How to fix anchors too loose in brick wall?

[CassM]

 

Hi, I tried to install a Daytek clothesline onto my brick wall using the Dynabolts suggested but even though I drilled 8mm holes for 8mm bolts the anchors are loose and are being pulled out by the weight of the clothesline. 

My brother in law suggested using Ankabolts and they do look easier but the 8mm ones are too wide to fit through the mounting brackets. 6mm ones fit but are obviously too narrow for the drilled holes. Is there something I can use to make the 6mm bolts fit in 8mm holes? 

Thanks for your help! 

[JacobZ]

Hi @ajperry,

I'm sorry to hear that you've had the same issue. Unfortunately, without knowing the specific type of hebel that was used, it is difficult to know whether the method would work or not.

At this point, I think it is likely best to look at installing the hose reel in an alternative location or installing a freestanding post to mount the hose reel to.

Is there anything close to this location that is not hebel that you might be able to use? Keep in mind you can run a hose between the tap and the hose reel, so anything within about 5 or so metres would be reasonable.

Jacob

[ajperry]

Hi Jacob,

The house is a brand new two story home in Adelaide’s west built from 75mm Hebel. 

Around the house is a pebblecrete (concrete) path. Between the path and the colourbond fence is a thin garden bed. 

The reality is there really isn’t anywhere to put the wall mounted reel that isn’t Hebel. I could try to find the vertical pieces of wood that the Hebel must be mounted to, but I’d be lucky to find those. 

I’m not removing colourbond roof panels to then drop a a piece(s) or wood to bolt in to. Too hard. 

I may have to revert to a ground based reel or maybe try chemically gluing bolts into the Hebel and then screw the hose reel into those bolts. 

I’ve said it before, but Hebel is pretty popular, I’m surprised we haven’t invented a solution that 100% works. New house are using Hebel a lot. 

Thanks for your help. 

[R4addZ]

Hi @CassM

The issue may not be fixable with chemical anchors as I suspect it is the hebel it's self which is failing and not the fixings. You could end up just pulling larger sections out. My final attempt would be a bit left field, I would try treating the job the same way I would fix something to plasterboardand use a toggle fixing like these.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-3-16-x-100mm-round-head-spring-toggle-2-pack_p2260428

You would have to buy new bolts to go into them that are long enough to get the spring toggle through the wall with enough length to also let it spring open and also some washers on the outside so it doesn't pull through the hose reel holes. It may also be possible to sleeve the screw in the hole to reduce possible future movement. The advantage of this is that you are pulling against the whole brick with a good area of fixing.

[ajperry]

Thanks @R4addZ 

I’ll see if I can find the right length screw/bolt to go with the “toggle” fixtures you suggested. I had wondered if that might be an option. 

The only issue I can think of is there may not be room between the hebel and the inside wall. 

What do you mean by sleeve the screw in the hole? Is there an obvious solution I can purchase for this, or is it something I would need to make with another product?

thanks,

[MitchellMc]

Hi @ajperry,

How are you drilling the holes, and are the plugs snug/tight when you tap them in? I note in the Hebel guide that holes are to be drilled using a standard high-speed steel drill bit and a non-hammer-function drill. If you've been using a masonry bit and a hammer-function drill, you could be wallowing out the holes and over-sizing them.

That's why I ask about how tight the plugs are when you're slipping them in. There should be resistance when inserting them, and you might need to tap them lightly into the hole with a hammer. If they are sliding in without any resistance or if they are slightly loose in the hole, then it indicates the hole is oversized.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Noyade]

Hi @ajperry 

"Im not going to do that. It’s really the wall that is the only option"

My thought is 5mm steel plate. Mark, drill and tap threads for the hose-holder bracket.

Fit the steel plate to the wall. Forces won't bend the plate and the 'moment arm' is now longer as the anchorage is above the bracket.

But still, you need at least two good anchors at the top. I've never worked with Hebel. If I'm angry and punch it - would I leave a mark?

🤔

Just a thought.

Cheers.

[ajperry]

Thanks. 

I followed the guide very closely. Used the recommended bit, as you noted, and the recommend drill, as you also noted. 

The plugs did need to be lightly taped in, the fit was snug. I also didn’t over tighten the bolts, another recommendation. 

It just seems like the constant hose movement, winding and return, is enough movement to have those plugs come loose. 

I think my best bet are the toggle bolt/screws with washers. Something that hold the hose unit onto the wall from behind. This assumes I can ge them long enough and there is enough room behind the Hebel for the toggle to open and grip. 

Thanks

[ajperry]

Thanks,

I might try the toggle bolts first. Steel, or wooden “plate” is a bit of engineering I may not be capable of. 

It is definitely an option though. 

Thanks

[MitchellMc]

You're right on the max limit at 10kg for a hose reel @ajperry, according to the Hebel guide, and you're likely correct that the forces applied to the hose reel are why it's coming loose. I've had to reinstall quite a few hose reels that were fixed to a concrete wall, as even Dynabolts in solid concrete can work themselves loose when used to fix a hose reel in place.  

Do you have any idea how thick the Hebel panel is? If so, we might be able to point you towards expanding fixings, but they are typically designed for 10mm plasterboard.

Mitchell

[ajperry]

The Hebel is 75mm I’ve been advised.