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Tommy Walsh's DIY Guide
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Tommy Walsh's DIY Guide (2001)(Empire).iso
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t19c.txt
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1998-10-07
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4KB
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102 lines
Summary
This topic details how to attach fasteners
(screws) to a masonry wall using wall plugs:
1 Wearing suitable clothing
2 Checking the position to be drilled
3 Positioning the object and marking
4 Making a start hole
5 Setting the depth indicator
6 Setting the drill speed
7 Drilling the hole
8 Inserting the plug
9 Fitting the screws
Tools
Drill, masonry drill bit.
Materials
Wall plugs, screws.
Step 1 - Wearing suitable clothing
When using power-tools never wear loose fitting clothing
or jewellery, as these can become entangled in moving
parts. While working outdoors, wear rubber gloves and
non-slip footwear. Always use safety glasses and wear
a breathing mask if dust is created by the work. Ear
plugs and/or ear defenders should be used especially
when drilling masonry in a confined space.
Step 2 - Checking the position to be drilled
WARNING! Electrical cables normally run north, south,
east or west from light switches. The same is generally
true of pipes. It is prudent to invest in a metal and
current detector to make sure that the area you are
planning to drill into is clear of wires and pipes
buried in the plaster or in the wall. In addition, check
that the wall is not hollow by tapping gently on it -
there will be a distinctly different noise from a solid
wall.
Step 3 - Positioning the object and marking
Place the object in the desired position and mark the
holes. If necessary use a spirit level to help ensure
it is true.
Step 4 - Making a start hole
It is important to make a start hole with a nail or
bradawl or the drill may slip and damage the
surrounding surface. This is especially true when
drilling directly into brick (not plaster then brick).
Sometimes using a small drill-bit without the hammer
action activated can help to start the hole.
Step 5 - Setting the depth indicator
Most modern drills will have a depth gauge which you
should set to the appropriate depth for the wall plug
and screw. If your particular drill does not have a
depth gauge, a small adjustable ready-made stop, which
you can buy with the masonry bit, should be used.
Failing that, stop frequently and measure how far the
drill bit has gone into the masonry - be aware that
the drill-bit will be hot!
Step 6 - Setting the drill speed
The harder the surface you are drilling, the lower
the drill speed should be. For holes in concrete with
a diameter over 13mm drill a smaller bore hole first.
For plaster and brick set the drill at a medium speed.
If you do not do this, the drill will overheat and be
destroyed, with potentially dangerous consequences if
it snaps. You may then also be left with a snapped
drill bit in the hole.
Step 7 - Drilling the hole
As you drill the hole, apply firm pressure and
withdraw occasionally to allow debris to escape. The
dust should first be grey or pinkish plaster and then
turn red once you have hit brick, although this
obviously depends on the colour of the bricks in your
home.
Step 8 - Inserting the wall plug
The hole should offer resistance to the wall plug.
Gently tap in the wall plug with a hammer. If the hole
is not to the required depth it is possible to take
the top off the wall plug with a chisel. Note that
this can only be a matter of a millimetre or so -
any more than that and you should remove the wall plug
and drill the hole deep enough to accommodate the plug
properly. If you do not, you will not be able to
insert the screw fully.
Step 9 - Fitting the screws
Pass the screw through the fitting and tighten it
until you feel the screw æbiteÆ the wall. Do not
over-tighten the screw in the wall plug because the
screw will cut away at the inside of the wall plug
and create a loose fitment.