How do you nail something into a brick wall temporarily?

Question

I just need to hang a canvas on brick wall for a project I'm doing. I just don't want to drill holes or anything. . .

Brick clips?

Answer 1

You can use concrete nails, or pound a regular nail into the mortar. Either way, you leave a hole to patch which can be done quite easily.

Answer 2

As others have said, masonry nails will work fine in the mortar between the brick. They come in two varieties, cut nails which are the square (actually flat, shaped like a T) and fluted masonry nails. For this type of thing, you will want a short nail, I would look for 3/4" (1" at the most) fluted. The shortest cut nails made are 1 1/2", much longer than you need. You will find that you do not want to drive these any farther than you have to and a short nail will hold fine. You do run a slight risk of cracking the mortar depending upon the type and condition of what is there. Masonry screws (one brand is Tapcon) would be better, but you will need a drill and a special bit to drill a hole before you put the screw in. You can buy the bit when you buy the screw(s), and you can probably buy just one or two. It will make a bit of a mess to clean up with the vacuum cleaner, but less chance of cracking the mortar. If this was my house, I would not consider either the nails or masonry screws. Either will leave a mess if you decide to get rid of them. Masonry nails are difficult to pull out and will likely take a chunk of the mortar (maybe even part of a brick) with them. Concrete screws go in much easier than they come out as well. I would use a plastic anchor and a screw for this one. You will still have the mess of drilling a hole, but if you decide to remove it later you can unscrew the screw and dig the plastic out. You will be left with a perfect hole same size that you drill which can easily be patched with a touch of mortar.

Answer 3

That's a tough one...I was going to suggest a Tapcon but that would leave a hole. Maybe ask someone at Lowes or Home Depot for an adhesive that sticks to stone...

Answer 4

I'm no expert but I think they make a nail that is just for bricks and cement,check your local hardware store.

Answer 5

See if Duct Tape will hold it.
The link is a picture of the possible holding properties of Duct Tape;
http://www.ducati.ms/pp/data/7/8080ducttapebabysit.jpg?8125

Answer 6

You should be able to get clips at any large hardware store, Home Depot, etc.