How to hang a heavy mirror on masonry wall?

Question

Hi there,

I’ve long used these forums and found them very useful. I have recently purchased a mirror (attached) it looks great but when I went to put it up I found it only had a single keyhole anchor point (attached). Mirror weighs 10-11kgs and I have a concern that the 10G x 50mm pan head screws that I have been using to hang up my art wouldn’t be sturdy enough. I have less of a concern in the construction of the mirror as the anchor looks pretty thick as you would be able to see in the picture. The walls a masonry (red brick by the looks when I drill into the wall) and I have been using a 7mm bit on larger art to ensure that everything that I hang is properly secured. Any assistance on this and whether you think we should go up in sizing or if there are alternatives that we might not know about that could ensure it is secure would be greatly appreciated.

dan0401 · Answer

Thank you both for the rapid replies. I have been using these plugs but based on Jacob’s feedback I might go the 8 x 50mm that were recommended.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-7-x-50mm-green-wall-plugs-25-pack_p2260646?srsltid=AfmBOopXZHN6zSDand8fHMVno7lDiThiM3BEKowjHTFMTEOeP_VZwWtMrZI

I have checked the screws and should be good to go. Super interesting in the force and also potential angling of the screw for extra stability though might not be overly necessary. Appreciate the support and cannot wait to get that mirror on the wall.

R4addZ · Answer

Hi @dan0401

Just out of curiosity I gave the problem of how much outwards foce is on the mounting screw for an 11kg mirror to an AI and the result may surprise some.

So as you can see the force pulling on the plug is less than half a kilo and all the force is trying to pull the screw down into the brickwork which I doubt will give way!

R4addZ · Answer

Hi @dan0401

It's not so much the size of the screw as how tight it is in the wall. What wall plugs are you using with these screws and bit size? The other thing most don't think about is that there isn't much force pulling the screw out of the wall as the weight is pulling downwards not outwards so if you are concerned, you can also try angling the hole for the screw downwards into the wall but first make sure you will be able to get the mirror on the screw if it is at an angle.