Thank you! My wife has been after to repair the wire shelf she overloaded. I've been avoiding doing it because I wasn't sure what the best way to do it was. Now I do!!
I have a go-to fix for these shelves that works every time. Step one is taking out the mounting bits. Step two , I throw the mounting hardware and the shelves at the curb in a pile and someone takes it away
This video was so helpful. I went to the hardware store and purchased all the items you recommended. I have never put up a shelf but your video was so detailed I was able to fix my fallen shelves. Thank you very much.
Thanks for the video. I am lucky, I live in a log cabin and all of my inside walls are knotty pine. I have solid wood everywhere! No need to screw into studs or use drywall anchors.
Scott, thanks so much for a concise and excellent video on fixing these "fails." Recently had the entire shelving collapse and was not sure where to start. Saw this video and was confident in getting everything back up. Realized how lousy a job was done in initial install. Really appreciate your home repair videos. Have saved me money and have made me realize the right way and wrong way to make repairs. Much success in the coming year.
As always great video. I do have another opinion that I use. It’s a 2 hole metal strap. I don’t have to remove the shelf or support arms. I also install in the stud. No plastic to fail. They sell them in the shelving section at Box stores. Hope this helps someone.
I literally noticed this issue a few weeks ago moving some stuff around in the closet. Personally, I'm currently a renter but I hope to be a home owner within the next 3, 4 months- and hopefully won''t need to have to get these maintenance guys involved ....cuz they'll only show up the day before I move out, with a roll of duct tape!! Love your videos though! They def did not use studs- which is 100% the reason most are pulling out.
Older houses do not use 16"; in my area, 50+ year old homes, studs can be 12-24" apart! I always use a stud finder (magnets never worked for me, even ones that are way more powerful than the one used in the vid). Warning on using such long nails or screws: In some homes, if you need to use hollow wall anchors, the wall depth (i.e., behind the drywall) can be very shallow (e.g., in my home, it's only 2" deep!). So, don't use screws/nails that are longer than the wall depth!
I agree with avoiding plastic anchors. They are crap for heavy loads like shelves. Besides toggle bolts, another good option is molly bolts. Use ones sized for the thickness of the drywall and they will be about as strong as toggle bolts.
I’ll take a Molly bolt over toggle any day! The last box of toggle I bought was actual trash. 3 of the 4 failed during normal installation and use. It was crazy. They’re not cheap, either.
Thank you. I took notes and am headed to the hardware store. This video is very helpful and appreciated. My dad passed but left me and my siblings with alot of handy tools. Look forward to using his drill he passed on to me when he passed. ❤
I watched this after I re-installed mine using one of your other videos. I went out and got the toggle bolts per your suggestion. I got all the clips and brackets reinstalled with the toggle bolts. I had put about half of my clothes back when one of the hooks pulled out, toggle bolt and all. Now I have a giant hole in the drywall and still nowhere to hang my clothes or store my hats.
Great video. Wire shelves are decent, but I hate it when the installer takes the lazy way out and mounts them poorly, e.g. just in drywall and not in studs.
I haven’t used toggle bolt’s often so was surprised you chose that method. Seems to me that the bolt is smaller than the hole you drilled which would have the bolt floating in the hole. What gives the toggle bolt strength? A possible future video is to review concrete block fasteners. I live in Florida and deal with block and stucco. So SICK of tapcons. I need another solution.
Replacing nails with screws is only a temporary fix if you have deformed the plastic already. I've seen more than a few of those plastic clips snap in half. Replace them with metal U-shaped brackets with 2 screws into the studs and be done with it!
Thank you so much!! Your video was really helpful and I was able to fix my fallen shelf all by myself!! I can’t wait to see what else I can fix with your help!
I'm so glad that I didn't have this video when we had the exact same failure. If I had, it would have been a simple fix. Instead, my wife got bids from several of those closet companies, and while it was expensive, we now have a truly awesome closet. 😀 But thanks for the video--it's good to see why racks like these fail and to know how to install them so they won't fail. If they came with good screws to start with, I expect failures like this wouldn't be so common.
Another good video Scott. I used the header system screwed into the top plate. And then send the vertical stringers down from the top plate. I condemn put my shelves where I want them.
I repaired one of those about 20 years ago using small metal conduit clamps. Not pretty, but didn’t fall anymore. Couldn’t see them unless the closet was empty.
appreciate you putting the video together! had an idea on how to do this but it was good to see it confirmed here. these wire shelving units put in some work lol.
Thanks for this. The wire shelve in my place is pulling out from the wall that we’re installed with cheap drywall anchors. I need to add some new mounts.
