Driving a standard anchor into brick is a gamble — either the masonry crumbles around the hole, or the anchor strips out the moment you tighten it. Brick is dense, brittle, and unforgiving, demanding an anchor that bites into the material rather than relying on friction alone. The wrong choice leads to stripped holes, fallen shelves, and a frustrating trip back to the hardware store.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. I’ve spent years analyzing masonry fastening systems, from concrete screw thread geometry to sleeve anchor expansion mechanics, so you can skip the guesswork.
Whether you’re mounting a TV, securing shelving, or hanging heavy mirrors, finding the right anchors for brick means understanding embedment depth, material compatibility, and corrosion resistance before you pick up a drill.
How To Choose The Best Anchors For Brick
Brick anchors aren’t one-size-fits-all. The holding power you need depends on the weight of your load, the condition of your brick, and whether you’re fastening into solid brick or mortar joints. Here’s what separates a secure mount from a failure waiting to happen.
Thread Design and Tip Geometry
Self-tapping concrete screws use a sharp, diamond-point tip and aggressive threads to cut into brick rather than relying on expansion. This design eliminates the need for a separate anchor body and provides superior pull-out resistance. Look for screws with a high-low thread pattern that clears debris as it drives — this prevents the screw from jamming mid-installation.
Embedment Depth and Edge Distance
For solid brick, a minimum embedment of one inch is non-negotiable. Anchors set too shallow will pull out under load. Equally important is edge distance — always keep the anchor at least 2-1/4 inches from the edge of the brick to prevent cracking. When working with mortar, reduce your load expectations; mortar is softer and offers less holding power than the brick itself.
Corrosion Resistance for Long-Term Performance
Outdoor or damp environments demand a corrosion-resistant coating. Blue epoxy or Climaseal coatings withstand humidity, rain, and even salt air without rusting through. Standard zinc-plated anchors are fine for interior brick walls but will corrode quickly if exposed to moisture, compromising the integrity of your mount over time.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapcon 28360 | Concrete Screw | Heavy structural mounting | 3/16″ x 2-1/4″ length | Amazon |
| Hillman Borefast | Self-Drilling Anchor | High-weight residential use | 1/4″ x 1.5″ length | Amazon |
| FixMaster Kit | Concrete Screw Kit | Versatile DIY & commercial jobs | 100-piece with drill bit | Amazon |
| BUSY-CORNER Kit | Conical Anchor Kit | Small to medium household tasks | 228 pieces, 4 sizes | Amazon |
| KURUI Assortment Kit | Plastic Anchor Kit | Lightweight hanging projects | 350-piece, 5 sizes | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Tapcon 28360 Blue Climaseal Star Head Concrete Anchors
The Tapcon name carries serious weight in masonry fastening, and this 3/16-inch x 2-1/4-inch variant proves why. The star recess drive system is engineered to eliminate bit cam-out — a common frustration when driving screws into dense brick — allowing you to seat each anchor flush without slipping. The Climaseal blue coating resists corrosion for long-term performance in both interior and exterior brick walls.
Each box includes a drill bit and a T-25 star bit, saving you a separate trip for the correct tooling. The 75-count package is generous for medium-to-large projects such as mounting furring strips, window frames, or structural brackets into brick or concrete block. ICC-ES recognition (ESR-2202 and ESR-1671) confirms these meet building code standards for structural use.
Some users note that the bugle head profile may not suit every application — if you need a flush finish in thinner fixture material, check your clearance. Also, the included masonry bit wears faster on very hard brick, so having a spare high-quality bit on hand is wise for longer runs. Pre-drill to the exact specified diameter and depth for best results.
Why it’s great
- Star drive eliminates cam-out and speeds up installation
- Climaseal coating provides superior corrosion resistance for exterior use
- ICC-ES recognized for structural applications — meets code requirements
Good to know
- Bugle head design may not sit flush in thinner materials
- Included drill bit wears quickly on very hard brick
- Requires precise pre-drilling to avoid snapping the screw
2. Hillman Borefast Drywall Anchors (75-Pack)
The Hillman Borefast is a self-drilling anchor that bridges the gap between lightweight plastic anchors and heavy-duty concrete screws. Rated to hold up to 200 pounds in concrete or masonry, these 1/4-inch x 1.5-inch pan head anchors feature aggressive threads that cut into brick without requiring a pre-drilled pilot hole in many cases. This makes them ideal for users who want reliable holding power without the extra step of drilling.
The white pan head finish blends well with painted trim and fixtures, making it suitable for curtain rods, shelving brackets, and wall-mounted cabinets. The Phillips drive is universal, so no specialty bit is needed. Because the anchor is removable and reusable, you can reposition fixtures without destroying the brick — a rare convenience in masonry fastening.
While the Borefast performs well in solid brick, it is less effective in mortar joints, where the softer material may not grip the threads as securely. Also, the self-drilling claim works best in softer masonry; very hard fired brick may still require a pilot hole. For loads approaching the 200-pound limit, use multiple anchors spaced according to manufacturer recommendations.
