Fit a wall-mounted bike rack to a solid brick or block wall

Mount a bike rack securely on a solid brick or block wall, checking for hidden cables and pipes before you drill.

BR-01Plan the position and heightDecide where the rack will sit so the bike clears doors, skirting and any furniture when hung. A wheel-mount rack usually sits with its top fixing around 1000-1200mm from the floor, but check the rack's own instructions for its exact hole spacing. Avoid siding the rack over a radiator, socket or window reveal.

1 each · Tape measure

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BR-02Mark the fixing points and check for hazardsHold the rack against the wall, level it, and mark the hole centres in pencil. Before drilling, run a cable and pipe detector slowly over the marked area — but treat this as a guide, not proof: detectors miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or outside the usual safe zones. Find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns freely, so you can shut off the water 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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1 each · Spirit level

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1 each · Pencil

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BR-03Drill the fixing holes into the brick or blockUse a hammer drill or SDS drill with a masonry bit matched to your wall plug — typically 8mm for a standard heavy-duty plug. Drill each hole to at least 50mm deep, or the depth stated on the plug packet, keeping the drill level and square to the wall. Blow or brush out the dust from each hole before fitting the plug, so it seats properly.

1 each · Masonry drill bit, 8mm

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1 each · Hammer drill or SDS drill

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BR-04Fit the wall plugs and fix the bracketPush a wall plug into each drilled hole until it's flush with the surface. Hold the rack in place, drive a screw through each fixing hole and into the plug, and tighten until firm — stop before the plug crushes or spins. Recheck the rack is level once all fixings are in.

4 each · Heavy-duty wall plugs (red or brown)

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4 each · Screws, 60mm

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BR-05Hang the bike and load-test the rackLift the bike onto the rack as intended — by the wheel, frame or saddle depending on the design. Push down and pull outward on the rack by hand to check it doesn't move or creak. If anything flexes or the plugs feel loose, remove the bike, re-drill slightly deeper and refit with new plugs.

BR-06Tidy upVacuum up masonry dust from the floor and skirting, and wipe down the wall around the fixings. Dispose of packaging and offcuts, and put drill bits and tools away.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner

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