My shelf completely ripped out due to over weight. The wire shelf bent in half. What tools do you recommend for cutting the shelf in half, where the bent area? I like to repurpose as much of the shelf as possible, minus the damaged area. What is the spacing distance for shoes 👞 👠 👟 + handbags 👜 👜 👛 👜
can you please give more details on the brackets? I noticed you put them between the grids, but on my hardware here I could only fix them in one specific slot.
I get that those torx screws from GRK are excellent screws, but in this case, a 1-1/4" or longer simple drywall screw into the stud will be just fine. It'll be way stronger than the plastic bracket, and that's the most likely point of failure. GRK screws cost orders of magnitude more than drywall screws.
Thank you, you are a life saver. Brand new Modular home, and it looks like it was slapped together with the cheapest materials, on a Friday when everyone was in a hurry to get done and get a beer. Or possibly they were drinking when they built it. I'm pretty sure someone bent the square and lost the level as well.🤦🤦♂🤷🤦♀😠😞🤔
Mine just broke - end bracket broke under the top screws, back pivoted up out of the brackets, overloaded shelf bent up the supports. All hit studs in back, but side bracket can't and only 1/2" clearance behind it. Drilled bottom of spare bracket, butted small piece of wood under with 2 more screws/sleeves, back added 3 wire clamps to prevent lifting out of the clips. I'm betting it won't hold as it is still going to be very overloaded. They make "stilts" that support from floor but my racks are so old I doubt they would mate. Solution is probably a 2×4 to the floor or different shelving system. Have you used stilts? Do you know of a brand that can be easily modified? Your vid suggestion are good if the rack is not overloaded with clothes hanging under front of it and most people doing a repair should consider adding side brackets.
I hate these wire closet things... I'd much rather buy the closet shelf bracket and separate shelf and rod and put it altogether. It's much nicer in both form and function and only a little more work. Your tips apply generally though.
Thanks genius. Jesus. This comment is the equivalent of someone showing the best way to use a shovel to dig a hole and you come in and say well you should really be using a back hoe. Doofus.
I HAD A SHELVING DISASTER ! i overloaded it, it was supported only by drywall anchors (NOT into studs). i remounted it but put the 3" screws into studs. also reduced the load on the shelf.
I don't like toggle bolts because they are a one time use. I have removed and reinstalled lots of this shelving to paint closets. Never found a need to use some thing like a toggle bolt. Even using this shelving in a pantry.
Generally love your channel. But you missed a big one on this shelf. It failed because you didn't have the two front side brackets. They take the vertical load at the sides and provide sufficient support to keep the shelf from pulling forward or down.
Psh. I've had multiple of those brackets fail, as they're just plastic. If you use enough braces and metal brackets into studs, those end supports are unnecessary.
Why didn’t you use the side supports on the ends to support the front from tilting? Otherwise the only support you have is those long braces that have already given way.
The problem i had was that the wire rack I tried to replace by using new hardware there was an age difference of 20 years, and the shelf DIDN'T FIT into the clips. The shelves from 20 years ago were much bigger wire the the plastic hooks from 2022.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs My friend bought the house in 2005, and the shelves were In it already...ok, so it's more like 18 years ago🥴🤓🥴close enough...who counts the days how long we been friends?🤓 Oh and I am her handy woman, because her husband hits his thumbs with a hammer, the toggle idea is great for places without a wallstud...thank you so much for the information.
I was thinking the same thing. Ideally I guess some sort of metal plate is suppose to be screwed onto the stud so it straddles the wire or pipe location. I would like to know of an inexpensive way to find out.
@@dwightl5863 I wound up buying a Franklin stud finder. Works very well to locate the stud ‘s full width and any electrical signal. I think it was about $50 but worth it not hit a wire. Pipes are whole other deal. Yes , they are supposed to install nail plates where they drill for utilities but don’t depend on that.
This is one of my favorite DIY channels on RUclips. It has everything and is very professionally done.
Thanks man 👍
Thank you! My wife has been after to repair the wire shelf she overloaded. I've been avoiding doing it because I wasn't sure what the best way to do it was. Now I do!!
I have a go-to fix for these shelves that works every time. Step one is taking out the mounting bits. Step two , I throw the mounting hardware and the shelves at the curb in a pile and someone takes it away
While I agree, it's good to know of an inexpensive fix like this in case you need to do a repair when you don't have the money to do something better.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Goodun.
😂😂😂😂
This video was so helpful. I went to the hardware store and purchased all the items you recommended. I have never put up a shelf but your video was so detailed I was able to fix my fallen shelves. Thank you very much.
