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My father was a master carpenter, and some of the solutions he came up with over the years were pretty creative. I did not follow in his footsteps, although I learned enough to be dangerous. This is the type of solution he told me about before, and why he never threw away any usable scraps of wood. I appreciate that you are passing along your wealth of knowledge to others today. We could definitely use more skilled tradesmen.
Sounds like your talking about my Dad, his specialty was in masonry, but I viewed him as a brilliant carpenter, Thank God we have our brother, Love these videos, this generation lacks skilled tradesmen, trying to teach our grandson @ an early age simple things around the house, with a hammer/screwdriver, I will pretend something is loose, so he can tighten it up, my husband thinks I'm nuts, but this will come in handy one day for our grandson.
This is awesome for an old lady whose late husband could do amazing woodworking projects...and I apparently learned very little from, even though I was usually there to help hold a shelf on one end while he drilled and screwed in the mounting hardware! I need all these little tips!! You are a lifesaver!!!
I agree. My husband uses them, but I really didn’t understand why until this video. I hung a 15lb mirror all by myself using wall anchors. It worked. Now I want to hang 2 more decorative shelves (24 in wide). I’m going to ask my husband to guide me through the process. Thank you for your comment. Us ladies should be more attentive to our husbands work.
Also awesome for a young lady with a brainy (and not handy) partner. We just bought our first home and I wanted to learn everything from my dad. Unfortunately, we learned we may not have enough time left to do this together.
It’s so awesome that you broke everything down for people like myself who are hopeless with home repair. Super helpful video, you would think wall anchors would be dry to talk about but you made it engaging 😊🙌
My father was a cabinet maker and a trick I learned from him was to make a wide mounting plate (maybe 5" ?), but cut in half, on a table saw with blade at 45 degree angle. This gives you two mounting plates (2.5" each) with a 45 degree edge. Mount one half to wall and one to cabinets to create a hanger which will support the cabinets. I usually work without a helper, so this is easier than trying to hold a cabinet in place while driving screws.
Your super easy to understand/follow. I’m a wife of a DIY husband. But, I’ve recently discovered I love doing some projects with wood, metal etc. using my husbands drills. I have no idea what I’m doing, but am eager to learn the right way. I want my own tools separate from my hubbys. He’s too impatient to teach, so your videos are going to be my go-to. THANK YOU! You’ve helped this girly girl appreciate tools. 👍🏻
Although I have been using this method for years I found your delivery and explanation excellent. Informative without being at all patronising or condescending. Great vid. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
For all of us teachable we thank you for your time making the videos and for sharing your no how. Thanks for serving others and not loosing being humble and kind as you are
Be careful using 3” screws this way, especially anywhere near the middle of the wall vertically. Electrical wires pass through the centers of studs (by code, minimum 1-1/4” away from the face without using nail plates; in practice I’ve seen shorter distances) so either use screws that will go no more than 3/4” to 1-1/4” into the stud, or check for wiring first. We usually hang upper cabinets with 2-1/2” screws (3/4” of cabinet, 1/2” of drywall, and 1-1/4” in the stud). Plenty of strength as long as it’s tight.
Variation on the theme: you can use shorter boards, as long as you can hit ONE stud. Secure the board to the stud with TWO screws, vertically spaced (and maybe use a 3" W board). Secure the two ends of the board into drywall, using DW anchors. The end anchors just keep the mounting board tight to the wall, but allow the stud screws to take the load. Works like a charm.
Currently, the garage floor is my mounting plate. Its surface area is unmatched. My failure to master levitation is the only thing keeping me from the vast and endless expanse of storage.
You videos and explanations are among the best I've seen for instructional videos. I love and appreciate the time you take to make them and to make them so dang relatable and not talk down. I think I'm beyond a general DYI person, but hella not a carpenter. So, I do make sure I watch all your stuff for constant improvement. Fantastic work and thank you.
We used this concept to mount safe handrails in an older manufactured home for my aging mom. Works fantastic and doesn’t budge when using the rails. I love your raised cat bed idea! I have ideas for many things after watching this video-even though we did the handrails years ago. Thanks!
I have been using mounting plates throughout my home for years. I find it an attractive method of acquiring solid support. I have also used them extensively at the recreation facilities I operate, especially at the Ice Rinks where an angry hockey player can be very hard on the racks and benches etc. They are an extremely practical method for supporting the benches that need to be swept under after each group as it eliminates the legs which would otherwise have to be swept around making the task more difficult and time consuming. While I have at times used anchors, it has always been a secondary option, and only for light weight needs.
Used this method in a store stock room mounting 1x4s every 12 inches going up the wall to hang shelf tracks. District Manager liked it enough to send us around to the rest of his stores where it was needed.
I've used this concept many times, very helpful! There is a row of 6 extra dining room chairs stored high up on our garage wall using this idea. Keep the legs pointing upward for better use of space, too.
I find every one of your videos essential lessons I wish I’d had years ago! I have so many questions about SCREWS. So many - so many ways to choose the wrong ones! I’d love you to make a video on just the world of screws and their uses!
I just now (March 8, 2022) found this video. About two weeks ago we went from stackables to side by side washer/dryer and I wanted to hang shelves above the washer. I used this method after several failed attempts to hand them with anchors. It worked great and saved me a drive into the nearest hardware store (about 40 miles) by using plywood scraps already on hand. Great video
Great Video, I have been doing this since I hung my first mirror 52 years ago. Over the years I was amazed that friends of mine never thought of this. As a lot of people have not. As for the plastic anchors, 9 years ago my daughter had her bathroom remodeled and they installed all racks with them. Towel rack loose the first day, I called the contractor and told him he should be ashamed to have done it that way. Back the next day to do it the correct way. Back to your video, for sure anyone watching it said to themselves wow what a great idea. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Elliot shapiro
I use this same technique except I also cut out the section of drywall where the mounting board goes so it doesn't stick so far out of the wall. Sometimes I even use a board that is the same thickness as the drywall so I can incorporate the finish on it. Love your awesome videos THC.
Technodazed, that sounds like a really good idea also but when you use a board that is only as thick as the drywall, are you still able to use a long screw to hold up whatever you are hanging?
