Fit a tool storage rail to a solid brick or block wall

Mount a tool storage rail on a solid wall, marked level, safely drilled and firmly fixed in one session.

TR-01Gather your tools and check the railLay out the rail, its fixing screws and any hooks or clips that came with it. Check you have a masonry drill bit, wall plugs, a spirit level, tape measure, pencil and a vacuum for dust. Read the rail's instructions for the hole spacing, since this varies between brands.

1 each · Tool storage rail kit

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

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1 each · Spirit level

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1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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TR-02Mark the position and check it's levelHold the rail against the wall at your chosen height and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Use a spirit level along the top edge before marking, so the rail hangs straight rather than by eye. Double-check the spacing between marks matches the rail's fixing points exactly.

TR-03Check for cables and pipes before you drillCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in neat vertical or horizontal lines. Run a detector over your marked points, but still expect something could be there even if it shows clear — detectors miss deep cables, armoured cable, and pipework behind thick plaster. Find your stopcock now, 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 you drill.

TR-04Drill and plug the fixing holesFor solid brick, drill on hammer action with a 6mm or 7mm masonry bit to match your plugs, going about 5mm deeper than the plug length to leave room for dust. Dense concrete block needs the same hammer action; softer brick can sometimes be drilled on rotary only, but hammer action is safer if unsure. Blow or vacuum the dust out of each hole, then tap the wall plugs in flush with the surface.

6 each · Wall plugs (red or brown, sized to bit)

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1 each · Hammer drill

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TR-05Fix the rail to the wallLine the rail up with the plugged holes and drive the screws in with a screwdriver or drill driver, starting each one by hand to keep it straight. Tighten until the rail sits flush and doesn't wobble, but don't overtighten into plasterboard-faced brick or you'll crush the surface. Work along the rail checking it stays level as you go.

6 each · Screws (supplied with rail, or 40-50mm wood screws)

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TR-06Check it's securePull firmly on the rail along its length to check every fixing has bitten into solid masonry. Give it a light shake to test for movement. If any screw feels loose or spins without tightening, remove it, plug the hole with a slightly larger plug, and refit.

TR-07Hang your tools and tidy upVacuum up any brick dust from the floor and skirting below your work area. Wipe the rail down, then hang your tools, starting with the heaviest to check the rail takes the weight without flexing. Store leftover plugs and screws in a labelled bag for next time.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner (with dust attachment)

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