Thanks for the video. I am lucky, I live in a log cabin and all of my inside walls are knotty pine. I have solid wood everywhere! No need to screw into studs or use drywall anchors.
This is top-quality "how-to" youtube.
😊😊😊😊😂😂❤😢😢
Scott, thanks so much for a concise and excellent video on fixing these "fails." Recently had the entire shelving collapse and was not sure where to start. Saw this video and was confident in getting everything back up. Realized how lousy a job was done in initial install. Really appreciate your home repair videos. Have saved me money and have made me realize the right way and wrong way to make repairs. Much success in the coming year.
As always great video. I do have another opinion that I use. It’s a 2 hole metal strap. I don’t have to remove the shelf or support arms. I also install in the stud. No plastic to fail. They sell them in the shelving section at Box stores. Hope this helps someone.
still looking for these. Okay, got it.
I literally noticed this issue a few weeks ago moving some stuff around in the closet.
Personally, I'm currently a renter but I hope to be a home owner within the next 3, 4 months- and hopefully won''t need to have to get these maintenance guys involved ....cuz they'll only show up the day before I move out, with a roll of duct tape!!
Love your videos though! They def did not use studs- which is 100% the reason most are pulling out.
Older houses do not use 16"; in my area, 50+ year old homes, studs can be 12-24" apart! I always use a stud finder (magnets never worked for me, even ones that are way more powerful than the one used in the vid).
Warning on using such long nails or screws: In some homes, if you need to use hollow wall anchors, the wall depth (i.e., behind the drywall) can be very shallow (e.g., in my home, it's only 2" deep!). So, don't use screws/nails that are longer than the wall depth!
I agree with avoiding plastic anchors. They are crap for heavy loads like shelves. Besides toggle bolts, another good option is molly bolts. Use ones sized for the thickness of the drywall and they will be about as strong as toggle bolts.
I’ll take a Molly bolt over toggle any day! The last box of toggle I bought was actual trash. 3 of the 4 failed during normal installation and use. It was crazy. They’re not cheap, either.
Thank you. I took notes and am headed to the hardware store. This video is very helpful and appreciated. My dad passed but left me and my siblings with alot of handy tools. Look forward to using his drill he passed on to me when he passed. ❤
All the best with your repairs and your dad would be proud of you taking on these projects.
I watched this after I re-installed mine using one of your other videos. I went out and got the toggle bolts per your suggestion. I got all the clips and brackets reinstalled with the toggle bolts. I had put about half of my clothes back when one of the hooks pulled out, toggle bolt and all. Now I have a giant hole in the drywall and still nowhere to hang my clothes or store my hats.
This is crazy that this was recommended to me as my shelf fell yesterday!
This was sooo helpful! I’m not a DIY Fix It type of gal, but the instructions were very easy to follow. Thanks!
Great video. Wire shelves are decent, but I hate it when the installer takes the lazy way out and mounts them poorly, e.g. just in drywall and not in studs.
That’s what my apartment complex is do, smh and they are talking there sweet time fixing it
I haven’t used toggle bolt’s often so was surprised you chose that method. Seems to me that the bolt is smaller than the hole you drilled which would have the bolt floating in the hole. What gives the toggle bolt strength?
A possible future video is to review concrete block fasteners. I live in Florida and deal with block and stucco. So SICK of tapcons. I need another solution.
Toggle bolts are always my favorite. In my opinion they are the best drywall solution and they've been around for a long time.
Funny right, they were around when there was only 2 or 3 options. Now there are 50 options and these are still the best 😂
Replacing nails with screws is only a temporary fix if you have deformed the plastic already. I've seen more than a few of those plastic clips snap in half.
Replace them with metal U-shaped brackets with 2 screws into the studs and be done with it!
Since this shelf is flush between the 2 walls, I’m surprised that end brackets weren’t used. Wouldn’t that add to extra stability?
This type was installed in my master bedroom closet…almost made it thirty years ago! Came down today!!! lol 😂
I know what I will be doing tomorrow!
Thank you so much!! Your video was really helpful and I was able to fix my fallen shelf all by myself!! I can’t wait to see what else I can fix with your help!
I'm so glad that I didn't have this video when we had the exact same failure. If I had, it would have been a simple fix. Instead, my wife got bids from several of those closet companies, and while it was expensive, we now have a truly awesome closet. 😀 But thanks for the video--it's good to see why racks like these fail and to know how to install them so they won't fail. If they came with good screws to start with, I expect failures like this wouldn't be so common.
