Attaching a coat rack to a wall is a relatively simple task, as long as you have the right supplies and tools.
First, make sure the wall you plan to attach the coat rack to is strong enough to hold the weight of the coat rack and any items that may be placed on the coat rack. Once you’ve confirmed the wall is sturdy enough, mark the wall where the mount points of the coat rack need to be placed.
Depending on the type of coat rack, these can be screw holes or adhesive pads.
Next, you need to prepare the wall and any hardware that needs to be used as per instructions. If using screws, drill the appropriate sized pilot holes in the wall. If using an adhesive, use a clean cloth to remove any dust from the wall and the back of the coat rack before applying the adhesive.
Once the mount points are prepared and the adhesive or screws are in place, use a level to make sure the coat rack is straight before screwing it into place or allowing the adhesive to dry. Place the coat rack on the wall and screw in each screw securely.
Alternatively, press the adhesive firmly against the wall and allow it some time to dry and secure.
Once the coat rack is attached to the wall, hang up items and enjoy the extra storage.
How do you secure coat hooks in drywall?
Securing coat hooks in drywall requires the use of toggle bolts or molly bolts. Toggle bolts are constructed with a spring-loaded wing that expands as soon as it passes through the drywall and locks onto the other side.
To install them, drill a hole in the drywall slightly larger than the toggle bolt, then insert the bolt, compress the wings, navigate the bolt through the wall and release the wings on the other side.
Molly bolts also expand when inserted, but have a steel sleeve with deep threads, so the bolt remains in place once tightened. When installing molly bolts, it is essential to drill the correct hole size to ensure the anchor can expand properly.
Once the hole is drilled, insert the anchor and drive the screw into the drywall. Using the correct type and size of toggle bolt or molly bolt will ensure your coat hook is secure in the drywall.
Do you need drywall anchors for coat rack?
Yes, you do need drywall anchors for a coat rack. Depending on the type of coat rack you have, you may need different types of anchors. For instance, if you have a large over-the-door coat rack, you will need heavy-duty wall anchors such as toggle bolts.
If you have a small coat rack that can be attached to the wall, you might need lightweight plastic anchors or a more secure masonry anchor. Make sure to use the right type of anchor for your coat rack, to ensure it is securely fastened to the wall and can hold the weight of your coats without coming loose.
Depending on the type of wall material you have, you may need a different anchor type, so make sure to consult the instructions that come with your coat rack for the correct anchors for your wall.
Does a coat rack need studs?
No, a coat rack does not need studs. While having studs on a coat rack can be helpful in providing stability and letting you store heavier items, most coat racks are designed to be lightweight and can easily be installed without studs.
As long as you use the appropriate wall anchors for the type of wall surface you’re installing the coat rack on, studs are not necessary. Furthermore, many different styles of coat racks are available, including shelf-style coat racks, which don’t require studs for installation.
Where should a coat rack be placed?
A coat rack should be placed in an easily accessible location near a door or hallway so that it is convenient for anyone entering the house to hang up their coat. Ideally, it should be placed nearby a radiator or heater so coats can be dried quickly and easily, as well as in a place that is out of the way of foot traffic so it does not become an obstruction.
Depending on the amount of space available, several small coat hooks can be added to a wall or placed around a furniture piece to create a makeshift coat rack. If space is severely limited, a large coat rack can be placed behind a door or tucked into a corner.
How much weight can a plaster wall hold?
The weight that a plaster wall can hold will depend on the type of plaster used, the size and depth of the wall, and the strength of the wall anchor. Generally speaking, a plaster wall can hold a considerable amount of weight as long as the proper anchors and plaster are selected.
For items such as shelves, towel bars, wall-mounted televisions, and wall-mounted mirrors, plaster walls can hold approximately 25 pounds per wall anchor depending on the size and depth of the wall, and the type of plaster.
However, if a wall requires heavier items to be mounted, such as bookshelves, shower grab bars, or TVs over 10” in size, the wall should be tested for maximum weight-bearing capacity by a professional contractor before any items are hung.
How do you drill into plaster without cracking it?
Drilling into plaster without cracking it requires the proper technique and a little patience. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the drill bit is sharp and clean to prevent it from slipping on the surface.
It’s also important to start carefully and slowly—begin at a low speed and increase it gradually. The key is to press lightly, using the slowest speed possible. It’s also beneficial to hold the drill so the bit enters at an angle, and then gradually reduce the angle as the drill bit penetrates further into the wall.
You should also cover the surface with a damp cloth to help lubricate the drill and reduce friction. If the plaster is particularly thick, it’s helpful to create starter holes with a center, masonry, or spade bit and then gradually increase the size of the drill bit.
Lastly, you can use pliable materials like strips of cloth, insulating tape, or a wadded-up piece of paper to surround the drill bit and protect the plaster from cracking.
What type of drywall anchor do I need?
The type of drywall anchor you need will depend on the weight of the object you are trying to hang and the type of material the object is made out of. For light to medium weight items (less than 15 pounds or 7 kilograms), a plastic anchor or self-drilling anchor may be sufficient.
Plastic anchors are easy to install and user friendly. Self-drilling anchors also work well but because they require a drill bit and a hammer to install, they can be slightly trickier to use.
For heavier items (15 pounds or 7 kilograms and over) toggle bolts are often the best option. Toggle bolts have a pair of metal wings and a stem that slide through a drilled hole in the wall. Once through the hole, the wings open up behind the drywall and are able to support heavier load.
If you are still unsure of the best anchor to use, it may be best to consult a professional to make sure you’re using the anchor that’s right for your project.
Do you need a stud for a drywall anchor?
Yes, you do need a stud for a drywall anchor. This is because the anchor needs something sturdy to attach to, and a stud provides a secure foundation for the anchor to be fixed to. Without a stud, the anchor will not have a stable surface to attach to, increasing the chances of the anchor failing and/or the item attached to the anchor becoming loose in the wall, potentially causing damage.
To make sure that the anchor is installed correctly and safely, you should always make sure to use a stud.
Do wall hooks need anchors?
Yes, wall hooks typically need anchors because they are not designed to bear a large amount of weight. Depending on the type of wall, drywall anchors or masonry anchors may be necessary. If a wall hook is being attached to a drywall surface, toggle-style or expansion-style anchors are recommended, although plastic anchors are also often used.
For harder surfaces such as concrete walls, masonry anchors should be used. To ensure the wall hook holds firmly, it should be properly mounted with the correct type of anchor for the surface. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the wall regularly for signs of the anchors loosening.