My DIY trick makes screwing into brick walls much easier – it’s so frustrating when it just won’t grab, my hack holds up
YOU may want to save this hack for the next time you're hanging a picture or installing shelves.
A DIY pro revealed the trick he uses to strengthen a screw's hold in a brick wall.
In his viral , Tanner () shared his frustration over trying to insert a screw into a mortar wall in his home.
"It’s so annoying when you’re trying to screw into mortar or an old brick wall and the screw won’t grab because the mortar just crumbles away," he explained.
If you find yourself in this predicament with no wall plug available, Tanner's trick may help.
A wall plug, also known as a rawl plug, is a plastic item that you can place in a hole before inserting your screw to create a secure hold.
The handy Instagrammer said his homemade hack saved him "a trip to the store."
When his screw wouldn't hold due to the crumbling wall, Tanner filled the hole to create a more secure grip.
To do this he cut small pieces of a zip-tie and placed them in the wall gap.
This move meant that his screw had a tighter space and was able to create a stronger hold.
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Tanner demonstrated this strength by screwing a large bracket into the wall and holding on to it.
He lifted his feet from the floor, placing all his body weight on the wall bracket.
Tanner recommended the creative and budget-friendly trick for anyone "in a pinch."
Instagram users shared their own DIY suggestions for the same problem.
"I use old pens that run out of ink, great trick though, always utilize what you have around your work zone," wrote one viewer.
"Match sticks work too. Just break off the red phosphorus part," suggested another follower.
"Instead of plastic, which will disintegrate over time, use copper wire," said a third person.
How wall plugs work
The experts at broke down the reason you should be using a wall plug when drilling mortar.
"Drilling into the mortar with a screw expansion plug or another fastener will cause the anchor’s force to push against the intact bricks instead of expanding the material," they explained.
However, they cautioned against using the item without first examining your wall.
"Deeper holes and expansion anchors can weaken an already feeble brick," they said.
"The anchors can form excessive circular stress on the material, causing it to crack."
"Go outside and find a small twig like the size of a golf tee, works perfectly," commented another Instagram user.
"Take-out chopsticks work great too!" wrote one follower.
"Next time I recommend using a golf tee!" said another handy viewer.
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"That's what us pros use. Especially on doors that have loose hinge screws.
"Put [a] golf tee in and the extra [part] breaks off easily!"
