Block off plate

[Ctwoodtick]

How tight is the angle to the brick? Could the sheet metal fit between the angle and the brick? A good bit can drill into the angle. You could attach right to the angle. I’d probably pre drill then run a screw into the angle. I’m not sure if that’s a preferred way, just how I’d tackle it. Maybe use a brake to make a nice finished edge so it looks nice for the next yahoo that gets up into the fireplace!

Thinking of attaching plate to angle. Thanks for the info you wrote. I’d like for the drill bit/ screw to be as small as possible. Can you let me know what type of screw you think would be best to attach the plate to angle? Trying to effect the angle as little as possible.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

How thick is the angle?

 

[Ctwoodtick]

How thick is the angle?

That steel lintel looks to be about 1/8 inch thick.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

You’ll find it hard to find screws that only extend that far. You’ll probably need to predrill through the angle, and then switch to a masonry bit to give some clearance for the end of the screw.

I’ve found angle to be harder than I’d expect on drill bits. I use harbor freight cobalt bits, but the much cheaper titanium bits will work a few times before dulling too bad.

You can get self tapping pan head screws that are about 1/2” long.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

Thank you again for the help and input. I wonder if extending the sheet metal of the plate perhaps an inch out towards the living space and then bending upwards up against the masonry, and then attaching to the mortar between the bricks may be possible. That part is covered by the insert’s surround so i woud not be worried about aesthetics. Maybe i can find tapcons that are short so that surround can fit as normal.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

I think I’ve seen them down to 1.5” or so? There may be shorter available.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

I think I’ve seen them down to 1.5” or so? There may be shorter available.

Thanks again. I’ve never done this, so I just want to be able to ask the silly questions. Is it all right for me to user tapcon screw in that spot ( bottom brick of face of fireplace that rests on the lintel )and drill in perhaps an inch and a quarter of that 1.5 inches of screw?

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Why do you not want to secure it?

 

[Ctwoodtick]

Why do you not want to secure it?

No, I definitely want it secured. Just want to make sure I’m good to go with putting a screw an inch or so into the mortar of the masonry in that area.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Mortar can always be repaired. That’s why you always try to drill into the mortar rather than the brick.

I’d snug the tapcons down. Don’t keep hammering with the impact driver but snug them tight.