Fire Walls? [anchoring shelves on old walls]

My husband and I were trying to (finally) install shelves in our pretty old Union Street apt. this past week, but found that we couldn't get the screw in the whole way--something was stopping it--we started to think that perhaps we had fire walls?

Is anyone aware of such walls? How do we penetrate a fire wall?

Thanks.

i doubt its the fireproof wall you refer.
those are generally for fire stairs in office building/elevator buildings.

it is possible you hit a stud.
but im thinkin plaster.

you mention its an OLD apt.
So instead of sheetrock it probably has the original plaster walls.

if youre lucky the screw just gets real hard to turn and you can work it in after nearly dislocating your elbow.

if youre unlucky the plaster will crumble away around the screw and youll be left with a gaping hole that your LL will probably be a tad annoyed about.

( been there - done that, bought some spackle )

i now use a thin headless nail when i want to hang a new picture.
that seems to work ok.

but i have to buy free standing shelving units

gl!

before you drill TOO hard, though take a look around. last time my drill got stuck, i luckily took a break and realized that i was directly above a light switch. glad i didn't force my way through the conduit....

is the wall facing a hall way or another room? if not you might be hitting the walls of your building which i wouldn't suggest nailing anything to .

Subject: Re: Fire Walls?

snickers76 wrote: My husband and I were trying to (finally) install shelves in our pretty old Union Street apt. this past week, but found that we couldn't get the screw in the whole way--something was stopping it--we started to think that perhaps we had fire walls?

Is anyone aware of such walls? How do we penetrate a fire wall?

Thanks.

Whatever you do, don't go ask one of the little local hardware stores. They don't appear to know diddly about this stuff.

The masonary walls that separate the property lines of attached brownstones and other housing are properly referred to as FIREWALLS.

They are made up usually of plaster coating on top of brick. The house on the other side has the same thing, but the thickness of the wall is at least three bricks, sometimes more. It does keep the fire from spreading from one house to the adjacent house very well. They are not hollow, so many typical mounting techniques will not work

It can be done but will require a hammer-drill (a battery hammerdrill will do) and masonary type anchors of which there are hundres of types.

It really depends on the weight of the load being mounted.

For shelves I would recommend metal expansion anchors (nothing plastic) 1/4" DIA x 2" long should work. Use a minimum of 3 anchors for each shelf bracket. The hole size depends on the style of the anchor

There is a lot of judgement and finess involved that comes with experience. Botton line, if the anchor does not really tighten up in the hole you drilled, it will not hold - don't trust it - drill another one.

If the holes get oversized the anchors don't hold.

Living in NYC definitely requires a hammer drill. Battery ones are expensive, but Home Depot has a few corded ones for less than $100.

Make sure you get masonry bits - regular ones will not work. Operating a masonry drill requires strength. The drill rotates and reciprocates simultaneously, so using two hands is a must (they come with an additional handle that mounts on the side). Also have a vacuum handy and use a face mask, there will be lots of dust.

I'm in the North Slope too and yes, the old construction here, especially those outside walls, is plaster on lathe over brick walls. Putting up shelves is a real bitch. The plaster and wood seems great, until you hit the red dust of the brick and need to change bits and rethink your anchoring situation....

Sweet Tea: :shock:

Thanks for all of your help. I consider myself pretty handy, but am a bit daunted to take on this shelving project. I will keep you all updated! :?