How to Fix Collapsing Bookshelves

Freestanding bookshelves sometimes present the danger of collapsing.

A wobbly or shaky bookshelf presents a danger of collapsing. That can mean not only the destruction of the bookshelf, but also potential injury to anyone nearby when it collapses. Bookshelves often support a great weight in heavy books, and are sometimes top-heavy as well, adding to the danger of a collapse. Children climbing on the shelves only adds to the danger. Adding supports and anchoring the unit to the wall can avoid the danger of collapse.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• L-shaped brackets
• Drill with bit
• Screwdriver and screws

Instructions

1. Remove the books from the shelves, then move bookshelf aside.

2. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall behind the location where you want the bookshelf to be placed. Mark the stud locations with a pencil in spots that will be visible once the bookshelf is replaced. One stud will be adequate for a very narrow bookshelf, such as the one in the illustration to this article, but wider bookshelves should be attached to two or more studs.

3. Replace the bookshelf, adjusted so the stud is centered behind the unit.

4. Place L-shaped brackets so one wing fits under a permanent shelf and the other is flush to the wall in front of the stud. Attach the brackets to the wall by driving screws through the bracket holes and into the wall stud.

5. Attach the brackets to the undersides of the shelves using screws. Use screws shorter than the thickness of the shelves so the screws do not pierce the top of the shelving.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to attach brackets only to permanent shelving; sliding and removable shelves will not secure the unit. With some shelves this may mean using only the top and bottom of the unit.

References

• University of Hawai'i at Hilo: Secure Free-standing Bookshelves to the Wall
• Family Handyman: How to Fix a Wobbly Bookcase