What if a drilled hole is too big?

[Nanako]

A problem i've frequently run into, i'm drilling a hole, and it ends up too wide. This problem is always in the soft parts of the depth, like plaster. The penetration into the brick at the back is fine, because i use the correct bit size for my plug, but plaster is unreliable and can crumble, especially if damp

What do you do if you drill a hole and its ended up too big, so that a screw plug doesnt stay in properly even when expanded?

In my previous ocurrences of this problem, ive just used a larger plug and larger screw, or adjusted my plan and drilled in a slightly different spot, but this won't always be possible. Could i fill the hole with something and put the plug in while the filler is still drying so it hardens around it?

 

[JohnD]

The plaster is only cosmetic. The fixing is your plug and screw into the brick. You do not fix into plaster. Tap the plug below the surface.

It is easy to fix a loose plug in a brick, but it does not seem like that is your problem.

I don't know why your plaster has big holes. Perhaps you use hammer action too early, you can start through the plaster without it.

 

[Nanako]

only cosmetic? I wouldn't say that, about 70% of the drilling depth is in the plaster in my experience. Ive mostly been hanging shelves and curtain rods and picture frames though, i imagine i'd drill deeper for something really heavy. But for the work ive been doing, the plaster is taking at least some of the load

Too early? I never turn the hammer mode off! I had no idea i was supposed to

 

[JohnD]

But for the work ive been doing, the plaster is taking at least some of the load

Oh dear.

 

[Alec_t]

I've had that problem, but now always start the hole with a slightly smaller diameter bit than the plug diameter, then finish off with the correct size bit.

 

[Deluks]

Sounds like you have d&d walls. Are you sure it's not plasterboard over brick?

 

[Deluks]

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[Exedon]

If the plaster is taking 70% of the load you need deeper holes and longer screws
Unless wall is exceptional hard I would always use a 5mm drill bit for red plugs 6 mm for brown.
Anything vaguely heavy (radiator or similar) we use concrete screws.

 

[Nanako]

How deep should my screws go into masonry?

and what does colour have to do with it ?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

How deep should my screws go into masonry?

and what does colour have to do with it ?

I aim for at least the length of the plug, into solid masonary. Brown / red, refers to the plug diameter.

 

[^woody^]

Drill through a piece of wood if you're having trouble drilling a hole the diameter of the bit.

 

[foxhole]

only cosmetic? I wouldn't say that, about 70% of the drilling depth is in the plaster in my experience. Ive mostly been hanging shelves and curtain rods and picture frames though, i imagine i'd drill deeper for something really heavy. But for the work ive been doing, the plaster is taking at least some of the load

Too early? I never turn the hammer mode off! I had no idea i was supposed to

Well at least you grasp that, you have no idea.

 

[Nanako]

Drill through a piece of wood if you're having trouble drilling a hole the diameter of the bit.

Why do this? What would it accomplish?

 

[^woody^]

Why do this? What would it accomplish?

It will stop your wondering and your wandering

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Why do this? What would it accomplish?

A hole in some other material, previously drilled, with the material held tightly against the wall, where you need the hole in the wall - will help ensure the hole you make in the wall is exactly where you want it, and not oversize.