What do you do with the joint? I suppose you could tack some tear away bead and mud it but who wants to bust out mudding tools to hang a shelf lol I'd worry about the ends flexing out and not being flush with the wall over time. Unless you take the ends to studs I guess, but then you orolly want up with a much larger ledger than you need, might look funny
Thank you so much for this helpful tip. I never knew why my dad always had these planks of wood to hang stuff until you explained it in this video - English wasn’t my dad’s first language, so he never quite explained it well. You just saved me from making catastrophes on my walls because I was looking for more information and tutorials before I put a guitar mount on my wall.
Great video. I used this technique years ago when I needed to anchor a tall entertainment center with cabinets on either side. 2x4 screws into studs, furniture screws into 2x4, and the job is done without having to care about where the the studs are. 💯
I'm planning to put up some floating shelves in a corner of a bedroom. Had a hard time understanding how to mount them if not on an abundance of horizontal studs. Thanks for this lesson - I realize now I can bridge them between vertical studs.
I own an old house and the previous owner used these mounting plate. Until I saw the video I didn't understand why the owner was doing. Thanks for a practical application and explanation. 🔨
I'm on disability I have hip back knee problems but I came across your video and I was so lucky because the night before my curtains fell because they were not anchored properly due to me just hanging them however I felt like it well saw your video and now I'm doing it and it working perfect thank you so much I would have never thought of this idea you're the best and now I am a member of your team
Mounting boards and cleats are awesome. I've used them many projects (mounting pegboard to allow a gap for hooks, basement/garage storage shelves, etc.). I've also used one on the ceiling for a laundry crane (like a chute but works both ways) that's in a spare bedroom closet located above the basement laundry room to allow for raising and lowering a laundry cart using a garage-rafter bicycle hoist through a cutout in the floor.
Great tip, especially for IKEA buyers where everything seems spaced for European stud spacing. I did this 3 years ago when I wanted a retractable air hose reel with 50' of hose mounted to the interior finished wall of my garage. I used 4"x 1/2" lags to hold a 3/4" plywood mounting board across 3 studs, with the reel mounted on it. The trickiest part (after triple checking I was dead center on the studs) was the reel needed to be mounted to the board before mounting to the wall. IIRC I used 1-1/2" shoulder bolts pushed in from the rear to mount the reel. Built a prop to hold it in place and screwed it home. It's been in nearly daily use since then and still stuck like glue to the wall.
A lot of European houses have walls made from bricks or similar material, so there is no need to search for studs etc. Maybe that's why you have the issue with Ikea furniture.
Mounting plates have changed my life. I’m hanging a gun rack with 8 handguns on it and it never would have stayed without mounting plates. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Please keep the information coming.
thank you for the tip sensei! We use anchors and even drywall anchors way more in Europe because a) most of our walls are concrete or bricks and b) when we have drywalls, the studs are usually metallic which does not make them easy to screw something in...
Great video. I would just mention a couple things, if one has the luxury of a new build wall, with some good planning ahead of time, plywood blocking can be put between the studs and drywalled over, for a very clean look. Also, French cleats are great, as you showed. I used a long one to span 4-5 studs to hang a massive mirror. Makes hanging of heavy objects much easier and safer than hooks.
@@MrChristian not to gold plate stuff too much and drive cost/material use up, but I agree, in certain rooms (e.g., "man cave") and at certain heights, why not just proactively install backing?
Wow, thanks...great idea! I'm constantly trying to get stuff off the floor and garage space is always limited no matter how big your garage is. I think this mounting plate idea just help me to have more space by hanging items up in the garage!
I know I'm 3 years late in seeing this but I started using this method about 2 weeks ago when what I wanted to hang in my garage didn't line up with the studs. Good to know professionals are doing this!
I have been doing this for years, mounting a flat screen TV, Vacuum hose rack, shelves, and so much more. It is a tip that needs more exposure, so thanks for doing that.
What a great idea, thank you! I was just about to buy a rack to hold long handled stuff in my garage that you built with scrap. I have scrap, all I need is hooks! Brilliant!
This video immediately answered questions I had about screw size necessary and introduced a better concept for hanging shelves that may not have access to enough studs. I feel like I can confidently plan out the wall space using mounting plates now! 👏
Great ideas. Since you're talking garages in particular, though this trick can be used anywhere you can make it work, would be informative to also mention to DIYers that if you have access to backside in some way-wall or ceiling- then adding a support behind drywall can be a good option. I did this to hang bikes from my garage ceiling. I had access to joists above and just added/affixed a portion of 2x4 between them where I needed it, then fastened the bike pulley system to that portion of 2x4 from finished drywall side.
I have considered creating wall storage or shelving by mounting plastic crates or wooden crates, but I thought it might be better to mount everything to a plywood sheet or sheets and then mount the sheets to the wall (Into the studs) which would result in less holes being drilled and less screws or nails being driven into the wall. That way the "shelving" can be removed and the wall easily fixed and painted if we move.
I needed a dose of the Honest Carpenter! I just got a $600 quote for installing a WINDO A/C UNIT!!! It is heavy, about 100 pounds, but $600? So glad I can watch your videos and restore my faith in honest, skillful people. Thank you!
Using a 3" deck screw could go through electrical and plumbing. Electrical and plumbing lines only have to be 1 1/4" from the face of the stud to not require a protection plate and a 3" screw, can penetrate 1 3/4" into the stud through a 1x4 and 1/2" drywall (3/4+1/2+1 3/4 = 3"). Instead, use a 2 1/2" screw (1 1/4" penetration) and you will reduce your chance of hitting anything (someone could still have placed the electrical/plumbing closer than the 1 1/4" required by code).
My first thought when that 3" went in. Home DIYers, try to only use screws that are just long enough. Plus longer screws don't necessarily offer more shear strength.
I use 3/4" finish plywood to mount tv's all the time. I cut the plywood slightly smaller than the size of the tv and attach the tv mounting bracket with carriage bolts. I then have much more freedom to attach the plate to studs. The really nice thing is in the future, the tv can be replaced or moved without having to do extensive drywall repairs.
I used this method to install a handicapped hand grab in a bathroom. Cut and painted a length of 2 x 4 to fit the narrow wall space, attached it to the underlying studs, then attached the hand grab to the 2 x 4.
@@whiteknightcat , it's some kind of Spam or hacking attack, and it's *all over RUclips*, it's seemingly everywhere all at once. Just report it, like I did.
