Shelves and Wall Hangings Using Anchors

The most optimum and secure way to hang shelves or wall hangings, such as mirrors or paintings, is by attaching them to a location on the wall where a stud is present. However, this is not always possible. For these situations there are wall anchors, which can be used to securely attach heavy items to plaster or drywall. If anchors are not used, the weight of the item can pull the screws out of the plaster or drywall over time and can cause damage or injury. You can hang items using wall anchors by following a straightforward procedure that requires a moderate amount of time and effort.

Tools Of The Trade
Pencil
Electric drill
Drill bit
Wall anchors and screws
Hammer
Driver bit

Step 1:
Determine a location on the wall where the item is to be hung. Hold the item on the wall and ensure it is straight. Mark the wall with a pencil where the brackets or hardware must be placed in order to hang the item.

Step 2:
Place the brackets or hardware against the wall and mark the screw holes using a pencil.

Step 3:
Install a drill bit into the chuck at the end of the drill. Use a drill bit that is the same size as the anchors being used.

Step 4:
Hold the trigger part of the drill in your dominant hand and place your other hand under the front of the drill, just behind the chuck. Position the drill at a 90-degree angle to the wall's surface and hold it in that position the entire time you are drilling. Use a moderate amount of pressure to guide the drill into the wall over each pencil mark you previously drew. Back out the drill bit while it is still spinning to avoid damaging the edges of the holes.

Step 5:
Insert a wall anchor into each hole and tap them gently with a hammer to make them flush to the wall's surface.

Step 6:
Secure the brackets or hardware using the screws that came with the anchors and using the electric drill with a driver bit installed. Hang the item on the hardware or brackets once they have been installed.