Hanging Heavy Things Above the Fireplace...How?

Whenever I have to anchor something onto a brick and plaster wall I drill into the wall and then smack in a very tight fitting wooden dowel.  I then saw off the excess dowel flush with the wall and screw into the dowel.  I’ve tried all kinds of masonry anchors and this is the only method that’s worked consistently for me.  Clearly you don’t want to drill so far that you puncture your chimney flue.

fexleycb

in Decorative 12 years and 6 months ago

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ProspectWitch | 12 years and 6 months ago

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We live in a traditional b-stone (1872) and want to hand some things above the mantels. One is a sunburst mirror (so much heavier than a picture or regular mirror, b/c it’s metal) and the other thing is a flatscreen tv. I realize that the tv needs a bracket, but there are different kinds and we’re not sure what to buy.  (If you had a professional do this and can make a recommendation, that would be great!) I’m wondering what kind of hardware and/or tools you have to use to this.    Thanks!

berniceshola | 12 years and 6 months ago

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If the area above your fireplace is solid brick or brick covered over with plaster, you’re going to need a masonry drill bit and masonry bolts. There are several different styles, all available at Home Depot. As for hanging a flatscreen TV, search for a bracket that matches your model. You have to be careful mounting directly into chimney facing: is that chimney disused? You *definitely* don’t want to punch through into an active flue.

citigyz | 12 years and 6 months ago

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For the mirror use long lead anchors (not plastic) that sink beyond the plaster and not into to mortar. I would use two or three depending on weight. For screws use “L” shaped hooks. I would use a pro for the TV. And, definitely do not puncture an active flue which is not likely.

brokelin | 12 years and 6 months ago

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Remember, even if you don’t have a fireplace that is wood-burning or gas or anything at all that vents, that doesn’t mean there is not an active flue back there behind your wall.  In my former brownstone coop, and this is not uncommon, if I am remembering all I read about such heating systems correctly, the boiler/furnace in the basement that provided heat to the building was exahusted through a flue that ran up though one section of all four floors of our living room chimneys, just behind our walls.