Attaching things securely to cinder block walls can seem daunting, but with the right techniques and materials, it can be simple. Cinder blocks provide a sturdy, durable surface for hanging shelves, TVs, artwork and more when you use the proper hardware and installation methods. Here are 8 of the best ways to firmly affix items to a cinder block wall.

1. Use Tapcon Concrete Screws

One of the best ways to attach anything to a cinder block wall is by using Tapcon masonry screws. Tapcon screws are designed with sturdy threads to bite into the concrete material of cinder blocks and create a tight hold.

When using Tapcon screws for cinder block walls:

Use a masonry drill bit slightly smaller than the Tapcon screw diameter to pre-drill holes into the cinder blocks. This allows the threads to dig in easier without breaking.
Make sure to drill the holes deep enough for the entire length of the Tapcon screw to be inserted. A good rule of thumb is to drill holes at least 1 inch deeper than the screw length.
For heavy objects, use 3-4 Tapcon screws evenly spaced in each cinder block. More screws provide stronger weight support.
Tapcon screws come in various diameter sizes. Larger sized Tapcon screws (#8, #10 or #12) provide greater load capacity for heavy items.
Use a power drill on a low setting to drive in Tapcon screws slowly. Higher torque can cause the screw threads to strip inside the hole.

Tapcon concrete screws provide an extremely secure method for attaching anything from wall cabinets and shelves to TV mounts onto cinder block walls. Just be sure to pre-drill properly sized holes and use the recommended number of screws spaced evenly to safely support the weight.

2. Use Concrete Wall Anchors

Another popular option for attaching items to cinder block walls are concrete sleeve anchors, also called wedge anchors. These metal anchors insert into pre-drilled holes and then expand inside the hole when a screw is inserted into the anchor, creating a tight grip.

Some tips for using concrete sleeve anchors in cinder blocks:

Choose sleeve anchor sized based on the load weight. Typically 3/8” or 1/2″ diameter anchors work for most applications.
Predrill a hole slightly smaller diameter than the anchor using a masonry bit. Drill deep enough for the whole anchor length.
Gently tap the concrete anchor into the hole using a hammer until it’s flush with the surface.
Tighten the screw into the sleeve anchor slowly to allow the anchor to expand and lock in place before fully tightening.
For heavy objects, use a minimum of 2-4 anchors spaced evenly over multiple cinder blocks.

Concrete sleeve anchors provide a simple anchoring option for cinder block walls and are easy to remove later if needed. Be aware that improperly sized or positioned anchors can pull out of the wall under too much weight.

3. Use Loctite Power Grab Construction Adhesive

For lighter items, construction adhesive offers an alternative to mechanical fasteners on cinder block. Loctite Power Grab is specially formulated to bond securely on porous masonry surfaces like concrete blocks.

To attach items using Loctite Power Grab:

Start with clean, dry surfaces on both the cinder block wall and the object. Concrete adhesive won’t bond well to dirty or damp surfaces.
Apply Power Grab in vertical beads spaced 3-4 inches apart over the contact area. Using an “S” shape bead pattern provides maximum coverage.
Press the item firmly onto the adhesive and hold for 30-60 seconds. Some small items may need to be braced for 24 hours while the adhesive fully sets.
Allow 24 hours for the adhesive to fully cure before attaching any significant weight. The bond will increase in strength over 3-7 days after initial application.

This adhesive offers a great alternative to drilling holes for attaching lightweight items like small mirrors, wire racks, or artwork. Be sure not to exceed the adhesive’s load capacity which varies based on the surface area attached.

4. Try Quickrete Anchoring Epoxy

For a super duty adhesive option, Quickrete Anchoring Epoxy is designed to form an incredibly strong bond between porous masonry materials. This 2-part waterproof epoxy must be mixed thoroughly and applied within 30 minutes before drying.

