Fastener Advice (cement block and metal pool enclosure frame)

AlexDaGator said:

I strongly suspect this won't end well but here goes anyway...


1. Mount flag bracket to cement block column

I have a flag hanging in front of my house. Got a nice, solid metal bracket for it, not that plastic crap. Used tapcons to fasten the bracket to the cement block exterior column. Some heavy wind the other day caused the screws to pull out of the column. I want some "give" between the bracket and the cement column so when the bracket is torqued by the wind blowing the flag, all the stress isn't transferred directly to the screws. I bought some gasket maker to put between the bracket and the cement column for that purpose. I was wondering if any of you guys had advice on how to best anchor the bracket to the column. Is there a better product than tapcons or is there something else I can do to make them more effective?
If the cmu's are concrete or mortar filled, use a longer tapcon that gets into the fill at least an inch. Concrete block when used properly has good compressive strength, but has a tendency to crumble immediately around the penetration (waller out if you're in Tennessee or Kentucky) from the hardened steel threads of the fastener. The concrete fill has much greater holding power so if they are filled use a longer fastener with coarse threads. If the block are hollow your best bet is to use a hollow wall fastener like a 1/8"x4" zinc plated toggle bolt.


2. Hang lights around pool enclosure

Got a pool last year. Want to mount string lights around the enclosure. Presumably fastening to the metal frame of the pool enclosure. Somebody recommended using command hooks. I want something sturdy enough to withstand being out in the hot sun and pouring rain and I'm not sure those things will do it. Anybody got any experience? Will the command hooks hold up, or am I better off using something else? If something else, then what exactly do you recommend?
If by command hooks you mean the removable plastic hook with adhesive back no. Use self tapping screw fasteners with steel hooks or temporarily use zip ties until you are satisfied with the light locations. Real important-make sure the lights are on a GFCI circuit and they light string is rated for exterior use. Always unplug the string before changing bulbs around water.


3. (Bonus) Attach hooks for pool tool hanging

So along with the pool comes the pool tool, brush/broom at the end of a long pole, net, hook, whatever. I'd like to hang these horizontally on hooks (and bring them into the garage if there's a hurricane coming). I prefer not to drill a lot of holes into the cement block wall of the house but I'll do it if it's the best solution. I'd like to attach the hooks to the metal frame of the pool enclosure but I'd have to do it in a way where a strong wind wouldn't cause the tool to move and damage the screen. So am I better off attaching the hooks to the wall of the house or can I attach them to the metal frame of the pool enclosure and if it is the latter, what would you use to attach the hooks to the metal frame?
Same as #2


Alex.

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Zambo said:

The problem with conventional flag holders, even the metal ones, is simply leverage. You've got probably at least a 3' x 5' flag flapping at the end of a six foot pole and that creates a lot of leverage in the wind. Meanwhile, the screws anchoring the holder are only 2" apart. That schyt has to be solid to withstand any serious wind. In the end, unless you're ready to fabricate a flag holder with a bigger base like I finally did with mine, coot's suggestion of longer faster if the concrete is solid or toggle bolt if its hollow is your best bet.

Along with the aforementioned self-tapping screws, get some adel clamps to hold that wire string. Costco has the traditional party string with LED lights now which will set you back a couple extra bucks but well worth it in not having to replace the bulbs.
Amazon product

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