How to install floating shelf with anchors?

[Dani29]

Hello, I am trying to install floating shelves, however I'm having significant difficulty. I've tried plaster plugs however they are too long and i've tried ramjet hallow wall anchor screws however in some locations they are too long and I can't secure them. It seems I can get to a 20mm depth ok then I seem to be hitting brick or something else. I can't drill anymore regardless of using a mortar drill piece and hammer drill. 

I've tried tirelessly to attach pics to this but it's not working! 

Any ideas please?  My study is looking like a disaster! It's times like this I miss my Dad! 

[Dani29]

Hello Eric, 

it seems to definitely be masonry/concrete. Not steel. I can't get to a depth of more than 15mm before hitting brick. 

I'm not sure I have the strength to drill into brick- but I'm hoping with the right connecting part that I can get it sorted. 

Here is the hammer drill I have:https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-hammer-drill-rpd18-tool-only_p0488985?

region_id=116037&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21118986128&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8mbjctwWCSWi...

Thank you for your help. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Dani29,

Older brick and block that has had a long time to cure can be really difficult to drill into, and a drill driver style hammer drill, such as this Ryobi 18V ONE+ Hammer Drill RPD18 is unlikely to have the power needed to drill into it.

While they do have a hammer function, which can be used on some bricks and blocks, they do not always generate the force needed to drill through harder stuff. It really comes down to how hard the material is, whether they will be capable or not.

In tougher applications, professionals will use what is called a rotary hammer drill, which has a different type of motor that delivers more force with a percussive action.

I bought one of these Ozito 1500W 5J Rotary Hammer Drill Kit RHD-1550 to do some drilling into really tough concrete piers at my parents’ place, and it worked well. You might have to invest in something like this to get the job done.

Alternatively, if you didn’t want to get another tool, maybe getting a handyperson in to finish off the drilling would be easiest.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dani29]

Hi Jacob, 

Thank you for your help/assistance. 

Will a rotary drill like this work:

Ryobi 1500W SDS+ Rotary Hammer Drill RSDS1500-K

Thank you. Danielle

[JacobZ]

Hi @Dani29,

Yes, the Ryobi 1500W SDS+ Rotary Hammer Drill RSDS1500-K will have the power to drill into brick or block.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dani29]

Hello Jacob, 

Thank you for your help. I purchased the Ozito 1500W rotary hammer drill and it worked a dream. So far I've been able to put up two floating shelves. Thank you so much for your help. 

I have a bit of patch/paint work to do, but it's great knowing I'm on my way! 

Thank you. Danielle 

[EricL]

Hello @Dani29 

Thank you very much for the update. Your floating shelves look great!

Eric

[Dani29]

Thank you Eric! 😀