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How do I safely attach my bookcase to the wall?

Hi, I have purchased some Billy bookcases from Ikea and want to set it up in my office. The bookcase needs to be fixed to the wall to avoid tipping over. How do I know if the wall has cables behind as the adjacent room has an air conditioning unit? What products should I use to fix it to the wall?

I also need to cut the hole for the baseboard slightly higher as my baseboard measures 1cm taller than the hole at the back, do you recommend using a hand saw to do this?

Thank you!

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JacobZ

Hi @furomatcha,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Due to the location of the light switch and the air conditioner, wires are likely running through your wall. They may have been run up through the ceiling cavity, but you should assume they are present in the wall.

With this in mind, I'd suggest using a Ryobi Stud Finder with AC Detection to locate the studs and any wires in the wall. The AC detection will give you an indication of where the wires are, and the stud sensor will allow you to ensure screws are well-centred on the studs. Once you have located the studs and wires, as a precautionary measure, you should isolate your electricity at the switchboard. With everything marked out, you shouldn't have any issues, but when working around electrical fixtures, safety is paramount, and you should not take any chances.

You can then use angle brackets, 50mm timber screws into the studs and 15mm timber stitching screws down into the bookcase.

If you still have some concerns, I'd suggest contacting a handyman for assistance.

To alter the cutout for the skirting board, I'd suggest using a coping saw which is a very fine-toothed saw used in trim carpentry. It would be perfect for this small alteration.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

furomatcha

Thank you so much Jacob! We will pick up the stud finder and see where we have wires/studs. In the case that there is no stud where the shelf should be mounted, what are some suitable products? Ikea has this diagram here (diagram 2) using some kind of plug set, can you suggest products where there is no stud for dry wall as well?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-nylon-wallmate-plasterboard-anchor-10-pack_p2260973

Thanks!!

EricL

Hello @furomatcha

If you are mounting to plasterboard only, I suggest looking at the Ramset 8 x 50mm Universal Anchor - 4 Pack or the Tox M6 Flip Toggle Bolt. Please note that a standard plasterboard has a weight limit of 10kg, I therefore suggest making sure that the shelf has other points of support.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

furomatcha

Hi,

We have tried to drill the timber screws into the stud but it seems to have hit some metal material as it won't go through past 1cm or so. Does this mean there's a metal plate or something blocking the stud so we can't use this - we have tried 3 different studs?

In that case what would you suggest to fix the shelf into the drywall? Also, what do you suggest we use to cover the holes created?

Thanks,

Florence

EricL

Hello @furomatcha

I propose using your stud finder once more to make sure that there is nothing to the left or right of that steel post you're drilling into. I recommend moving the anchor either to the left or right of that position on the condition that it is clear of the steel post. To cover the damage, I suggest using the UNi-PRO 500g Multi Purpose Interior Filler.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

furomatcha

Ah so we want to avoid the studs as they are actually steel posts?? Would this apply in the whole house?

Would something like this work in the wall, what screws would be needed for securing the bracket to the anchor in the plasterboard/drywall?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-nylon-wallmate-plasterboard-anchor-10-pack_p2260973

Really appreciate your help!

Thanks,

Florence

EricL

Hi @furomatcha (florence)

In this instance yes, please avoid the steel post. However, if you happen to run into a timber stud then it's best to drill into that one. The Ramset Nylon WallMate Plasterboard Anchor is good for light weight anchoring duties. I suggest using either the Ramset 8 x 50mm Universal Anchor - 4 Pack or the Tox M6 Flip Toggle Bolt. These anchoring units will are designed to work in hollow walls.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

furomatcha

Thank you so much for your help!

furomatcha

Hi @EricL

Sorry one more question, do I need a specific size of drill bit to install the Tox Flip Toggle Bolt? I have an M5 drill bit at home, will that work with this M5 size toggle bolt? https://www.bunnings.com.au/tox-m5-flip-toggle-bolt_p2260712

Thanks,

Florence

EricL

Hi @furomatcha

To make sure they are compatible, I suggest putting the drill bit on the side of the folding toggle (metal piece) to make sure they are the same size. But if you have an M5 drill bit, I believe that it will work with the M5 toggle bolt. If you are going to the store tomorrow, make sure to pass by the tool department and compare drill bits to the toggle you'll be pruchasing.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

furomatcha

@EricL looking at the product description it does say drill size 13mm, does this mean I should pick up something like this to drill the hole?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/full-boar-13mm-hex-shank-m2-hss-drill-bit_p0328182

Thanks again

EricL

Hello @furomatcha

I believe the 13mm Full-boar drill bit will work. But as I mentioned, it's best to double check the size at the tool section. I also suggest speaking to the tool specialist just to double check. I've placed an image below to give you a better idea of how the toggle will go in the wall.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

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