Love your programs. I used mounting plates for all my art. I have an old mfg home with paneling walls. Mounting plates took out the worry of hanging everything here! Game changer.
The original builder of our house only used drywall anchors on all our closet shelving (those metal grill types). One by one they all eventually became overweighted and came crashing down. So I started doing the exact thing you mention here using 1x4s across all the studs. Not a problem since. I tried to convince the wife to let me change out the metal shelving with wood but I was outvoted 1 to 1. But this is backplate solution is 100% the way to go! USE THEM STUDS
Have coffee mugs hanging over the sink, and pegboards holding our pots and pans, all using this idea. Its easy, looks great, and your stuff wont fall off the walls!
At first I thought pegboard for pots and pans? it would look silly with all the holes. But you were so right. it does look good and much better than I thought.
After the shelving fell in our closet and ripped out drywall, my father-in-law taught me this technique. The shelving in the closet is going no where now!
Oh. My. God. I never thought to do this! We live in a “manufactured home” and it was built so horribly. It feels like you’ll bust a hole in the wall (literally feel it give a bit) just by bumping into it! We have so many screws that are just falling out because it’s in drywall and not a stud. We always look for a stud but like with our kitchen towel rack, one side is in a stud and the other isn’t so it’s just hanging on by a thread. I’m using this trick like TOMORROW!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I've incorporated the same concept of what you call "mounting plates" (with and without french cleats), but the screw-in type anchors work pretty well. In fact, there's been times even with spanning a couple of studs, I've had to use the anchors as well when the piece is longer. The hammer-in type of wall anchors are junk.
This is exactly the video I've been looking for. I'm doing built in shelves in a small bathroom closet and didn't want to use wall anchors for brackets, but was having a real heck of a time finding anyone to describe exactly how to install the supports, what screws to use, and whether or not I would still need to use anchors, if I'm able to span between two studs. THANK YOU!!
My friend built an addition onto his home for his numerous wall ornaments. After the addition was framed and the duct work, plumbing, and wires were roughed in, he sheeted all of the walls with 3/4 plywood first, and then dry walled over it. He never had to worry about anchor or stud locations. Kudos to him.
I think the French cleat mounting is an incredible option. And if you can figure a way to hide it’s that more useful. Unfortunately for somethings especially in an older home not always an option but this has definitely opened my eyes to other options so thanks
I'm glad I saw this tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to drill and mount a 40" 1x7 stained pine plank for some heavy coat hooks. The problem is that my house was built around 1865 or so, and the studs are spaced somewhat irregularly, so the screw locations would not be very pleasingly distributed along the pine plank. With this scheme, I can screw a mounting plate to three studs, and screw the pine plank to that with symmetrically spaced screws. The pine is pretty wide, so the narrower scrap mounting plate will be invisible behind it. The gap between the pine and drywall might even be sorta' attractive. If not, I can always bridge it with some kind of trim.
Spot on! Just moved into a place that someone had tried the search and drill method for mounting a TV bracket. Looked like someone had taken a machine gun to the wall and they never did find a stud!! Perfect place to use a mounting plate, which is what I'm installing today. At least that long strafing run of holes will be covered up and the bulging sheetrock pressed back in toward the studs. Great vid and I would like to see the vid on those screw anchors/toggles as well.
The interior walls in my house have studs at 24" apart, so there is never a stud where you need it. I used a French cleat mounting plate to mount a tv stand, as well as for all the custom closet cabinets that I built.
I've not heard it called that but I've used that trick also for rentals in closets/utility areas to reduce how many holes I have to patch (2 holes to mount it, then a bunch of little ones) or when I have to span something I can't risk drilling into (e.g. a shelf below a breaker box where I expect lots of electrical wires behind the wall). Its a nice idea when you don't care about having the extra thickness and/or don't care about looking at it..but for something like a towel rack when you have to squeeze it between the light-switch and mirror its not practical though.
This is an awesome video! It gave me the idea on how to add more hanging options in the bathroom. We have a long wall that is perfect for a bunch of hooks and by taking a 1x2 I was able to get more hooks on the wall, I got 6 double hooks with enough room in between so when things are hanging they don’t touch each other. Super easy and I know they are not coming down; unlike the towel hangers that always ended up coming off no matter what sheet rock hanging thing I tried. Thanks!
Omg this is fantastic. Thank you!!! I live in a rental property and I’ve never had so many problems hanging anything. They must have used the cheapest drywall money can buy. Everything falls out of the wall- anchors, nails, screws, etc. I’ve used the same tactics as always, but here- no bueno!
There's a cpl reasons to thumbs down...like a mounting plate used for a tp dispenser is straight up ugly. And those anchors he kept showing are about the cheapest you can get. As a matter of fact, they looked like tile anchors, which you wouldn't use in drywall anyway.
You really are a talented Carpenter, a universal fix that's simple, inexpensive and can be used in a multitude of ways thank you for a great idea love your channel 👍
That's one issue we never have with our all-brick, or even concrete, houses in Belgium. Wall anchors are plenty strong when used in a brick. But we do have other issues though. Enlarging a room is a very big job, and any cabling that has been put in the wall is to remain there forever.
This is a neat idea. I’ve used them for coat racks and tool hangings, but never thought of them as a substitute for wall anchors. I have a toilet paper holder that is in a stud on one end but the drywall anchored end has indented the drywall slightly due to the structural nothingness behind it. A simple “trim” plate mounted to the stud would shift the holder over 3” while giving it an incredible amount of stability. Thanks for the idea! 👍
Glad you showed the magnet use for finding the hidden screw or nails. I then pre drill to check the stud is there which is going to get covered anyway. Hope viewers pick up on this one as it's a game changer.
How do you mount to the steel plate after? Pretty much any screw or bolt will have to go through the plate as well as the drywall behind it then since it's so thin? They didn't really address this either with the wood mounting plate in the video. I suppose in that case you can use screws that won't penetrate the 3/4" mounting board.
It might be better to use more screws of shorter length to hold your mounting plate. Screws that long may hit electrical wires , water pipes drain pipes etc if you don't know what's in the wall.