Here are some tips for using Quickrete Anchoring Epoxy on cinder blocks:

Wear gloves and eye protection when handling epoxy. Follow all safety instructions.
Mix equal parts resin and hardener together for 2-3 minutes until a uniform color is achieved.
Apply a thin layer over the cinder block surface area and the item’s contact points.
Firmly press the item against the wall for full contact over the epoxy. Temporary bracing may be needed for 24 hours while curing.
Allow the epoxy to fully cure for 24 hours before applying weight or stress. Max strength is achieved after 7 days.

Anchoring epoxy forms an incredibly strong, permanent bond. It offers high strength for attaching heavier items but can be more difficult to remove later. Proper mixing and application is crucial for maximum effectiveness.

5. Use Hollow Wall Anchors

Hollow wall anchors provide another easy cinder block fastening option for medium duty applications. Hollow wall anchors insert into predrilled holes and then open outwards inside the hole with pressure to grip the wall securely.

Recommendations for using hollow wall anchors in cinder block:

Select anchor size #6, #8, or #10 based on the weight load. Larger sizes have greater weight capacities.
Predrill a hole slightly smaller than anchor diameter, usually 5/16 or 3/8-inch work well.
Lightly tap hollow anchor into the hole until the flange is flush with wall.
Turn screw clockwise into the anchor’s center which forces the anchor ends to push out inside the hole and grip the walls.
For heavy loads, use at least 2-4 hollow wall anchors spaced evenly along multiple cinder blocks.

Hollow wall anchors offer a quick, easy solution for installing items on cinder block. Just be cautious not to exceed the rated load capacities which vary by size.

6. Use Toggler Brand Snaptoggle Heavy Duty Anchors

For attaching very heavy objects onto cinder block walls, Toggler Snaptoggle anchors provide an extremely secure hold up to an impressive 500 lbs.

Here are some tips for properly installing Toggler Snaptoggle anchors:

Choose size based on object weight, 3/16” or 1/4″ anchors are suitable for most heavy items.
Drill 5/8″ diameter holes minimum 2″ deep into cinder block using a masonry bit.
Insert the metal channel into the hole and use a screwdriver to rotate and expand the channel wings inside hole.
Slide the plastic strapping onto the bolt through the channel ends. Ratchet tightener allows adjustability.
Press snap cap onto strapping ends to lock the channel in place inside the wall.
Tighten screw into the bolt. Screw head size should match the flange diameter.

The SnapToggle design gives an incredibly strong and large contact area inside the cinder block for maximum holding strength. Use at least 2 toggles spaced apart for heavy objects.

7. Hang Items Using Cinder Block Ledger Boards

For installing multiple items like wall cabinets or pegboards, ledger boards offer an efficient solution. Ledger boards attach across multiple cinder blocks giving a surface to then attach items easily anywhere along the length of the board.

To properly mount ledger boards on cinder block:

Use lumber board minimum 1×3 inches thick, wider sizes can support more weight.
Mark holes spaced every 16″ across length of board lined up with cinder block centers.
Drill pilot holes and use 3-4 Tapcon concrete screws in each marked hole to anchor board.
Attach desired items by screwing into the ledger board anywhere without needing to locate cinder block centers.
For long spans, use multiple ledger boards joining lengths together end-to-end.

Ledger boards avoid the need for drilling multiple anchor holes into cinder blocks. Just be sure ledger boards are properly secured using several Tapcon screws evenly spaced across the blocks.

8. Use Threaded Drywall Inserts with Toggle Bolts

For hollow cinder blocks, threaded drywall inserts combined with toggle bolts provides a surprisingly sturdy attachment method.

Here are some tips for using toggle bolts and drywall inserts in hollow cinder blocks:

Drill 1” diameter holes into the hollow cinder block cores. Holes should be slightly shallower than insert length.
Tap threaded drywall inserts into the holes until flush using a hammer. The ridged metal grips the inside walls.
Screw on the toggle wings to the threaded inserts. Wings compress during insertion then open inside core.
Insert the bolt through the item to hang and into the toggle, then tighten until snug against wall.
Use heavy 1/4” inserts and bolts for medium to heavy objects, lighter duty inserts work for smaller items.

