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Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves.

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JGLuxe
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2017/12/27 00:39:38 (permalink)
I've been searching for a bit and I always come back to eVGA to get some help from my peeps =P
 
So my question is this, if I want to place a shelf on my wall, Which is going to use 2 brackets (2 screws into the wall each) so a total of 4 screws.
 
if each Anchor/Screw combo can hold a maximum of 22lbs, How is it calculated on how much weight the shelf itll hold, Does it add up to all 4 screws (Maximum load of 88 Lbs?) or am I thinking about this in a wrong way?
 
I'm trying to place 55 lbs (Maybe a bit less) on top of a hanging shelf right under my TV which will carry my Sony 7.2 Receiver and my Klipsch RP-440C and would cry if it fell lol.
 
This is of course my option if the brackets wouldn't align good under my TV by using the studs behind my wall, So I would require the use of drywall anchors.
 
Any input appreciated :)

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    nateman_doo
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/27 07:45:59 (permalink)
    i would agree if each shelf holds 22 lbs, you add up because the weight is being distributed among (X) amount of screws. 
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    ty_ger07
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/27 08:26:07 (permalink)
    If it is using two simple "L" brackets, the top screw does the majority of the tensile load (keeping the shelf from twisting down), so I don't think it is fair to treat all the screws equal. Personally, in such a case, I would be more comfortable rating it at 44 lbs instead of 88 lbs since the bottom screw is just doing some shear load while the top screw and anchor is pulling on the drywall and doing all the tensile load.

    A picture would probably help.

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    rjbelans
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/27 08:54:33 (permalink)
    Personally, I would never recommend having something that heavy relying on just drywall anchors. Especially for electronics, I'd be overcautious and make sure I have support from studs for this. I would rather have a shelf wider than what I need to ensure I hit studs, or cut out some drywall and add blocking between the studs and do a nice patch job.
    #4
    JGLuxe
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/27 13:13:17 (permalink)
    I think I'm going to go a safer route then and use a twin track set up instead then! I'll place both tracks on studs and play it safe. This also makes it way better because it usually takes 5 screws per track, So that's distributing it again 6 screws and not just 4.
     
    This way I can also use 2 shelves instead of 1, Meaning 25 Lb's on 1 and 27~ on the other.
     
    Max load on a single bracket is 225 lbs, So that's way more than enough room for comfort lol!
    post edited by RushXTC - 2017/12/27 13:20:02

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    Cool GTX
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/27 13:29:09 (permalink)
    You could also add plywood anchored to studs, painted to match the wall.  Then mount your shelf to the plywood

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    bill1024
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/27 17:00:34 (permalink)
    Stud finders are cheap these days. Find the studs and drill into them.
    You can softly tap the wall with the end of a screwdriver and listen, you can tell you are tapping over the stud when the sounds changes, it gets deeper.
    16-18 inches from the corner there should be a stud, when you find it then they are 16in center to the next stud.

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    JGLuxe
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/27 17:10:50 (permalink)
    bill1024
    Stud finders are cheap these days. Find the studs and drill into them.
    You can softly tap the wall with the end of a screwdriver and listen, you can tell you are tapping over the stud when the sounds changes, it gets deeper.
    16-18 inches from the corner there should be a stud, when you find it then they are 16in center to the next stud.




    Oh no, I have a stud finder. I hang stuff on my wall all the time, However, I was wondering because of the amount of weight and where it might not be possible to use the studs. I'm going to use the studs even if it doesn't look centered ( Ughhh ) lol better safe than sorry. (Speakers will be centered, So will the shelves, Just not the tracks.)
     
    Cool GTX
    You could also add plywood anchored to studs, painted to match the wall.  Then mount your shelf to the plywood


     
    I've done that before, But if you remove it it screws up the whole part of the wall behind it, sort of like moisture being there. Matter of fact, I have one placed like that and it's been up for like 6 years, Scared to take it off lmao!

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    #8
    nateman_doo
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/27 19:36:23 (permalink)
    any drywall screw IN a stud will do just find holding just about anything up.  If the load is hung to rely on the sheer force of the screw then you will be amazed what a single screw will hold.
    #9
    rjbelans
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/28 07:47:27 (permalink)
    You could always think about painting the track to match the wall colour. That will make it blend in quite a bit. With everything else going on in front of it, you probably won't notice them unless you're really looking for them.
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    Dr.Death
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/28 10:20:12 (permalink)
    good quality brackes should have a weight rating
     
    ''Holds up to 150 lb. per pair when mounted into wall studs''
     
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-11-9-in-x-7-9-White-Magnum-Shelf-Bracket-EB-0099-12WT/204657451
     
    i'll assume that's mounted as a pair on standard 2' wall stud [ 2x4] spacing 
      then I don't know if I'd put 150 on them to start with  ???
     
    ''Holds up to 275 pounds when used with Rubbermaid Twin Track uprights and additional brackets; both sold separately''
     
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rubbermaid-11-1-2-in-White-Twin-Track-Shelf-Bracket-FG4C0502WHT/100067997
     
     
    ''Holds 1,000 lbs. per pair''
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Closet-Pro-11-1-4-in-x-7-75-in-Heavy-Duty-White-Closet-Shelf-Bracket-RP-0494-WT/204488081
     
     
    Choose the appropriate length of screw for the job, if you are fixing a piece of timber to a wall there should be at least 2/3 of the screw in the wall.
     
