How to Hang Things on a Cement Wall

Applying Adhesive Hooks

Choose adhesive hooks for objects up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg). These hooks have adhesive backings that stick to walls, so you don’t have to put a hole in the wall. Weigh the object first so you can pick a hook that will properly support it. Adhesive hooks come in various sizes and should say how many pounds they will hold. The largest of these hooks hold 8 pounds (3.6 kg) and the smallest are rated for only 1 pound (0.45 kg) of weight. Use 2 hooks for extra support if your item has a wire or two hooks on the back.

Clean the wall with rubbing alcohol for a better hold. Use a clean rag or paper towel and some rubbing alcohol to scrub the area of any debris. This will ensure that the adhesive will stick firmly to the wall. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, you can use some warm soapy water to clean the wall. Rub the spot dry after cleaning.

Make a small pencil mark where you want the center of your hook to be. If the item you’ll be hanging has a wire hanger on the back, be sure to consider the length of the slack. Test this by pulling the center of the wire tight toward the top of your object. Measure from the bottom of the object to where the wire catches. If you are using 2 hooks for an object with two hangers on the back, make sure to measure the distance between the two hangers to make your marks on the wall. If you are using 2 hooks for a wire hanger, measure the width of the object you are hanging and divide that number by 3. Your marks on the wall should be that distance apart.

Remove the liner from the adhesive strip and affix it to the back of the hook. If your hook’s adhesive strip is not already on the back of the hook, peel the liner off one side of the strip. Line it up to the back of the hook and press down. Some adhesive hooks come with the adhesive already affixed to the back. Skip this step and move on to the next if that’s the case with the adhesive hook you have.

Press the adhesive side of the hook to the wall for 30 seconds. Remove the paper lining on the back of the hook, line it up straight, and press the hook firmly onto the wall. Hold for 30 seconds and release.

Allow the adhesive to dry 30-60 minutes. Once the adhesive has dried, hang your items from the hook(s). If your item pulls the adhesive hook off the wall even after you’ve waited, check to make sure you’ve used a hook that is appropriate for the weight of your item.

Using Hardwall Hangers

Buy hardwall hangers to use for items that weigh up to 25 pounds (11 kg). Hardwall hangers are made specifically for cement and brick walls. Each hanger comes with four sturdy pins that will anchor the base of the hook to the wall. You will need a hammer to install hardwall hangers. Use 2 hardwall hangers to hang 1 object if you want extra support and have hanging hardware that will accommodate this.

Mark the spot on the wall where you want the hanger to be placed. If the item you are hanging has a wire-hanger in the back, be sure to consider the slack when determining where you want it to hang. Test this by pulling the center of the wire tight toward the top of your object. Measure from the bottom of the object to where the wire catches. If you are using 2 hardwall hangers, either measure the distance between the two hooks on the back of your object or measure the width of the object you are hanging and divide that number by 3. One of these two methods will determine how far apart you make your marks on the wall.

Hammer the pins through the holes provided. Line the middle of the base up with the mark you’ve made. Hold the hanger still with one hand and tap all four pins in halfway with the hammer. Release your hold on the hanger and check that the hook is in the correct position. Finish by hammering the pins flush to the hook. To avoid getting your fingers bruised, keep your initial taps very light. Once you feel that the pin has taken hold in the wall, release your hold on the pin and strike the hammer straight on the pinhead to finish.

Loop the wire or hanging hardware of your item onto the hook. Stand back to make sure it is hung straight. Make any adjustments needed and enjoy.

Installing Masonry Anchors

Choose masonry anchors to hang objects over 25 pounds (11 kg). These anchors are generally plastic and come with the screws that you insert into them. You will need a drill and a masonry bit the same size as the anchors. You can purchase masonry kits that include anchors, screws, and the correct size masonry bit. For added support, use two masonry anchors to hang 1 item.

Use a hammer drill for the best results. A standard electric drill will work with a masonry bit, but it will be slow-going and there is the chance you will create a hole much larger than you want. Rent or borrow a hammer drill if you can. You can rent a hammer drill at your local hardware store, Lowe's, Home Depot, or a tool rental shop. Call ahead to make arrangements.

Drill a hole to accommodate the anchor. Measure carefully and mark the spot for your anchor. Place the bit on the spot you’ve chosen. Make sure your grasp is firm and check to see that the bit, the drill shaft, and your arm are all parallel to the floor. As you drill, press firmly into the wall and maintain your position. Use a slower speed when drilling into cement walls for the best results.

Tap the anchor in the hole until it’s flush with the wall. The fit should be snug but not so tight that you have to hammer hard. If you find that the hole is too small, re-drill using a slightly larger bit.

Place the screw into the anchor. Use a screwdriver or the screw bit on your drill to tighten it down. Stop before the screw is flush, so there is space to accommodate the wire or hanging hardware. Hang your object, adjust it until it is straight, and enjoy.