Another good video Scott. I used the header system screwed into the top plate. And then send the vertical stringers down from the top plate. I condemn put my shelves where I want them.
I tend to ditch the plastic clips and use the metal ones secured all the way around with two screws
Those are nice and bullet proof when hitting a stud.
I repaired one of those about 20 years ago using small metal conduit clamps. Not pretty, but didn’t fall anymore. Couldn’t see them unless the closet was empty.
They sell shelf brackets that look like miniature conduit clamps, and I can't believe he didn't mention them.
Amazon is saying the Stud Buddy is not for plaster lath walls. What would you suggest for locating the stud in such instances?
appreciate you putting the video together! had an idea on how to do this but it was good to see it confirmed here. these wire shelving units put in some work lol.
Thanks for this. The wire shelve in my place is pulling out from the wall that we’re installed with cheap drywall anchors. I need to add some new mounts.
I used recently toggle bolts for a pantry shelf. Seems to work quite well, however I'm cautious not to put too much weight on the shelf.
Heavy duty metal brackets into studs. Going to do this today!
How do you handle accurately avoiding electrical and plumbing for hanging anything. Any general tips?
It was too much fashion! Mine just ripped out at my apartment. Thank you for a great video. Off to buy a drill and new hardware.
Good tips! I just had to do this last fall.
Exactly how to fix these! Fixed dozens the same way.
I overloaded shelving, and watched first video. I'm in a condo, and think I have steel studs in walls. Will the 2" 1/2 GRK screws work?
Scott what diameter (or #) is the general purpose GRK screws you used ? Thanks. Very helpful video
My shelf completely ripped out due to over weight. The wire shelf bent in half.
What tools do you recommend for cutting the shelf in half, where the bent area?
I like to repurpose as much of the shelf as possible, minus the damaged area.
What is the spacing distance for shoes 👞 👠 👟 + handbags 👜 👜 👛 👜
This was an excellent example! Thanks for your help.
You bet!
can you please give more details on the brackets? I noticed you put them between the grids, but on my hardware here I could only fix them in one specific slot.
Can you still fix it if the rack is bent? will I be able to attach everything still?
I needed this my mom’s hallway closet shelf if broke and I’ve been trying to figure out how to fix it
Best of luck on the project!
Had this happen the other month, was able to save it and reinforce with extra support arms and fasteners
I get that those torx screws from GRK are excellent screws, but in this case, a 1-1/4" or longer simple drywall screw into the stud will be just fine. It'll be way stronger than the plastic bracket, and that's the most likely point of failure. GRK screws cost orders of magnitude more than drywall screws.
Thank you, you are a life saver. Brand new Modular home, and it looks like it was slapped together with the cheapest materials, on a Friday when everyone was in a hurry to get done and get a beer. Or possibly they were drinking when they built it. I'm pretty sure someone bent the square and lost the level as well.🤦🤦♂🤷🤦♀😠😞🤔
I also thought about snipping that weak drywall anchor off and fixing the hook and heavy duty twist n lock drywall anchor
Mine just broke - end bracket broke under the top screws, back pivoted up out of the brackets, overloaded shelf bent up the supports. All hit studs in back, but side bracket can't and only 1/2" clearance behind it.
Drilled bottom of spare bracket, butted small piece of wood under with 2 more screws/sleeves, back added 3 wire clamps to prevent lifting out of the clips.
I'm betting it won't hold as it is still going to be very overloaded.
They make "stilts" that support from floor but my racks are so old I doubt they would mate. Solution is probably a 2×4 to the floor or different shelving system.
Have you used stilts? Do you know of a brand that can be easily modified?
Your vid suggestion are good if the rack is not overloaded with clothes hanging under front of it and most people doing a repair should consider adding side brackets.
Excellent. Exactly the info I needed.
The failure was that someone put 275 lbs of stuff on a shelf rated for 90 lbs.
I assume you use screws in the bottom supports too?
A closet in an apartment had horizontal studs. The drywall was too thin to use a toggle bolt. Studs were , from the bottom, 3, 5, 7 feet apart.
Also, a good time to repaint the wall before reinstalling the wire shelves.
Or drywall and repaint in this case, those were some serious gouges in the wall 😬
Lol this just happened to my closet I hate these wire racks
good luck finding studs on lath and plaster walls with off center studs
"i'm always lookin for studs" ;) lol
What is the name of the clips? Does anyone k ow where I can buy replacements our additions for this exact system
Good info on securing a closet shelf.
Thx!