The stud is 3-4 inches thick in the direction that you’re screwing into. The length of the screws he used in the video are not an issue. Also take into account the thickness of the mounting plate + the drywall. Definitely fine
@@fty-ys4ni have to remember there may be water or electrical lines in the wall, best case in the middle, often hot however. No need for longer screws using anchors, just a matter of time till a line is hit.
Yep, this works been doing it for years. Last one was to hang 12 feet of curtains over bedroom walls. I used a 12 foot cedar deck board to span the distance, then any place is good to support the tubing mounts and center support for the room darkening curtains. I painted the board the same color as the wall so it's not out of place. Do the same for towel racks with a piece of oak backer. Stain or paint to match the decor, this makes for a very strong towel rack.
I was so excited by the intro. I thought, finally! Here's an answer to my problem! Then you mentioned studs and told me something that I already knew. I also like what you're talking about for peg boards (one day I will have a peg board, and it will be glorious). However, my struggle this week is trying to install a closet clothing rod (for a massive amount of heavy clothing and junk and stuff AND shelf for more odds and ends BUT fun fact: minimal to no studs and shallow drywall. The outside of the wall to where a nail STOPS (most likely a metal firewall) is around .5". Hurray for townhome living. I'm so flipping frustrated. Open to *helpful* suggestions... while I continue my search
Thanks for sharing this clear and straight-to-the-point video. It just upped my hanging game. Plus, I can go back and watch it whenever needed as a guide.
I’m ahead of you on this idea. Have been using it for over 30 years. Getting fancier by the year, to which now they look like high-end custom built-ins/add-ons. Great to see we think alike. 👍🥳
When I mounted my big screen TVs that is exactly what I did. I mounted a piece of 3/4 in plywood to the wall with 3” screws. Then I mounted the bracket to the plywood. I have seen too many stories of people spending huge bucks on large screen tv and mount them with the drywall anchors that come with mount. They get it all mounted and then a couple days later they come home to find their new TV all smashed on the floor because the anchors failed. It’s the only way I will ever mount a large screen tv.
Pipes and conductors could be located within 1 1/2" of the surface of studs, so limit your screw length to 2 1/2", to penetrate the gypsum, french cleat and stud, but not wiring or plumbing.
Great presentation. Since I do a lot of work starting with bare studs, I do what is called blocking. Same concept just between the studs. I then take a picture of each area of blocking with measurements to the bottom and top of the block from the floor and stud markings everywhere. This makes it so easy to come back later to add whatever you’re hanging, toilet roll holder, coat hooks, shower head slide rod, heavy anything, say a chin up bar.
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My father was a master carpenter, and some of the solutions he came up with over the years were pretty creative. I did not follow in his footsteps, although I learned enough to be dangerous. This is the type of solution he told me about before, and why he never threw away any usable scraps of wood. I appreciate that you are passing along your wealth of knowledge to others today. We could definitely use more skilled tradesmen.
You bring shame to his lineage (joking)
Sounds like your talking about my Dad, his specialty was in masonry, but I viewed him as a brilliant carpenter, Thank God we have our brother, Love these videos, this generation lacks skilled tradesmen, trying to teach our grandson @ an early age simple things around the house, with a hammer/screwdriver, I will pretend something is loose, so he can tighten it up, my husband thinks I'm nuts, but this will come in handy one day for our grandson.
It is time to reinstate apprenticeship!
Thanks! You rock!
This is awesome for an old lady whose late husband could do amazing woodworking projects...and I apparently learned very little from, even though I was usually there to help hold a shelf on one end while he drilled and screwed in the mounting hardware! I need all these little tips!! You are a lifesaver!!!
I agree. My husband uses them, but I really didn’t understand why until this video. I hung a 15lb mirror all by myself using wall anchors. It worked. Now I want to hang 2 more decorative shelves (24 in wide). I’m going to ask my husband to guide me through the process. Thank you for your comment. Us ladies should be more attentive to our husbands work.
Also awesome for a young lady with a brainy (and not handy) partner. We just bought our first home and I wanted to learn everything from my dad. Unfortunately, we learned we may not have enough time left to do this together.
@@rdb4996 I’m so sorry. Praying that your dad has longevity and strength left. Praying for peace on your heart, also. God bless.
@@patcox8745 thank you dear person. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.
Hope your all having blessed days.. sure gentlemen would be proud of your work, ladies.
It’s so awesome that you broke everything down for people like myself who are hopeless with home repair. Super helpful video, you would think wall anchors would be dry to talk about but you made it engaging 😊🙌
Thanks Anthony! 😄
My father was a cabinet maker and a trick I learned from him was to make a wide mounting plate (maybe 5" ?), but cut in half, on a table saw with blade at 45 degree angle. This gives you two mounting plates (2.5" each) with a 45 degree edge. Mount one half to wall and one to cabinets to create a hanger which will support the cabinets. I usually work without a helper, so this is easier than trying to hold a cabinet in place while driving screws.
Called French Cleats this is a common practice now. Ì believe it has always a way of hanging pictures
Your super easy to understand/follow. I’m a wife of a DIY husband. But, I’ve recently discovered I love doing some projects with wood, metal etc. using my husbands drills. I have no idea what I’m doing, but am eager to learn the right way. I want my own tools separate from my hubbys. He’s too impatient to teach, so your videos are going to be my go-to. THANK YOU! You’ve helped this girly girl appreciate tools. 👍🏻
Although I have been using this method for years I found your delivery and explanation excellent. Informative without being at all patronising or condescending. Great vid. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
For all of us teachable we thank you for your time making the videos and for sharing your no how. Thanks for serving others and not loosing being humble and kind as you are
Be careful using 3” screws this way, especially anywhere near the middle of the wall vertically. Electrical wires pass through the centers of studs (by code, minimum 1-1/4” away from the face without using nail plates; in practice I’ve seen shorter distances) so either use screws that will go no more than 3/4” to 1-1/4” into the stud, or check for wiring first. We usually hang upper cabinets with 2-1/2” screws (3/4” of cabinet, 1/2” of drywall, and 1-1/4” in the stud). Plenty of strength as long as it’s tight.
You are correct 2.5s are the way to go. I've hit wires before, no fun.
Never thought of this. Thanks for the tip.
Or use a finder and common sense.
@@garypierce7380 you're the type of guy who uses a meat thermometer. That's your "common sense". Laughable.
Do I need to “pre drill” holes though the wood?
