Storage brackets on brick wall

[radhak]

I want to install a couple of brackets on my garage wall to store some longer lumber (like 2x4s etc). This particular wall happens to be a brick wall. (Is that different from a concrete wall?)

I came across this on LeeValley that looks very close to what I might want, except that I am thinking I should be able to get something locally (like HD/Lowes)?

I have seen standards at HD, may not be as strong, but maybe I may not need all that strength - couple of tons...? Or are the HD ones far too weak?

And what's this Hilti bolt that only LeeValley sells - I could not find it elsewhere ?

What is a simple but strong screw for brick wall - the blue Tapcon screws from HD should do?

[crokett]

Tapcons would work but you would probably need more of them than the hilties.

[burrellski]

All the big box stores should sell something similar to the Hilti sleeve anchor shown on Lee Valley's site. Probably not Hilti brand, but the same idea. In my experience, that type of anchor can hold a lot of weight but may not be the best for use in mortar. The only time I have used anchors like the Hilti was in a poured concrete wall. I have heard (not personally seen) of problems with sleeve anchors cracking mortar when tightened down (maybe overtightened?) Tapcon's are my screw of choice in most applications like this. Just make sure and drive them into the mortar, not the brick.

[radhak]

I need to type slow here - don't want to appear a total doofus... but here it goes : I wouldn't know the difference between brick, mortar and poured concrete even if I was hit with them consecutively ; no, wait, I was hit with a brick once, so that I know

How do I know which is my wall - can I assume a brick wall is the default (my house is part of a large sub-division, the ultimate word in 'default's) ? I think it's not poured concrete, but what do I know...

So assuming brick, how do I make sure to drive the screw into the mortar and not the brick? (The wall is nicely painted white). I am okay with a bunch of Tapcon screws instead of the Hiltie.

But first, would the standards/brackets in HD do for me? I am thinking only a handful of 2x4 and 2x6s, maybe a total of 500 lbs of lumber, if that.

[jking]

If the wall is painted white, here's what I would suggest. Start by taking a look at the pattern. A brick wall will have rectangles approximately 3 1/2" high x 7 1/2" long. There will be a mortar joint approximately 3/8" wide between the bricks. The mortar joints will likely be slightly recessed.

If you have a masonry bit & a drill, drill a small hole in what appears to be the brick. You only need to go about 1/4" deep. If the dust coming from the drilling operation is red or brown, you have brick. If the dust is gray (concrete colored) you have likely have a poured concrete wall. Poured concrete can be done using forms which leave the appearance of bricks. You could also bypass the drilling by looking for a vertical line in the pattern every four feet. This would be where the form panels met when pouring the wall.

Of course, if you have any unpainted areas (a closet for example) take a look. If the bricks appear to be red or brown, you have a brick wall.

[parnelli]

Is there wood at the top of the wall? I've used both the hook and the brackets shown on this page with good results.

http://www.johnsterling.com/FMinstallationmethods.htm