Use masonry screws (long ones like 2.5 3 inches):

http://www.sierraanchors.com/TapconAnchors.html

The screw manufacturer will specify what size drill bit to use, you must use that size. You should also use a hammer drill in order to get a cleaner hole. Once you screw the screw in don't pull it out and reinsert it, it will not be as strong.

I think you need to use mortar to fill the holes... but i am not sure.

As a landlord, I beg you to get someone who knows what they are doing to install the shelves for you.

Why not just use a stand alone bookshelf?

Drilling into brick is tricky. I'm with DanielleTodd - enlist the help of a professional.

Ask the landlord how they prefer you install the shelving!

I live in an exposed brick apartment and I'd be a little miffed if somebody who wasn't sure ended up damaging the brick because they attempted to use the wrong anchors/bits.

On some walls it looks perfectly fine because the brick is very uneven or already painted and can be patched & filled and painted over, but on some, a hole would look terrible and be very noticeable

If you are sure your security deposit will be safe regardless of what you do:
-Use a Tapcon "kit" it will come with the required masonry bit specific for the thread of the screws.
-Use a hammer drill; otherwise, you run the risk of burning out all your bits or even your drill trying to get through the brick
-Try to put the holes in the mortar rather than the brick itself; mortar is usually softer
-DEFINITELY patch the holes, otherwise you will get mice & critters visiting. Patch the joints with masonry cement/mortar.

Hope that helps!

Um...have you thought of getting a bookshelf instead of destroying your landlord's wall? You're going to need to patch those holes.

I had my tv wall mounted onto brick (after I checked with my landlord), and it was not easy. I did have it done by a professional but you will need a Hammer Drill. They are extremely loud and make sure you get it right the first time. You'll need special anchors as well. As others have said, do not do this yourself. You will regret it.

I just installed a stretch of Elfa along some brick from the 1930s. It is very possible, but it was exhausting (the drilling). I rented a high-powered drill, used a drill bit for bricks, and masonry screws.

A pic: http://pi.pe/-ne9l5r -Glad I did it, but twas not enjoyable.

>>>I'm renting an apartment in an old Brooklyn brownstone and I'm attempting to put shelves up on a wall that I'm assuming is brick.

You don't know whether it's brick or not?

It's behind drywall ! person. Hence my starting with wrong equipment.

Otherwise, thanks for the great advice. Holes have been patched and now debating on the next steps.

Oh and xand83 those shelves look great.

Uggghhhh...We don't have a hammer drill, but we hung shelves and our TV on our exposed brick - it was a pain and took my boyfriend a long time. We also have one wall behind plaster that is ROCK HARD - you can't even stick a pushpin in it.

Be careful and good luck. Also cover your belongings before you get started, it gets dusty!

A) Ask permission from your landlord; B) hire a professional.

Masonry screws are for concrete. For a brick wall, you should use a lead anchor with a standard sheet metal or wood screw. The anchors are sizeable, so you will need a margin around the screws that is hidden by the shelf or brackets. You can do it without a hammer drill, but you probably will need a corded drill or a few batteries worth of a cordless drill.
Hope this helps.

I just did this in my new place this week. I used Tapcon drill bits and a hammer drill. It was pretty intense.

Another vote for Tapcon screws and the included bit. And a hammer drill. And asking the landlord.

Elf makes freestanding shelves that would be perfect for insinuation like this. Since they are expensive, wait for the January 30 percent off sale.l.

Make that Elfa

Whew -- so the big holes are really in drywall OVER something solid? At least drywall is infinitely easier to fix!

If there is a space over the brick (or steel studs or whatever) you could try those expanding wall anchors, but not for a full load of books. I'd go bookshelf shopping, if it were me. You can probably find a nice open shelf model that looks similar to wall hung, but being free-standing, doesn't destroy the landlord's investment.

>>>It's behind drywall ! person. Hence my starting with wrong equipment.

Then you're drilling into drywall, not brick. It would be nice to know that. Obviously the editors didn't know you were drilling into drywall, not brick, because they put up a picture of a brick wall.

cont:

And they named the article "Hanging Shelving on a Brick Wall?"

And, until you said you were drilling into drywall, every response assumed you were drilling directly into brick.