Variation on the theme: you can use shorter boards, as long as you can hit ONE stud. Secure the board to the stud with TWO screws, vertically spaced (and maybe use a 3" W board). Secure the two ends of the board into drywall, using DW anchors. The end anchors just keep the mounting board tight to the wall, but allow the stud screws to take the load. Works like a charm.
It depends how heavy the things you want to mount to the ends of the board are, but yes, that would work in many cases.
This is a Stellar Mounting Tip been doing this for decades
You have a pleasant and relaxed style and take your time to teach. RUclips is fortunate to have you on board and so am I. I've learned a lot from you.
I can see this being an excellent PBS or network half hour show on the weekends! Give it a thumbs up if you agree!
Love it
Currently, the garage floor is my mounting plate. Its surface area is unmatched. My failure to master levitation is the only thing keeping me from the vast and endless expanse of storage.
Haha 😆
Gravity is a cruel master
Use the Force Kid!
I was once told that women see the floor as a surface to keep clean, but men see it as the largest shelf space in the world.
We can't have the same garage, Can we ?
You videos and explanations are among the best I've seen for instructional videos. I love and appreciate the time you take to make them and to make them so dang relatable and not talk down. I think I'm beyond a general DYI person, but hella not a carpenter. So, I do make sure I watch all your stuff for constant improvement. Fantastic work and thank you.
We used this concept to mount safe handrails in an older manufactured home for my aging mom. Works fantastic and doesn’t budge when using the rails. I love your raised cat bed idea! I have ideas for many things after watching this video-even though we did the handrails years ago. Thanks!
I have been using mounting plates throughout my home for years. I find it an attractive method of acquiring solid support. I have also used them extensively at the recreation facilities I operate, especially at the Ice Rinks where an angry hockey player can be very hard on the racks and benches etc. They are an extremely practical method for supporting the benches that need to be swept under after each group as it eliminates the legs which would otherwise have to be swept around making the task more difficult and time consuming. While I have at times used anchors, it has always been a secondary option, and only for light weight needs.
Used this method in a store stock room mounting 1x4s every 12 inches going up the wall to hang shelf tracks. District Manager liked it enough to send us around to the rest of his stores where it was needed.
“Not always a stud in the right place”. No truer words ever spoken.
Evelyn Saungikar 🤣🤣
Evelyn Saungikar 🤣🤣🤣🤣
LOTS of alternatives.
Now there is a Franchise “The Honest Stud” !!!! 😂😂😂😂😂
So very true! Lol
I've used this concept many times, very helpful! There is a row of 6 extra dining room chairs stored high up on our garage wall using this idea. Keep the legs pointing upward for better use of space, too.
I find every one of your videos essential lessons I wish I’d had years ago! I have so many questions about SCREWS. So many - so many ways to choose the wrong ones! I’d love you to make a video on just the world of screws and their uses!
I just now (March 8, 2022) found this video. About two weeks ago we went from stackables to side by side washer/dryer and I wanted to hang shelves above the washer. I used this method after several failed attempts to hand them with anchors. It worked great and saved me a drive into the nearest hardware store (about 40 miles) by using plywood scraps already on hand. Great video
Great Video, I have been doing this since I hung my first mirror 52 years ago. Over the years I was amazed that friends of mine never thought of this. As a lot of people have not. As for the plastic anchors, 9 years ago my daughter had her bathroom remodeled and they installed all racks with them. Towel rack loose the first day, I called the contractor and told him he should be ashamed to have done it that way. Back the next day to do it the correct way. Back to your video, for sure anyone watching it said to themselves wow what a great idea. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Elliot shapiro
I use this same technique except I also cut out the section of drywall where the mounting board goes so it doesn't stick so far out of the wall. Sometimes I even use a board that is the same thickness as the drywall so I can incorporate the finish on it. Love your awesome videos THC.
That’s a cool idea! Can you post a video of how you do this? Do you use something like the DeWalt Multi Tool to do the cutout?
Technodazed, that sounds like a really good idea also but when you use a board that is only as thick as the drywall, are you still able to use a long screw to hold up whatever you are hanging?
What do you do with the joint? I suppose you could tack some tear away bead and mud it but who wants to bust out mudding tools to hang a shelf lol
I'd worry about the ends flexing out and not being flush with the wall over time. Unless you take the ends to studs I guess, but then you orolly want up with a much larger ledger than you need, might look funny
@@MrChristian that's what I would use if that's what I was gonna do
@@eymyjp you'd be able to use any screw under 4", as long as it's threaded all the way up
I've just came from Europe, and everything is new for me. Thank you so much for countless tips and tricks
You've definitely come to the right place.
Thank you so much for this helpful tip. I never knew why my dad always had these planks of wood to hang stuff until you explained it in this video - English wasn’t my dad’s first language, so he never quite explained it well. You just saved me from making catastrophes on my walls because I was looking for more information and tutorials before I put a guitar mount on my wall.
Great video. I used this technique years ago when I needed to anchor a tall entertainment center with cabinets on either side. 2x4 screws into studs, furniture screws into 2x4, and the job is done without having to care about where the the studs are. 💯
I'm planning to put up some floating shelves in a corner of a bedroom. Had a hard time understanding how to mount them if not on an abundance of horizontal studs. Thanks for this lesson - I realize now I can bridge them between vertical studs.
I use this option often. It is good you post this to help others have alternatives for their projects .
I own an old house and the previous owner used these mounting plate. Until I saw the video I didn't understand why the owner was doing. Thanks for a practical application and explanation. 🔨
My house had jars hanging from the sealing above the workbench when we moved in. Turns out they are used to storage screws and whatnot. interesting
I've been doing this for years. I DO hate wall anchors. I also love listening to you talk, you're very articulate. Great vids.
I'm on disability I have hip back knee problems but I came across your video and I was so lucky because the night before my curtains fell because they were not anchored properly due to me just hanging them however I felt like it well saw your video and now I'm doing it and it working perfect thank you so much I would have never thought of this idea you're the best and now I am a member of your team
I love you! I've been trying to figure out how to add shelves to my kitchen. We have plaster walls and mounting plates will make this so much easier!
