Replies

1. 
   Scooter_ | Sep 13, 2001 07:35pm | #1

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   Most heavy, wall hung millwork installed in commercial buildings is installed using wooden blocking between the sheet metal studs. I don't think I would want to hang a 4' bookshelf on two lousy sheet metal studs.

   However, if this is a floor standing unit, and the fasteners will be used only to stabilize the unit (e.g., earthquake purposes), a simple moly bolt will do. Drill 1-2 holes in the back of the unit so the moly bolt will slide through, place the bookcase in place, and tip it backwards in place (they love to lean forward on carpet, don't they); drill holes through the previously drilled holes and into the rock. Install your moly bolt and tighten it down.

   You can use a whole host of other fasteners as well, so these instructions are generic in nature. Visit you local hardware store or building center.

1. 
   Martagon_ | Sep 13, 2001 08:00pm | #2

   *No, not a bookcase, just a single shelf 4ft wide that I wanted to put above a counter so we'd have less clutter and more working space. So, the whole weight would be on a couple of metal studs.

1. 
   Mike_Shultz | Sep 13, 2001 09:36pm | #3

   *I have built and hung similar shelves secured to metal studs. Install the shelves with the "fascia" above the shelf if possible for greatest strength of anchorage. (This will also allow the triangular pieces to act as bookends.) Attach with fine threaded drywall screws near the top of the "fascia" at each metal stud and install additional screws midway down the "fascia". Predrilling the "fascia" will allow the screws to bite into the metal stud and prevent the screws from stripping out during installation.If you are worried about hitting type NM wiring (Romex) use a "volt sniffer" ($7) tool to check for electrical wiring. If the wiring is in EMT (conduit) don't worry about hitting.

1. 
   Martagon_ | Sep 13, 2001 09:45pm | #4

   *Mike: That is something I never would have thought of - - to hang the fascia pointing up. It will actually fit into the space better that way, but I didn't realize it would be stronger. Hmmm, learn something every day from this board.

1. 
   bill_burns | Sep 15, 2001 12:26am | #5

   *I have used molly bolts through the metal stud and have not experienced problems. this gives more bite, and spreads load, less worry about pullout,

2. 
   Martagon_ | Sep 15, 2001 12:26am | #6

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   I need to put up a 4ft bookshelf at work. The bookshelf is MDF with melamine(?) finish. Has 6" "fascia" (the piece that hangs down at the back, with two triangular support pieces) that I can drive screws through. The wall is metal studs on 16" centres. Can I just put 2" metal screws through the 'fascia' into the studs without expander plugs. How deep will the electrical lines be,--- there is one duplex outlet on back and front (two rooms) of this wall, and I figure that the line will run down one of those studs. Thanks.