Using Wall Anchors With Brackets Hanging Shelves

Remove the shelf and the brackets from the wall.

Using wall anchors with brackets hanging shelves.

Make absolutely sure you get a drill bit set and not just one or two drill bits. Throw away the free anchors. Use a drill bit that s the same size as the dry wall anchor. Hold the brackets against the wall aligning the screw holes with the anchors.

You ll find these mollies suitable for hanging coat racks. Plan to position the shelves so that the support brackets will be located over the centers of the studs. These types of anchors are the most common and when you think of drywall anchors you probably think of. Place one of the brackets against the wall at the first shelf location.

To use dry wall anchors start by drilling a hole into the wall you re installing the anchors in at a 90 degree angle. Using a screw attach the shelf to the brackets through the mounting hole in the leg of the bracket that is facing away from the wall. The thought of installing heavy duty shelves using dry wall anchors used to intimidate me. Turn them clockwise with a screwdriver or drill until they are about flush with the anchors.

You need the different sizes since drywall anchors come in all different shapes and sizes. With that all out of the way let s get started. Position the shelf brackets against the wall along the bottom of the shelf. If you don t have an electric drill press the tip of a philips head screwdriver against the wall and twist it back and forth to create a hole.

Use a standard level to make sure it s placed in a straight line then lightly mark the wall with a pencil on both ends. When choosing wood screws for attaching the shelf please keep in mind that the screws must be slightly less thick than that of the shelf. Mark inside the holes so you know exactly where to insert the screws. Most of the hollow wall anchors included with shelves or shelf brackets aren t worth using.

Check to make sure the brackets are well secure before continuing. Since then i have used dry wall anchors for hanging curtains heavy mirrors wall hooks and large wall art. Then fit a screw into each hole. But we made some diy rustic shelves a couple of years ago and it honestly wasn t as hard as i thought.

Fit the mounting brackets over the anchors and screw them together.