Mounting boards and cleats are awesome. I've used them many projects (mounting pegboard to allow a gap for hooks, basement/garage storage shelves, etc.). I've also used one on the ceiling for a laundry crane (like a chute but works both ways) that's in a spare bedroom closet located above the basement laundry room to allow for raising and lowering a laundry cart using a garage-rafter bicycle hoist through a cutout in the floor.
Sounds super cool! Is a "garage rafter bicycle hoist" a thing, or are you just saying you hung it from the garage rafters?
Great tip, especially for IKEA buyers where everything seems spaced for European stud spacing.
I did this 3 years ago when I wanted a retractable air hose reel with 50' of hose mounted to the interior finished wall of my garage. I used 4"x 1/2" lags to hold a 3/4" plywood mounting board across 3 studs, with the reel mounted on it. The trickiest part (after triple checking I was dead center on the studs) was the reel needed to be mounted to the board before mounting to the wall. IIRC I used 1-1/2" shoulder bolts pushed in from the rear to mount the reel. Built a prop to hold it in place and screwed it home. It's been in nearly daily use since then and still stuck like glue to the wall.
A lot of European houses have walls made from bricks or similar material, so there is no need to search for studs etc. Maybe that's why you have the issue with Ikea furniture.
@@jankoodziej877 Thanks! I had no idea that was the case.
You have done a wonderful job describing the problem and solution to those of us who did not know. Many blessings to you, sir.
Mounting plates have changed my life. I’m hanging a gun rack with 8 handguns on it and it never would have stayed without mounting plates. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Please keep the information coming.
thank you for the tip sensei!
We use anchors and even drywall anchors way more in Europe because a) most of our walls are concrete or bricks and b) when we have drywalls, the studs are usually metallic which does not make them easy to screw something in...
Great video. I would just mention a couple things, if one has the luxury of a new build wall, with some good planning ahead of time, plywood blocking can be put between the studs and drywalled over, for a very clean look. Also, French cleats are great, as you showed. I used a long one to span 4-5 studs to hang a massive mirror. Makes hanging of heavy objects much easier and safer than hooks.
This should almost be standard to have a standard established height for people to hang items from. Without having to fish for studs
Backing all the way. Most people aren't doing new builds though
@@MrChristian not to gold plate stuff too much and drive cost/material use up, but I agree, in certain rooms (e.g., "man cave") and at certain heights, why not just proactively install backing?
Wow, thanks...great idea! I'm constantly trying to get stuff off the floor and garage space is always limited no matter how big your garage is. I think this mounting plate idea just help me to have more space by hanging items up in the garage!
I know I'm 3 years late in seeing this but I started using this method about 2 weeks ago when what I wanted to hang in my garage didn't line up with the studs. Good to know professionals are doing this!
I have been doing this for years, mounting a flat screen TV, Vacuum hose rack, shelves, and so much more. It is a tip that needs more exposure, so thanks for doing that.
You have just completely solved my floating desk problem.
Thank you , thank you, thank you! My husband is in love with anchors. I am going to show him your video.
What a great idea, thank you! I was just about to buy a rack to hold long handled stuff in my garage that you built with scrap. I have scrap, all I need is hooks! Brilliant!
I’ve been using mounting plates and French Cleats for years..good that you have made a video for those people that haven’t used them before.
This video immediately answered questions I had about screw size necessary and introduced a better concept for hanging shelves that may not have access to enough studs. I feel like I can confidently plan out the wall space using mounting plates now! 👏
Thank you soo much. I have a project I’ve been looking at for literally years. Now I can complete it. Yea!!!!!
Great ideas. Since you're talking garages in particular, though this trick can be used anywhere you can make it work, would be informative to also mention to DIYers that if you have access to backside in some way-wall or ceiling- then adding a support behind drywall can be a good option. I did this to hang bikes from my garage ceiling. I had access to joists above and just added/affixed a portion of 2x4 between them where I needed it, then fastened the bike pulley system to that portion of 2x4 from finished drywall side.
I have considered creating wall storage or shelving by mounting plastic crates or wooden crates, but I thought it might be better to mount everything to a plywood sheet or sheets and then mount the sheets to the wall (Into the studs) which would result in less holes being drilled and less screws or nails being driven into the wall. That way the "shelving" can be removed and the wall easily fixed and painted if we move.
I needed a dose of the Honest Carpenter! I just got a $600 quote for installing a WINDO A/C UNIT!!! It is heavy, about 100 pounds, but $600? So glad I can watch your videos and restore my faith in honest, skillful people. Thank you!
I am so happy that RUclips found me for your videos. You've been a lifesaver. Thank you for making it so easy.
Using a 3" deck screw could go through electrical and plumbing. Electrical and plumbing lines only have to be 1 1/4" from the face of the stud to not require a protection plate and a 3" screw, can penetrate 1 3/4" into the stud through a 1x4 and 1/2" drywall (3/4+1/2+1 3/4 = 3"). Instead, use a 2 1/2" screw (1 1/4" penetration) and you will reduce your chance of hitting anything (someone could still have placed the electrical/plumbing closer than the 1 1/4" required by code).
My first thought when that 3" went in. Home DIYers, try to only use screws that are just long enough. Plus longer screws don't necessarily offer more shear strength.
You should see what homeowners can do with a 3" heavy framing screw and a hammer driver... trying to hang a mirror.
The flat panel TV mounting kits always crack me up, driving a 3/8" x 4" lag to hang a 20 lb TV is not a good idea 😅
@@leolee6493 Nails have more shear strength than screws.
@@gonesideways6621 That's generally true. But how is that relevant to the discussion of length of screws?
I use 3/4" finish plywood to mount tv's all the time. I cut the plywood slightly smaller than the size of the tv and attach the tv mounting bracket with carriage bolts. I then have much more freedom to attach the plate to studs. The really nice thing is in the future, the tv can be replaced or moved without having to do extensive drywall repairs.
I fabricate and use very thin stainless steel sheet metal "French cleats". Makes TV totally flush, with only 2 or 3 screw holes when removed.
@@Bob_Adkins with the french cleat, how does the tv extend from the wall and rotate side to side and pivot up and down?
@@briancrisler6660 I Don't need to swivel or extend. I have used them, but nobody ever used the feature, so I use a stationary cleat now.
I used this method to install a handicapped hand grab in a bathroom. Cut and painted a length of 2 x 4 to fit the narrow wall space, attached it to the underlying studs, then attached the hand grab to the 2 x 4.
