Fred Zimmerman wrote:
I want to put up wood shelving (2 x 4) in my basement, which consists
of cinder block foundation walls.

Can I use standard masonry screws or lag bolts to attach 2" x 4"
lengths to the cinder block walls? Do I need additional fastener
hardware? (eg. butterflies, special washers or inserts, etc.) Do I
risk cracking or splitting the cinder blocks themselves with my
hammer/drill?

There are several options. You should use a liner of some sort. This can
be platic for light wieght or the larger lead shields for heavier duty.
Take care with the lead shields if your sizing is off they can crack the
face when they separate as you torque them. Another product to look at
is TAPCON these are softer material screws that collapse their threads
and create their own anchor when driven in. Nice product and almost no
chance of splitting. You do have to use thier bit though because the
size of the hole is absolutely critical and the sizing of the cheaper
masonary bits varies enough that they may not bite.

In terms of drilling Cinder block is not hard at all they will tend to
try to split when torque is applied but they are fine with heat and
compression. So drill straight with your hammer drill and let the tool
do the work. This isn't to save the block but rather your bit. A little
water to lubricate and cool the are will not hurt either.


--
JSin
Lost Generation Custom Tattoo
To reply Kill the idiot