Fit a key holder to a solid brick or block wall

Fit a key holder to solid brick or block using the right plugs, screws and drill bit, checking for cables first.

KH-01Plan the position and gather your toolsPick a spot near the door, at a comfortable height for everyone using it, usually around 1400-1500mm from the floor. Hold the key holder against the wall, check it's level, and mark the screw hole centres lightly with a pencil. Confirm the wall is solid brick or block rather than a stud wall, since the fixing method is different.

1 each · Key holder (with fixing holes)

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1 each · Pencil

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1 each · Spirit level (250-400mm)

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KH-02Check for cables and pipes before you drillRun a detector over the marked spots, but don't trust it completely — detectors miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or outside the usual safe zones near sockets and switches. Find your stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns freely so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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KH-03Mark and level the fixing holesHold the key holder back against the wall and use the spirit level to check it's straight. Mark each hole centre through the fixing holes with a pencil, then double-check the spacing matches your drill layout before you make any holes.

KH-04Drill the pilot holes in the brick or blockFit a masonry bit matching your wall plug size, usually 6mm or 7mm for a light key holder, into a drill set to hammer mode. Drill each hole to a depth of about 35-40mm, slightly longer than the plug, and wear safety glasses and a dust mask since masonry dust is unpleasant to breathe. Pause every few seconds to clear dust from the hole.

1 each · Masonry drill bit (6mm or 7mm)

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1 each · Dust mask

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1 each · Safety glasses

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KH-05Insert the wall plugsPush a wall plug into each hole so it sits flush with the surface, tapping gently with a hammer if needed. The plug should feel snug, not loose. If it spins freely, the hole is too big or too deep, so try a slightly larger plug or redrill next to it.

2 each · Wall plugs (red, 6mm)

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KH-06Fix the key holder to the wallLine the key holder up with the plugged holes and drive a screw into each one by hand or with a drill on a low, controlled speed. Stop once the screw is snug and the key holder feels solid — don't overtighten, as this can crack the plug or the wall surface around it.

2 each · Screws (size 4.0 x 40mm)

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KH-07Test and tidy upHang a set of keys and give the holder a firm tug to check it holds without shifting. Vacuum up any brick dust from the floor and skirting, and wipe down the wall around the fixing.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner

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