I'm looking to attach a 2' x 3' piece of 3/4" plywood to the cinder block wall in my garage. I want to secure it well enough to mount a box with two outlets and a light switch. Previously, the box was attached directly to the cinder block, but the screws pulled out when plugging and unplugging devices. Can anyone recommend the right type of anchors or construction adhesive to ensure the plywood stays put? I'm thinking of using about 6 or 8 anchors to prevent it from pulling away from the wall before I screw the box onto the plywood. Thanks!
4 Answers
Try anchoring into the mortar joints instead of the cinder blocks. Mortar is much easier to drill through with a standard drill and masonry bit.
You might want to try using Tapcon screws. They're great for this kind of job! I’ve hung shelves and cabinets just with Tapcons, and they've held heavy loads without any issues.
I suggest using liquid nails on the back of the board just to hold it while you work. After that, drill a few holes through the board into the block and install some large Tapcon screws with washers for added security.
First, check if your cinder block is filled with concrete. If it is, Tapcons will work, but you'll need a hammer drill to install them. If not, using toggle bolts might be the way to go, or you can try some construction adhesive. Just keep in mind that glue takes time to set, so you might need to hold it in place while it cures. A trick I've used is applying hot glue to hold the board temporarily until the construction adhesive sets completely!
The blocks don’t seem filled, so I’ll consider the tapcons. I don’t have a hammer drill, though.
You could try putting the Tapcons into the joints instead of the blocks if that helps!
Good to know! I have some masonry bits handy.