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Safely drilling into a stone fireplace?

Home Improvement Asked on November 12, 2021

I have a stone fireplace in a cabin that I’d like to mount a television screen on. While I’d love to pay someone a reasonable fee to do so, the cabin is in a location where contractors are few and far between, and those I have spoken with are booking work six months out. I’d prefer to not wait that long.

Here’s the fireplace:

enter image description here

Regarding the mounting itself, I’m hoping to line up the holes of the mount at a position where I only have to drill through the grout, but it’s possible I will have to drill through the rock itself. Since this was a fire burning fireplace before it was gas, I believe there will be brick behind the rock/grout.

I’m probably going to actually mount a square of wood to the actual stone part and then screw the mount to this block of wood…that way I can be a little more flexible in where I put holes in the stone/grout.

If I understand what I’ve researched so far, I should be able to drill through this by purchasing a hammer drill with a special bit. After drilling, I should be able to mount it securely using mollies (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly_(fastener)).

Assuming the above is accurate:

  1. What sort of drill bit do I need for this job?
  2. Since I don’t have a hammer drill, I plan to purchase one. The cheapest I’ve found locally is this Craftsman (https://www.craftsman.com/products/7-amp-1-2-in-hammer-drill). Would this be sufficient to get the job done?
  3. Are any special mollies required, or should I be able to purchase the largest which will fit through the mount’s holes?
  4. Any other concerns I should know about, or suggestions you have?

Thanks so much in advance!!!

One Answer

You'll need some quality masonry drill bits or some diamond core bits depending on the size of the holes you'll be drilling.

The hammer drill you picked out will do the job, just take your time, let the drill do the work.

You do not want to use molly anchors. They are for drywall or plaster hollow walls. Personally, I'd be using lag shields, 3/16", and lag screws. Their length depends on the size wood panel.

Drill into the stone, not the mortar. The mortar will crumble with the anchors.

And for God's sake, wear safety goggles!!!

Answered by JACK on November 12, 2021

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