    I like good quality drywall screws    like said have the screw go at least  1/3 in to the 2x4 studs   of anchors are used in a hollow spot of the wall  be sure the part that flares out  is sufficient  / the more load the more area   to help prevent a pull through   [ I like toggle type ] 
     
    Holds up to 100 lbs. for a durable hold
     
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cobra-Anchors-3-16-in-x-3-in-Zinc-Plated-Driller-Toggles-6-Pack-364R/202527116
     
    ''WingIts - World's Strongest Fastener - WingIts are rated up to 300 lbs. (depending on application) and will never Loosen''
     
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/WingIts-World-s-Strongest-Fastener-Standard-2-Anchors-RC-MAW35-2/202727988
     
    just some examples of whats what   look them all over and any help / DIY articles    sometime what looks to work the best can fail the fastest  and vice versa    
    post edited by Dr.Death - 2017/12/28 10:46:30
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    JGLuxe
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/28 21:41:38 (permalink)
    So I ended up using 3 Tracks! The reason being, My stud finder marked wood (It's old), I leveled the first one and marked my screw holes, None of the 3 screws hit a stud, So I used 24LBS rated Anchor/Screw combo. Then I decided to purchase a brand new stud finder, seeing as my old one wasn't working properly and the new one I bought works wonders. It marks the left and right side + center of the stud so you can hit it directly in the middle of the stud. screwed in the right side track to the stud and purchased another one, Measured 32" to the left of it and double checked with the stud finder, installed the 3rd track on the stud, So 2 Tracks on stud, 1 on drywall with anchors.
     
    Had the wood cut 14.5" x 34" and they feel really sturdy. I just need to paint the wood black now so it can match the surrounding stuff. Definitely isn't going anywhere anytime soon!
     

     
    Edit: It looks off because I centered the receiver/center speaker to the TV and my computer desk is right next to the right side speaker, So I had to push it in next to the shelf.
     
    Also, there was no way to center the shelves because the middle track is the one that landed on drywall and I had to skip the stud right next to it, had to go for the one on the left side and the one on the right side of it, Which don't land centered to the TV. This bugs me, But I'll live.
     
    Thanks for the help everyone!
    post edited by RushXTC - 2017/12/28 21:43:34

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    #12
    bill1024
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/29 04:18:48 (permalink)
    A guy going by on a fast motorcycle will never notice it.
    Looks ok from here, better safe than sorry.

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    #13
    nateman_doo
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/29 05:11:31 (permalink)
    try not to drive any motorcycles in the room and you will be fine
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    bill1024
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/29 05:37:57 (permalink)
    nateman_doo
    try not to drive any motorcycles in the room and you will be fine


    Well it is Rushxtc we are talking to here ya know!

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    krane
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/29 05:58:50 (permalink)
    In the future you can use toggle bolts on a sheetrock wall like these >> https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=toggler+snaptoggle     or a similar one made by Hilti.  These toggle bolts are rated at 75 to 100 lbs each shear strength on a 5/8" sheetrock wall.  I use them all the time on my jobs.

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    EyeDeeNo
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/29 09:34:30 (permalink)
    When installing a screw directly into drywall I like to use self-drilling drywall anchors. I find them fast and easy to work with also do a very good job staying put in the drywall but word of the wise use a screwdriver to make the hole first the same size as the center of the self-drilling drywall anchor taking into count of the base of the anchor's screw fins.
     
    post edited by EyeDeeNo - 2017/12/29 09:38:51

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    bill1024
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/29 17:25:54 (permalink)
    I like the self drilling type too.
    Keep in mind sheetrock screws do not have a high sheer rating.
    Heavier screws like the one with the wall anchors or lag-bolts or toggle-bolts have a stronger sheer rating than sheetrock screws.

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    #18
    JGLuxe
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/29 19:06:54 (permalink)
    krane
    In the future you can use toggle bolts on a sheetrock wall like these >> https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=toggler+snaptoggle     or a similar one made by Hilti.  These toggle bolts are rated at 75 to 100 lbs each shear strength on a 5/8" sheetrock wall.  I use them all the time on my jobs.




    Do you know where I can see a chart for pre-drilling holes to toggle bolt ratio? I purchased 1/4" toggle bolts, But no where in the box or anywhere did it say what hole I needed to drill lol.

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    krane
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2017/12/29 19:51:03 (permalink)
    RushXTC
    krane
    In the future you can use toggle bolts on a sheetrock wall like these >> https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=toggler+snaptoggle     or a similar one made by Hilti.  These toggle bolts are rated at 75 to 100 lbs each shear strength on a 5/8" sheetrock wall.  I use them all the time on my jobs.




    Do you know where I can see a chart for pre-drilling holes to toggle bolt ratio? I purchased 1/4" toggle bolts, But no where in the box or anywhere did it say what hole I needed to drill lol.


    Those particular toggles in my post need a 1/2" hole whether it's a 3/6" or 1/4" bolt.


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    #20
    MegaTimX
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2018/01/15 04:04:16 (permalink)
    Check the weight limit of the brackets. Check the weight limit of the screws/anchors, but most importantly know what you're drilling into and make sure you have the "correct" type of anchors for he type of wall. Just to be safe, get screws/anchors that will give you some cushion room. As the weight on each individual screw may vary rather than being split evenly(for instance if the weight isn't evenly distributed on the shelf.). Also, be prepared for the unexpected, someone may put some extra weight onto it one day, so get overrated screws and brackets for the use.
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    compujon
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    Re: Question about Screws and maximum load of shelves. 2018/01/27 03:59:30 (permalink)
    The rating of screws is so misleading, as it doesn't take into account what you are screwing into!
     
    For future reference, where no studs are available, the "Toggler" bolts that krane recommended are the best way to go. For "self-screwing" (aka "self-tapping") gizmos, drill anyway (at least a small guide hole); else you risk weakening the surrounding sheet rock while starting process.
     
    And best of all is the plywood suggestion. You can hit studs you might not line up with if just using brackets, you can put it extras screws, etc.
     
    My studfinder is not much help -- it just keeps pointing at me!
    #22
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