I'm planning to hang a mantel over my fireplace tomorrow, and I want to make sure I do it right! The fireplace is made of solid limestone, so I can't drill into a flat surface. My plan is to use 3/4" steel pegs that will go into the limestone and line up with holes I drill into the mantel. My main concern is making sure I drill straight holes since the surface isn't even. I looked at drill bit guides, but I'm not sure they'll work in this case. Any recommendations for keeping the hammer drill straight while drilling these peg holes? I'm open to any additional advice, too. Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
Is your limestone solid or just a cladding? If it's solid, you might consider making a jig from some scrap material so your drill bit stays at a perfect 90° angle. This will help keep your holes straight. And remember, the amount of clearance you need will depend on your fireplace specifications and the mantel's dimensions!
I find a quiet spot to drill where I can see what I'm doing clearly! Take your time, and drilling straight should be easy-peasy! Also, skip any expansion anchors for fixing the pegs—use a two-part marble glue instead. It'll fill the hole as you insert the pegs, which helps prevent the stone from cracking.
A good way to drill straight is to have a buddy help you out! Have them stand to the side and guide you by calling out when to adjust the drill left or right. If you're alone, setting up a laser level at the height you want can help keep the drill bit aligned with the laser. It’s super effective!
It's solid limestone. What does that jig look like?