How to hang a wall shelf straight

A shelf that hangs a little crooked is something you notice every day. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you hang it straight the first time. This guide uses the Kistwerk oak wall shelf 60 cm, but it works for any shelf.

What you need

• the Hoogmaat cordless drill 18 volt, or another drill,
• a masonry bit of the right size, from the drill and bit set, 100 pieces,
• wall plugs and screws, like the assortment of 400 pieces,
• the stud finder,
• the spirit level 60 cm or the cross line laser with tripod,
• the tape measure 5 meters and a pencil,
• the clear safety glasses.

Step 1: check the wall

Slide the stud finder over the wall where you want the shelf. It shows you two things. In drywall, it finds the wooden or metal studs behind it. You want to screw into those. In every wall, it warns you of electrical wires. Never drill where it warns. Water pipes often run straight up and down from a tap or a radiator, so keep away from those lines too.

Step 2: mark the height

Measure the height you want with the tape measure and make a small mark. For a shelf above a desk, about 40 to 50 centimeters above the desktop works well.

Step 3: draw a level line

Hold the spirit level on the mark and draw a light pencil line along the top. Check that the bubble sits exactly in the middle. With the cross line laser, it is even easier: set the laser on its tripod, and a perfectly straight line appears on the wall.

Step 4: mark the holes

Hold the shelf’s mounting rods or brackets on the line and mark the holes. Check the line once more with the level.

Step 5: drill

Put on your safety glasses. In a solid wall, use a masonry bit of the same size as the wall plug, usually 6 or 8 millimeters. Drill a little deeper than the plug is long. Hold the drill straight and let it do the work; don’t push hard. In drywall, drill into the stud with a wood bit.

Step 6: plugs and screws

Blow or vacuum the dust out of the hole. Push the plug in until it sits flush with the wall. Drive the screw, but stop when it is tight. Overtightening can break the plug.

Step 7: hang and check

Slide the shelf onto its rods or brackets. Put the spirit level on top for one last check.

Weight

The oak wall shelf carries up to 15 kilos. Spread heavy books across the full width, and keep the heaviest near the brackets.