The Tapcon / Masonry screws are an excellent way to attach the Anchor Plate to the fire brick… and we actually suggested that at one time.
But we soon discovered (after receiving numerous frantic phone calls and emails from upset customers) that several first time masonry DIY’ers were cracking &/or breaking the chimney fire brick while drilling the Anchor Plate screw holes… and most of those customers had already mortared those fire brick in! YIKES!
So we decided to remove the part about drilling / screwing the plate down - and just going REALLY HEAVY w/ the Red High Temp RTV.
IF YOU DO ATTACH THE ANCHOR PLATE WITH SCREWS, please take numerous Before / During / After images and we will make a forum post (with detailed instructions) on how to properly install an AP w/ Tapcons.
Thanks Mucho!
Kevin