[Blessings2You]

Here's the deal: I have six folding, stackable bookcases that I want to stack up and make a "wall" of shelves, three wide and two tall. I want them screwed to the wall (the top ones) so they don't tip over.

What I want to know is, if I stack them and fill them up with books, can somebody just take off a few books and secure the shelves, or do I have to have somebody come and do the securing BEFORE I load them up with books?

It's like pulling teeth to get somebody (that knows what he's doing) to come do a little job like this, and I want to be ready. But I'm also anxious to get this project underway. My son said he'd stop by next week-end (that was three months ago.)

This is the shelf:

[Kitty]

I'm not sure I'd put books on the top shelves until they are secured to the wall. Seems like they'd be unstable and the uneven weight of the books might make them fall forward.

[AfterMyNap]

Silly B2, if men can do it, how hard can it be?!?

Get two of these for each bookcase, including the bottom ones.



Drill a straight pilot hole near the top rungs of each vertical support. Put a screw through the pilot holes and put the case where you want it to go. Tap the front so you make a mark in the drywall.

Now move the case and make a starter pilot in the drywall, then manually screw in the drywall anchor at a very slightly downward angle. Install the bottom ones by manually screwing those pilots into the anchors.

When they're stacked and installed, drill two pilots through the top case's base and 1/3 of the way into the head frame of the bottom case. Shoot screws through to fasten them lightly and then load 'em up.

Easy peasy.

If you hit a stud, skip the anchor and go for the screw.

Sorry, B2, I assumed facts not in evidence. Your original Q: Stack them only after they're fastened. I presumed you required help because you were installing them in a location where studs would be unavailable to your scheme.

[Jomar]

I have those same shelves. The fold able ones right?

I'd leave em empty until they get secured to the wall.
Or at least the top section of each shelf, so they can get to the cross bar for screwing to the wall.

Mine isn't stacked {just 1}.
But if I did stack some, I would have each section screwed to the wall studs - it should be a simple job for someone with a electric drill/screwdriver, screws -the right size- and knowing how to find the studs in the wall.

the board that goes side to side across the back will give plenty of leeway as far as being able to hit the stud boards inside the wall. usually they are 16" on center {spacing} unless the house is older like mine

do be aware that wires may be inside the wall in certain areas and you don't want to hit those places {wall switches, outlets, overhead lights}
newer homes will have a metal protector but just something to think about..

And I would still keep the heavier books/ objects on the lower shelves just for safety.

[greta]

I think you'd be hard pressed to use anchors if you're drilling through the wood. Why not just locate the studs behind the wall and attach them directly to the studs . Once you locate the first stud, you can find the others fairly easily and can then predrill through the shelves and through the wall into the stud. Very easy job for a novice if you have a studfinder, drill and drill bits.

[SandyC]

I agree and would not stack the shelves with books until you have them secure. The anchors are great but if these are going to be heavy stacked you want to drill right into the wall studs for good support. Another option is to go and buy some brackets that fit around the shelves and again, drill into the studs. Who needs men when you have studs right?

[Chris]

Originally Posted by AfterMyNap

Go for the screw.

That's my line! I only know stuff about birthing and babies. I'm sorry I can't help you.

[Victor H]

Take a look at this website:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2157569_anch...paign=yssp_art

-Vic

[jmiller]

well pretty simple, use duct tape.

[TXBatman]

I agree...don't put anything on them (or at least not on the top shelf or two until they are anchored. If you are stacking them, I would not put anything on the one being stacked until it is anchored. I also agree that it should be about a 5 minute job with an electric drill, wood screws, and a stud finder. They make stud finders now that can sense electric current, so hitting wires isn't a big risk either.