How to Mount Wall Shelf Brackets

A power drill attaches wall shelf brackets with ease

Mounting wall shelf brackets is a novice-level project that both renters and homeowners can use to dress up empty wall space. Using basic tools, such as a drill, you can convert a wall's blank slate to a usable space. Installing wall shelf brackets allows you to practice using a drill and become comfortable using a level--skills that will serve you well as you attempt more complex do-it-yourself projects.

Things You'll Need

• Wall shelf brackets
• Level
• Pencil
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Wall anchors
• Screws

Instructions

1. Hold a wall shelf bracket at the place you intend to mount it. While holding the bracket in place with one hand, use your other hand to hold a level against its side. Look at the vial at the end (not middle) of the level to determine whether or not the bracket is plumb--straight up and down. When the vial's bubble rests between the lines, the bracket is plumb. Adjust the bracket until it is plumb.

2. Hold the bracket in its plumb position, put the level down and with a pencil put a small dot on the wall at the center of each of the screw holes. Remove the bracket.

3. Drill holes for wall anchors using the bit size specified by the anchor's manufacturer. If the manufacturer does not specify, use a bit 1/16-inch smaller than the diameter of the anchor. Drill at each pencil mark.

4. Insert a wall anchor in each hole. Press the anchor into the hole until it rests snug against the wall surface.

5. Place a bracket with its screw holes over the wall anchors. While holding the bracket, push a screw through each hole and into the anchors. Thread each screw a few turns into the anchor, enough to hold it in place. Then use a drill with a bit to fasten the screw until its head rests against the bracket. Repeat for each screw.

6. Place a level against the bracket and check for plumb. To adjust plumb, loosen each screw a few turns, enough to allow the bracket to move. Check for plumb again, adjust the bracket and re-tighten screws.

7. Hold a second bracket on the wall. Rest the level across the gap between the attached and unattached brackets. Check for level by observing the bubble in the level's center vial. Adjust the unattached bracket's vertical position until the bubble rests between the lines. While holding the bracket in place, move the level to the side and check for plumb. Once plumb, mark screw hole locations.

8. Drill and insert wall anchors. Fasten the second bracket to the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Read wall anchor packages to determine their load-bearing capabilities--anchors support loads from a few pounds to tens of pounds.

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese
• National Hardware: Shelf Brackets