Why it’s great
- Self-drilling design saves time on soft to medium brick installations
- Rated for 200 pounds in concrete — serious holding capacity
- Removable and reusable for flexible fixture placement
Good to know
- Less effective in mortar joints due to softer material
- Very hard fired brick may still require a pilot hole
- White painted head may chip during driving
3. FixMaster 3/16 x 1-1/4″ Hex Head Blue Concrete Screw Anchors (100 pcs)
FixMaster delivers a complete package with 100 hex-head screws, a drill bit, and a screwdriver bit, so you have everything needed to start fastening into brick immediately. The 3/16-inch diameter and 1-1/4-inch length provide one inch of embedment depth, meeting the minimum requirement for secure brick mounting. The high-low thread design with wide serrations clears debris as the screw advances, reducing installation torque and preventing the screw from binding.
The blue epoxy coating is rated to withstand hydrochloric acid corrosion for 1,000 hours, making these anchors suitable for hurricane zones or coastal environments where salt air is a concern. The hex head drive simplifies installation with a standard socket or nut driver, and the diamond-point tip eliminates the need for a separate anchor body — the screw cuts its own threads directly into the brick.
Be aware that the 1-1/4-inch length limits the maximum fixture thickness to 1/4 inch — you cannot fasten thicker materials like pressure-treated lumber directly. Also, the included drill bit is a basic accessory; for heavy-duty use, upgrading to a carbide-tipped bit will deliver cleaner holes and longer life. Space anchors at least three inches apart center-to-center to maintain full holding strength.
Why it’s great
- Complete kit includes screws, drill bit, and driver bit for immediate use
- Blue epoxy coating resists corrosion for 1,000 hours — ideal for damp environments
- Self-tapping diamond tip eliminates the need for expansion anchors
Good to know
- 1-1/4-inch length limits fixture thickness to 1/4 inch
- Included drill bit is basic; upgrade for hard brick
- Requires 3-inch minimum spacing between anchors
4. BUSY-CORNER Conical Concrete Wall Anchors Assortment Kit (228 Pcs)
The BUSY-CORNER kit offers a broad selection of conical plastic anchors paired with carbon steel flat-head screws, covering four sizes from M6 to M8. The conical shape creates a wedge effect as the screw is driven, expanding the anchor against the brick for a tighter grip than straight-wall plastic anchors. With 114 anchors and 114 screws plus three drill bits, this kit is well-suited for smaller household tasks like mounting curtain rails, pictures, mirrors, and lightweight shelves.
The storage box keeps all components organized by size, reducing the time spent searching for the right anchor mid-project. The carbon steel screws feature a phosphate finish that provides basic corrosion resistance for interior use. The included drill bits match the anchor sizes, so you can start drilling immediately without measuring or guessing the correct bit diameter.
These plastic anchors are best suited for medium-duty loads — they will not match the holding power of threaded concrete screws for heavy items. Some users report that the bits included are basic and may dull quickly on hard brick. For larger fixtures or outdoor use, consider upgrading to a metal expansion anchor or a concrete screw system.
Why it’s great
- Conical wedge design provides better grip than straight plastic anchors
- Organized storage box keeps four sizes sorted and accessible
- Includes matching drill bits for immediate installation
Good to know
- Plastic anchors are limited to medium-duty loads in brick
- Included drill bits wear quickly on harder masonry
- Not suitable for heavy structural or outdoor applications
5. KURUI Drywall Anchors Assortment Kit (350 Pcs)
The KURUI assortment provides 350 pieces across five sizes of plastic wall anchors and galvanized Phillips wood screws, all stored in a clear organizer box. While marketed primarily for drywall, the anchors work in brick for lighter-duty tasks such as hanging picture frames, small mirrors, and decorative wall art. The ribbed anchor body provides moderate expansion in masonry, and the galvanized screws resist surface rust in indoor conditions.
The value proposition here is sheer quantity and variety — with sizes from #5 to #8, you have options for different screw diameters and fixture hole sizes. The clear box makes it easy to grab the right anchor quickly, which is helpful when you’re working through multiple hanging points. The flat-head screws sit flush with the anchor surface, producing a clean finished look.
These anchors are not designed for heavy loads in brick. The plastic body relies on friction and expansion, and brick’s hardness limits how much the anchor can deform to create grip. For anything beyond lightweight decor, you will need a threaded concrete screw or a metal expansion anchor. The plastic case has also been reported arriving cracked in transit, so inspect upon delivery.
Why it’s great
- 350-piece assortment covers five common sizes for versatile use
- Clear organizer box keeps anchors sorted and accessible
- Galvanized screws resist surface rust in indoor environments
Good to know
- Plastic anchors are limited to lightweight loads in brick
- Plastic case may arrive cracked during shipping
- Not suitable for heavy shelving or structural mounting
FAQ
Can I use plastic expansion anchors in brick for heavy items?
Should I drill into the brick or the mortar joint?
What size pilot hole do I need for a 3/16-inch concrete screw?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the anchors for brick winner is the Tapcon 28360 Blue Climaseal Star Head Concrete Anchors because it combines professional-grade corrosion resistance, cam-out-free star drive installation, and ICC-ES structural certification in a single box. If you want a self-drilling anchor that handles high residential loads without pre-drilling, grab the Hillman Borefast. And for a budget-friendly complete kit that includes everything for general-purpose brick fastening, nothing beats the FixMaster Concrete Screw Kit.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.