I have an open bookcase that's extremely clumsy. I got myself two angle irons with which I'll stabilize the bookcase. Angle iron (I have two of that)

Short arm will be drilled into the wall, long arm will be drilled into top of bookcase.

Now obviously I wont be making use all the holes, but I'm thinking of drilling & screwing twice for each arm. I was wondering if there would be a best option in terms of hole selection? Like, would drilling and screwing vertical holes would give me best stabilization? Or horizontal? Or cross? Or am I overthinking this?

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outofipswich t1_it1uzgk wrote on October 20, 2022 at 10:07 AM

Use one hole closest to the bend and then another hole in the opposite row of holes closest to the end of the bracket. Repeat for each flange of the bracket for a total of 4 screws per.

series_hybrid t1_it33ckv wrote on October 20, 2022 at 4:08 PM

I've always found that the holes closest to the bend are hard to get screws in, and later remove them.

I'd be forced yourself all four holes on the short leg, simply because there are only four, so why not use them.

On the long leg, I'd use the two holes at the very tip, and then also use the two holes that are "almost" next to the bend.

If for some reason I felt I needed to add a screw right next to the bend, I'd use a very long extension on the driving bit.

[deleted] t1_it2buu7 wrote on October 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM

[removed]

PantaReiNapalmm t1_it2236o wrote on October 20, 2022 at 11:32 AM

Just dont use adiacent holes, because in some wall can tend to create fractures and internal damage.

Tetleythetea t1_it1zxkp wrote on October 20, 2022 at 11:09 AM

I'd do 1 in the bottom right corner, one in the top left corner, 1-2 in the middle and one in the top.

Cynyr36 t1_it2o5lp wrote on October 20, 2022 at 2:29 PM

The further apart the screws the better. I agree 2 per arm should be enough to stabilize a bookcase.

jaxpaboo t1_it3o5l0 wrote on October 20, 2022 at 6:22 PM

My suggestion would be to take a piece of 2x1 wood. Cut is to width of shelf. Attach it to bottom of a fixed shelf in the bookcase.

Now if the back of your bookcase is flush against the wall, you are good. If not flush add another piece of 2x1 wood of another scrap.

To finished, just drill into 2x1 into 1 or 2 studs.

98jackalope t1_it531x5 wrote on October 21, 2022 at 12:12 AM

If you read the instructions for similar straps by Simpson, they say a fastener goes in every hole. But that does seem overkill especially for the leg supporting the shelf. I would use every hole on the leg to the stud.

adventure_in_gnarnia t1_it3c24q wrote on October 20, 2022 at 5:04 PM

Art is asymmetrical. Just drill in some random screws and give it the security tug “that’s not going anywhere” and call it a day