I hate these wire closet things... I'd much rather buy the closet shelf bracket and separate shelf and rod and put it altogether. It's much nicer in both form and function and only a little more work. Your tips apply generally though.
Thanks for sharing, Scott. It was very helpful. Steve
Great easy to follow video.
Best solution is to trash these and replace with solid wood. I did and never had a shelf rip off the wall since.
This is likely more for rental properties
You probably used those shitty anchors bro! But you’re right wood is better lol
well our wooden shelf collapsed yesterday
Thanks genius. Jesus. This comment is the equivalent of someone showing the best way to use a shovel to dig a hole and you come in and say well you should really be using a back hoe. Doofus.
Beautiful- thank you very much- your video helped me a lot. Greatly appreciated
I HAD A SHELVING DISASTER ! i overloaded it, it was supported only by drywall anchors (NOT into studs). i remounted it but put the 3" screws into studs. also reduced the load on the shelf.
Best to center the clips/hooks between the wires on the shelf and/or on the wire itself over the notch on the clip🤔
I don't like toggle bolts because they are a one time use. I have removed and reinstalled lots of this shelving to paint closets. Never found a need to use some thing like a toggle bolt. Even using this shelving in a pantry.
Man you are such a great help
My racks came completely out, also I'm in a manufactured I'm pretty sure I don't have a lot of screw or stud to work with
Thanks 👍
Awesome explanation
Isn't there a way to use wagos in repairing this 😁
If there was…… I would find it 😂
Ditch the regular toggle bolts and switch to zip toggles
I have metal studs. How would I go about fixing these with metal studs?
I would probably go with toggle bolts. Best of luck on your project.
Generally love your channel. But you missed a big one on this shelf. It failed because you didn't have the two front side brackets. They take the vertical load at the sides and provide sufficient support to keep the shelf from pulling forward or down.
Psh. I've had multiple of those brackets fail, as they're just plastic.
If you use enough braces and metal brackets into studs, those end supports are unnecessary.
Looks more like it failed because they put those short little nails into the studs. His studs were where the existing holes were
this was very helpful! 🙏🏾
Thank you your great
Why didn’t you use the side supports on the ends to support the front from tilting? Otherwise the only support you have is those long braces that have already given way.
Sometimes those plastic clips become dried out and brittle leading to failure.
Thanks
The problem i had was that the wire rack I tried to replace by using new hardware there was an age difference of 20 years, and the shelf DIDN'T FIT into the clips. The shelves from 20 years ago were much bigger wire the the plastic hooks from 2022.
Oh, that makes sense. Yeah these type have been around for some time but 20 years is pushing it 😁
@@EverydayHomeRepairs
My friend bought the house in 2005, and the shelves were In it already...ok, so it's more like 18 years ago🥴🤓🥴close enough...who counts the days how long we been friends?🤓
Oh and I am her handy woman, because her husband hits his thumbs with a hammer, the toggle idea is great for places without a wallstud...thank you so much for the information.
Try mounting one clip in the normal manner then install one right next to it but upside down to sort of clamp the shelf between the two clips.
problem with that install is that the end supports are not installed. with end supports installed, you won't even need the bottom supports
awesome Thanks. question? do you speak spanish? or have a spanish speaking channel?
Excellent!
Geez, were you filming this at my house?
You saved me! 🙏👍
Thank you🙏🏿💯
You should be sure no electric or plumbing is passing through the studs before inserting a long screw.
I was thinking the same thing. Ideally I guess some sort of metal plate is suppose to be screwed onto the stud so it straddles the wire or pipe location. I would like to know of an inexpensive way to find out.
@@dwightl5863 I wound up buying a Franklin stud finder. Works very well to locate the stud ‘s full width and any electrical signal. I think it was about $50 but worth it not hit a wire. Pipes are whole other deal. Yes , they are supposed to install nail plates where they drill for utilities but don’t depend on that.
Fantastic
You should ask Jefferson Pro Academy about driving 2 1/2” screws in.
The key is to use deck screws when you put it up the first time
The struts are the weak point, not the anchors
Mine fell because the metal brackets bent, those things are weak.
Yes looks like mine 🤦🏽♀️
The wing nut clip did not work . My closet fell the next day.
Ok, 20 inch deep shelf. How to keep them from sagging? And please dont say dont put stuff on them.
A kid used it as playground equipment
Nice video. Toggle bolts?! Really! Those are a last resort or a common fix for rookies.
OMG this guy has such handsome eyes!
14th, 27 February 2023
Throw them in the trash and install heavy duty brackets 😂 fixed lol jk
Explains to the people when we find metal studs? If there is a way to use them. Good video.