KITCHENS

Fit mug hooks or a cup rack to a solid brick or block wall

Plan hook spacing, mark the wall, then drill and fix mug hooks or a cup rack securely in one session.

MH-01Plan your hook or rack layoutDecide how many hooks you need, or hold the cup rack against the wall at a comfortable height. Mark each fixing hole with a pencil, using a spirit level to keep them level across the row. Space hooks at least 50mm apart so mugs don't knock into each other.
1 each · Mug hooks or cup rack
1 each · Tape measure
1 each · Pencil
1 each · Spirit level
MH-02Check for hidden cables and pipesCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the obvious zones near sockets. Run a detector over each marked point, but still treat every hole as if something could be there — detectors miss deep cables and pipes in metal conduit. Find your stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns before you start. If you have any doubt about what's behind the wall, turn off the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before drilling, and turn off the water at the stopcock before drilling near any pipework.
1 each · Cable and pipe detector
MH-03Drill the pilot holesFit a masonry drill bit sized to your wall plugs — usually 6mm for a size 6 plug. Use hammer mode for dense brick or a solid block wall, or standard rotary drilling for softer aerated blockwork. Drill straight and level to the depth of the plug plus 5mm, then clear dust from the hole with a puffer brush or the vacuum's crevice tool.
1 each · Masonry drill bit, 6mm
1 each · Drill
1 each · Safety glasses
1 each · Dust mask
MH-04Fit the wall plugsPush a wall plug into each hole until it sits flush with the wall surface, tapping gently with a hammer if it's tight. If a plug won't go in flush, drill the hole a little deeper rather than forcing the plug — forcing it can crack the plaster around the hole.
4 each · Wall plugs, size 6 (red/brown)
1 each · Hammer
MH-05Screw on the hooks or rackLine up the rack or hook baseplate over the plugged holes and drive a screw into each one until snug. Use a 3.5 x 30mm screw for a size 6 plug in brick or block — don't overtighten, as this can crack the plug or strip the hole. Check the rack is level as you go.
4 each · Screws, 3.5 x 30mm
1 each · Screwdriver
MH-06Test the fixing and tidy upHang a mug or two and pull down gently to check the fixing holds firm. Vacuum up dust and offcuts from the floor and worktop, and wipe down the wall around the new fixing.
1 each · Vacuum cleaner
1 each · Cloth

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