How to Drill a Bookcase Into a Wall

Tall bookcases can pose a safety hazard.

Bookcases are practical storage pieces, as well as handsome additions to your home's decor. A bookcase is also a safety hazard in your home, especially if the bookcase is tall, you live in an earthquake-prone area, or have small children, as it can fall or be pulled over. Prevent injury or damage to your belongings by securing your bookcase -- whatever its size -- to a wall.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• String
• Washer
• Tape
• L-brackets
• Drill
• Screws

Instructions

1. Using a stud finder, locate the studs behind the bookcase.

2. Mark the location of the studs on the bookcase where you are installing the brackets. You can do this by eyeballing the location of the studs, or tie a washer to a string, and tape the other end of the string to the top of the bookcase in front of the studs and let it hang down, marking the location of the stud. This can be helpful with a tall bookcase.

3. Place L-brackets onto the bookcase with one side against the back of the bookcase in front of the stud, and the other side on the bookshelf. Place one bracket in front of each stud on the top shelf, and on a shelf near the middle of the bookcase.

4. Screw the brackets to the shelf of the bookcase and through the back of the bookcase into the studs.

References

• University of Hawai'i at Hilo: Secure Free-Standing Bookshelves to the Wall