Anchoring to stucco

After many trials and errors (and research and headache and money spent) with various anchoring methods to stucco, I've finally found a really good solution. So good that it deserves to be blogged.I found these at my local OSH. They come in 3/16" and 1/4" diameters. Their short length (1") is important when you can't or don't want to penetrate the stucco all the way through.The important part is using the correct drill bit. For these 3/16" anchors, I'm using a 3/16" masonry bit. A regular twist bit won't penetrate.In stucco, a nailing action is better than a twisting action like with screws because it's not a flexible substrate. It's obvious to me now why a biting, friction-type metal anchor doesn't work over time. There has to be some give. Then stucco is softer than concrete or masonry, so compressible plastic further helps. It's all about applying just the right amount of stress.The nylon sleeve should insert all the way into the hole without any resistance. Nor should there be any loose play, like from a fracture under the surface.Driving home the nail takes four or five decisive taps with a standard 16 oz hammer. Once anchored, it feels strong enough to hold 50 pounds!