What kind of wood did you use?
@@tomyang5991 As I said, just a piece of 2 x 4, so whatever those are made of. Pine, I presume.
@@whiteknightcat probably Douglas fir.
@Malik Alejandro Why would I need to hack your girlfriend's Instagram account?
@@whiteknightcat , it's some kind of Spam or hacking attack, and it's *all over RUclips*, it's seemingly everywhere all at once. Just report it, like I did.
Love your programs.
I used mounting plates for all my art.
I have an old mfg home with paneling walls. Mounting plates took out the worry of hanging everything here! Game changer.
We have used these in a variety of ways, but it is always helpful to have the “why” for our choices.
The original builder of our house only used drywall anchors on all our closet shelving (those metal grill types). One by one they all eventually became overweighted and came crashing down. So I started doing the exact thing you mention here using 1x4s across all the studs. Not a problem since. I tried to convince the wife to let me change out the metal shelving with wood but I was outvoted 1 to 1. But this is backplate solution is 100% the way to go! USE THEM STUDS
Have coffee mugs hanging over the sink, and pegboards holding our pots and pans, all using this idea. Its easy, looks great, and your stuff wont fall off the walls!
At first I thought pegboard for pots and pans? it would look silly with all the holes. But you were so right. it does look good and much better than I thought.
After the shelving fell in our closet and ripped out drywall, my father-in-law taught me this technique. The shelving in the closet is going no where now!
Dude! You just summarized lots of construction problems into this simple trick. Thanks a lot.
Oh. My. God. I never thought to do this! We live in a “manufactured home” and it was built so horribly. It feels like you’ll bust a hole in the wall (literally feel it give a bit) just by bumping into it! We have so many screws that are just falling out because it’s in drywall and not a stud. We always look for a stud but like with our kitchen towel rack, one side is in a stud and the other isn’t so it’s just hanging on by a thread. I’m using this trick like TOMORROW!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Can use some fancier wood with finish inside for the look too. And i just realized I did this in my woodshop with french cleats
You've given me SO MANY IDEAS from this one video!! Thank you! Liked and subbed!!
Thanks, NU-B! 😄
I've incorporated the same concept of what you call "mounting plates" (with and without french cleats), but the screw-in type anchors work pretty well. In fact, there's been times even with spanning a couple of studs, I've had to use the anchors as well when the piece is longer. The hammer-in type of wall anchors are junk.
This is exactly the video I've been looking for. I'm doing built in shelves in a small bathroom closet and didn't want to use wall anchors for brackets, but was having a real heck of a time finding anyone to describe exactly how to install the supports, what screws to use, and whether or not I would still need to use anchors, if I'm able to span between two studs. THANK YOU!!
My friend built an addition onto his home for his numerous wall ornaments. After the addition was framed and the duct work, plumbing, and wires were roughed in, he sheeted all of the walls with 3/4 plywood first, and then dry walled over it. He never had to worry about anchor or stud locations. Kudos to him.
¾ inch plywood?.. numerous wall ornaments room/bomb shelter... perfect
I think the French cleat mounting is an incredible option. And if you can figure a way to hide it’s that more useful. Unfortunately for somethings especially in an older home not always an option but this has definitely opened my eyes to other options so thanks
I have a huge mirror that I hung with about a 4 foot French cleat. I got the idea from a closet system that hung cabinets from the top of the wall
@@fauxque5057 The French cleat was 4 feet??
We’ve done long French cleats for headboards. I’m thinking of doing it again.
Great info, I would have loved to see you incorporate this into mounting a big screen TV on the wall.
Or a toilet paper holder 😂
How do you hang a heavy mirror on dry wall over a sink
As a Bluegrass musician, I have a ton of instruments and this will be a great idea for hanging them on the wall.... Thanks....
I made some for my uncle’s church to hang guitars from
Thats not music
@@bpowwww Neither is cRAP.....
@@wsearp i agree
Why do u assume thats what my musical taste is lol?
I'm glad I saw this tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to drill and mount a 40" 1x7 stained pine plank for some heavy coat hooks. The problem is that my house was built around 1865 or so, and the studs are spaced somewhat irregularly, so the screw locations would not be very pleasingly distributed along the pine plank. With this scheme, I can screw a mounting plate to three studs, and screw the pine plank to that with symmetrically spaced screws. The pine is pretty wide, so the narrower scrap mounting plate will be invisible behind it. The gap between the pine and drywall might even be sorta' attractive. If not, I can always bridge it with some kind of trim.
Spot on! Just moved into a place that someone had tried the search and drill method for mounting a TV bracket. Looked like someone had taken a machine gun to the wall and they never did find a stud!! Perfect place to use a mounting plate, which is what I'm installing today. At least that long strafing run of holes will be covered up and the bulging sheetrock pressed back in toward the studs. Great vid and I would like to see the vid on those screw anchors/toggles as well.
Love it! I'm going to try it to mount a bathroom cabinet. I am really concerned about the support since it is going over the toilet.
The interior walls in my house have studs at 24" apart, so there is never a stud where you need it. I used a French cleat mounting plate to mount a tv stand, as well as for all the custom closet cabinets that I built.
24 inches apart is the so called modern building crap.
I call it cheap
Seriously 2x4s really aren't that expensive
I've not heard it called that but I've used that trick also for rentals in closets/utility areas to reduce how many holes I have to patch (2 holes to mount it, then a bunch of little ones) or when I have to span something I can't risk drilling into (e.g. a shelf below a breaker box where I expect lots of electrical wires behind the wall). Its a nice idea when you don't care about having the extra thickness and/or don't care about looking at it..but for something like a towel rack when you have to squeeze it between the light-switch and mirror its not practical though.
This is an awesome video! It gave me the idea on how to add more hanging options in the bathroom. We have a long wall that is perfect for a bunch of hooks and by taking a 1x2 I was able to get more hooks on the wall, I got 6 double hooks with enough room in between so when things are hanging they don’t touch each other. Super easy and I know they are not coming down; unlike the towel hangers that always ended up coming off no matter what sheet rock hanging thing I tried.
Thanks!
Omg this is fantastic. Thank you!!!
