted TV crashing down in the middle of the night or grab bars detaching when they’re needed the most. Learn more about the best anchors for brick so you can make an informed buying decision at the hardware store.

Pro tip: Before you get started, knowing how to drill into brick is a major part of learning to use and secure anchors for brick. After all, a drill is the power behind attaching most anchors to brick. 

Drop-in Anchors

Best for: Suspending electrical cable trays, hanging HVAC ductwork, and attaching fire sprinkler pipes and heads to concrete 

Grab one of these masonry expansion anchors for heavy-duty jobs when you need to permanently fasten something to concrete or brick. Among the strongest options, drop-in anchors are placed in pre-drilled holes using a setting tool. Once inserted and hammered, the anchor expands into the brick or concrete, locking in place. Drop-in anchors are made of stainless steel, and they come in five different diameters: 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, and 3/4”.

Hammer Drive Anchors

Best for: Fastening gutters to the side of a structure and securing drywall tracks

These anchors have one of the most ideal bearing surfaces thanks to a tamper-proof mushroom head that sets about 1/2” across. The anchor’s design secures fixtures in place by evenly distributing the object’s weight. These anchors are available in two diameters: 3/16” and 1/4”. You’ll find that the anchor body is more pliable than other anchor options. This characteristic allows the anchor to conform to uneven surfaces within the brick.

Masonry Concrete Screws (Tapcon) 

Best for: Attaching a light fixture to brick or a piece of lumber to concrete

As the name suggests, masonry concrete screws are commonly used in concrete bases, but they work well for brick, too. These screws, often known as Tapcon screws in the U.S., can be used as an alternative for more common anchors. Standard-size Tapcon screws are coated with a rust-resistant material that gives it an identifying bright blue hue, but there are stainless options as well. You’ll find them in a Phillips flat head and hex head. To ensure a firm hold, make sure the screw is long enough to extend through both materials.

Sleeve Anchors

Best for: Installing shower grab bars in bathrooms and rails on walkways

One of the most common expansion-type anchors for brick walls, sleeve anchors are a favorite because they’re simple to use and come in a wide range of diameters and four different head styles. Plus, they can hold upwards of 200 pounds. This type of anchor expands over a greater surface area, allowing the sleeve anchor to expand properly in various parts of the brick.

Toggle Bolts

Best for: Hanging shelves, racks, and lightweight cabinetry 

Most of the time, toggle bolts are used to attach items to drywall. But they’re also used when a structure has concrete cinder block walls. Toggle bolts can handle a light-to-medium load between 30 and 50 pounds, so be mindful not to overload it. These bolts are made up of a metal screw and spring-loaded wings; the wings fit through the pre-drilled wall opening and spring open, bracing against the inner wall.

How to Figure Out Which Brick Anchor Is Best for Your Project

Load Weight

When choosing the best anchor for brick, consider the weight of what it will be holding. Also, consider any dynamic factors, such as movement from wind. You want to ensure that the anchors you’re choosing will meet your project’s load requirements. If you’re unsure, check with a local engineer. 

Material

Masonry anchors are made of nylon, plastic, or steel—factors that can influence the price. For example, steel anchors are the most durable and expensive anchor type, while plastic anchors are more affordable and easily found at your local home improvement store.

Size

It’s critical to make sure that the anchor will fit the size of the hole you’re drilling. Usually, the anchor size is easily visible, and listed in the product information. Size matters: A too-small anchor might not hold the load’s weight, while a too-large anchor might require additional drilling.

Age & Condition of Base

Inspect the brick or concrete base before inserting an anchor into it. You don’t want to drill into a brick base that might be crumbling. Bricks that are cracked or damaged will make the anchor less effective, meaning your decor could come crashing down at any moment. You’ll want to repair or replace these bricks before proceeding with the anchor installation.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Unlike drywall, brick is unforgiving and requires tons of precise drilling to avoid damaging a wall or compromising your structural integrity. While some anchoring tasks are easy to complete, others—like mounting a TV to a brick wall—can be more difficult. And whether the project is small, like learning how to hang a picture on brick, or a heavier lift, like trying to secure your home’s gutters, there’s an ideal anchor for that. 

There are several anchors on the market, and choosing among the best anchors for brick can be overwhelming. Not only do you need the right tools to align and secure your items, but you also need a foolproof technique. And this becomes significantly more challenging if you don’t have any experience. The average cost to repair a brick wall is $1,645, and it’s better to avoid that extra expense if you’re worried about damaging your brick. 

Consider hiring a local handyman service to complete the job for you. They can help you pick the best anchor and handle the installation so your property is safe and secure.