Ordinary wood screws aren't helpful ... Instead, we suggest picking up some Spax or GRK construction screws. These next-generation fasteners are so well-engineered (interestingly, both Spax ...

They're typically larger than most wood screws and fasteners because they're designed ... cost and availability. GRK brand ...

Once you have that hole–properly known as a pilot hole– you can drive a masonry screw or bolt into it, or you can install a soft sleeve into which you can drive a wood screw or sheet metal screw.