I live in a rental property and I’ve never had so many problems hanging anything. They must have used the cheapest drywall money can buy. Everything falls out of the wall- anchors, nails, screws, etc. I’ve used the same tactics as always, but here- no bueno!
I'm really glad to see that Brick found another gig after "The Middle" went off the air.
The character Brick Heck is played by Atticus Shaffer...the honest carpenter is Ethan Daniel James😉
😂😂🤣
I’ve used this model for years and I’m the last person that you probably want to ask for carpentry advise.
Man thought that was very helpful why anyone would give it a thumbs down goes to support my belief that there are just some people you can't please
Apparently you've met my ex. . . .
He click baited with a “Use this instead” and then just did the same old same old. Screw a chunk of wood against the wall. Duh.
There's a cpl reasons to thumbs down...like a mounting plate used for a tp dispenser is straight up ugly. And those anchors he kept showing are about the cheapest you can get. As a matter of fact, they looked like tile anchors, which you wouldn't use in drywall anyway.
You really are a talented Carpenter, a universal fix that's simple, inexpensive and can be used in a multitude of ways thank you for a great idea love your channel 👍
Sometimes you can use those long mirror mounting rails to span the studs. They allow the whole plate to slide or be removed.
I really like hardware like that, Chris. Nothing better than some engineered metal for strength 👍
That's one issue we never have with our all-brick, or even concrete, houses in Belgium. Wall anchors are plenty strong when used in a brick.
But we do have other issues though. Enlarging a room is a very big job, and any cabling that has been put in the wall is to remain there forever.
@GP I believe the pipes are buried in the wall during construction. It's like a cleaner look.
Yes, you run conduits (plastic tubing) in walls. So you can pull wires through
I was thinking of trying his for towel racks. Why are towel racks 12", 18", 24" in length in a 16" on center stud world.
I looked high and low for towel rack that would hit the studs. They just don't make them
This is a neat idea. I’ve used them for coat racks and tool hangings, but never thought of them as a substitute for wall anchors. I have a toilet paper holder that is in a stud on one end but the drywall anchored end has indented the drywall slightly due to the structural nothingness behind it. A simple “trim” plate mounted to the stud would shift the holder over 3” while giving it an incredible amount of stability. Thanks for the idea! 👍
Glad you showed the magnet use for finding the hidden screw or nails. I then pre drill to check the stud is there which is going to get covered anyway. Hope viewers pick up on this one as it's a game changer.
Any tips on making sure you don't hit electrical within the stud when using 3 inch screws?
Also consider using steel plate. 1/8" x 2" will hold just about anything. Plus it is a lot thinner.
yep, or even a steel z-clip style plate -- very thin and can be easily and invisibly mounted on the back of many objects
How do you mount to the steel plate after? Pretty much any screw or bolt will have to go through the plate as well as the drywall behind it then since it's so thin? They didn't really address this either with the wood mounting plate in the video. I suppose in that case you can use screws that won't penetrate the 3/4" mounting board.
It might be better to use more screws of shorter length to hold your mounting plate. Screws that long may hit electrical wires , water pipes drain pipes etc if you don't know what's in the wall.
No.
@@adamjames1375 he's right.
The stud is 3-4 inches thick in the direction that you’re screwing into. The length of the screws he used in the video are not an issue. Also take into account the thickness of the mounting plate + the drywall. Definitely fine
@@fty-ys4ni have to remember there may be water or electrical lines in the wall, best case in the middle, often hot however. No need for longer screws using anchors, just a matter of time till a line is hit.
Yep, this works been doing it for years. Last one was to hang 12 feet of curtains over bedroom walls. I used a 12 foot cedar deck board to span the distance, then any place is good to support the tubing mounts and center support for the room darkening curtains. I painted the board the same color as the wall so it's not out of place. Do the same for towel racks with a piece of oak backer. Stain or paint to match the decor, this makes for a very strong towel rack.
I was so excited by the intro. I thought, finally! Here's an answer to my problem! Then you mentioned studs and told me something that I already knew. I also like what you're talking about for peg boards (one day I will have a peg board, and it will be glorious). However, my struggle this week is trying to install a closet clothing rod (for a massive amount of heavy clothing and junk and stuff AND shelf for more odds and ends BUT fun fact: minimal to no studs and shallow drywall. The outside of the wall to where a nail STOPS (most likely a metal firewall) is around .5". Hurray for townhome living. I'm so flipping frustrated. Open to *helpful* suggestions... while I continue my search
Use this all the time, ive gotten into painting/routing/staining the wood for look. Good stuff.
hey ive used this method many times, im glad someone shared it lol.
very neat ..
I'll have to incorporate that hack
on one of my diy projects
thx much honest carpenter
Thanks for sharing this clear and straight-to-the-point video. It just upped my hanging game. Plus, I can go back and watch it whenever needed as a guide.
I’m ahead of you on this idea. Have been using it for over 30 years. Getting fancier by the year, to which now they look like high-end custom built-ins/add-ons. Great to see we think alike. 👍🥳
When I mounted my big screen TVs that is exactly what I did. I mounted a piece of 3/4 in plywood to the wall with 3” screws. Then I mounted the bracket to the plywood. I have seen too many stories of people spending huge bucks on large screen tv and mount them with the drywall anchors that come with mount. They get it all mounted and then a couple days later they come home to find their new TV all smashed on the floor because the anchors failed. It’s the only way I will ever mount a large screen tv.
Keith Longley i
I use long plate mounts, which with a dozen drywall screws holds real good
Oh my god, I rented a newly renovated home and was wondering why my wall mounted bathroom cabinets and my closet suddenly just fell off this week
it fell off cause someone doesnt know how to hang cabinets
Pipes and conductors could be located within 1 1/2" of the surface of studs, so limit your screw length to 2 1/2", to penetrate the gypsum, french cleat and stud, but not wiring or plumbing.
Thanks. French cleats, so nice.
Great presentation. Since I do a lot of work starting with bare studs, I do what is called blocking. Same concept just between the studs. I then take a picture of each area of blocking with measurements to the bottom and top of the block from the floor and stud markings everywhere. This makes it so easy to come back later to add whatever you’re hanging, toilet roll holder, coat hooks, shower head slide rod, heavy anything, say a chin up bar.
As someone just getting into woodworking this is the kind of content I need. Thanks for sharing.