Toggle bolts allow versatility for repositioning hung objects anywhere on the hollow cinder block face. Drywall inserts provide convenient reuse for multiple attachments.

FAQs About Attaching Things to Cinder Block Walls

Is it better to drill into mortar vs. the actual cinder blocks?

For maximum strength, it is better to drill directly into the cinder block rather than just the mortar between blocks. Cinder block provides much more holding power than mortar alone. Anchors and screws will have more grip strength going directly into the block material compared to only mortar.

Do I need special drill bits for drilling into cinder blocks?

Yes, you should always use hammer or masonry drill bits designed for concrete and masonry when drilling into cinder blocks. These carbide-tipped bits are extra durable for withstanding the abrasive cement material without dulling quickly. Avoid standard twist drill bits which are prone to breaking or wearing down too fast.

How deep should I drill holes for anchors in cinder block?

A general rule of thumb is to drill holes a minimum of 1” deeper than the anchor length that will be inserted. This ensures the entire anchor can be embedded into the solid block and provide maximum holding strength. Drilling too shallow leaves the anchor loose and ineffective.

What size Tapcon concrete screws should I use in cinder blocks?

For lighter duty use, #8 or 3/16” diameter Tapcon screws are sufficient. For medium to heavy duty loads, upgrade to #10 or 1/4″ diameter screws. Large #12 or 3/8” Tapcon screws work great for heavier loads like cabinets or shelves. Using multiple screws distributes weight better.

How much weight can I attach to a cinder block wall?

It depends on the number and type of fasteners used and how weight is distributed, but here are some estimates:

Hollow wall anchors – approx 25-50 lbs each
Concrete sleeve anchors – approx 50-100 lbs each
Tapcon concrete screws – approx 50-100 lbs each
Heavy duty toggle bolts – approx 100-200 lbs each

Spreading weight over multiple anchors/screws and across several blocks provides the safest load capacities. Always allow a wide safety margin for any attachments to cinder block walls.

What’s the easiest way to hang something lightweight on a cinder block wall?

For lightweight items like small pictures or décor pieces under 10 lbs, using removable adhesive hooks like Command Picture Hanging Strips provide the quickest and easiest mounting method without needing to drill any holes. Just ensure the wall surface is clean before applying the adhesive strips.

Can I use a regular stud finder to locate centers inside cinder blocks?

No, standard electronic stud finders designed for wood framing will not work reliably on concrete cinder block walls. Use a specialty masonry finder or magnet to locate actual cinder block edges and centers rather than trying to detect wood studs. Knocking can also help determine block locations based on the sound.

Do I have to use special materials to attach things onto painted/sealed cinder blocks?

If the cinder block surface has been painted over or sealed, you typically need to use fasteners designated for use on coated concrete. Standard concrete anchors and Tapcon screws rely on gripping the natural porous concrete surface. Special coated surface screws have finer threads and tip designs to penetrate sealed blocks.

Conclusion

Attaching items securely onto cinder block walls is very achievable with the right approach. Using high-quality mechanical fasteners like concrete screws and anchors designed for masonry applications provides the best holding power. For heavy loads, choose products like Tapcon screws, wedge anchors, or Toggler Snaptoggle anchors. For lightweight items, construction adhesives offer a simpler mounting method without drilling holes. With appropriate cinder block fastening hardware and proper installation technique, you can comfortably hang shelves, cabinets, TV’s, or anything else precisely where you need it on your cinder block wall. Just remember to evenly disperse weight across multiple anchors and blocks, drill proper size holes for inserts, and allow adhesives ample curing time before loading the connection points.

8 Ways to Attach Things to Cinder Block Walls