lisa who previously submitted this hack, sent me a link to her "how-to-install-a-floating-lack-shelf" instructions. it's not a hack, but i've decided to post it because it's just so useful."i bought the ikea lack shelf a few years ago and i was freaked when the box didn't come with the shelf hardware. i had no idea what to use to put it up securely. a search on the internet had not helped, there were loads of horror stories of shelves crashing in the middle of the night and precious belongings being ruined. so when i finally did take on the task, i decided i was going to document it so i could help someone else. here is that post on my blog, feel free to use it if you think it can help your readers."
thanks, lisa.
i guess this is good advice for someone who has *never* put up a shelf before, but the contents are pretty much common sense. If you're hanging a shelf, attach to as many studs as possible!
ReplyDeleteNot to mention that I must disagree with her advice to buy "cheaper" tools such as those made by Black & Decker. While B&D tools are adequate for completing such a project as this, if you spend twenty dollars more, you'll have a tool that will serve you in a far greater variety of projects. *NEVER* buy the cheapest tool to get the job done unless you plan on doing the job only once (and in those cases, go to harbor freight).
I do applaud her measure-twice cut-once process of setting up the shelf (using a cut-out, level, etc). Good job!
FWIW, we've never had problems with our Lack shelf.
Condensed version:
ReplyDelete1. Screw bracket to wall.
2. Screw shelf to bracket.
Not that hard, people.
I will SECOND what anonymous stated:..."if you spend twenty dollars more, you'll have a tool that will serve you in a far greater variety of projects. *NEVER* buy the cheapest tool to get the job done "
ReplyDeleteWould you buy a cheap computer just to get online- or would you purchase a "tool" (a computer is just a TOOL) that will be expandable- to met your current AND future needs.
Always get THE best tool you can- what ever the application.
Wow, tough crowd.
ReplyDeleteThis is from the lisa who wrote the piece on Shelter (not the one that posted earlier.)
Here's a tip which you might find useful. If you run a bead of Phenoseal around the entire Lack shelf to the wall it will become really secure once the Phenoseal dries.
ReplyDeleteThey really do have the brackets right below the shelves in the store.
ReplyDeleteWhat type of screws you need is not the same for all types of walls, just ask in you local hardware store.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know how to remove Lack shelves. It seems impossible.
ReplyDeleteEspecially when the screws are stripped from when you put them in!!!
Deletetook me forever- the piece that was screwed into the wall has arms that stick out into the shelf. there are screws that go through the bottom of the shelf into these arms. now if only i can get this wall bracket to come out.
ReplyDeletei bought some lack shelves at ikea and am now trying to increase the depth of the shelves to fit my space. I'm thinking of attaching 2X2 cleats to the wall first, then just attaching the lack shelves to the cleat, then using finished boards of the proper depth to cover the top. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone put up a Lack shelf on lath and plaster walls? Most of the posts I've read about installation refer to drywall or concrete. I have three of the long ones to go behind my sofa. Does anyone know what type of fasteners to use? The more I read online the more confused and nervous I become about embarking on this project! Thanks!
ReplyDeletePre-drill your holes or the plaster will crack.
DeleteAlso no one in this article has referred to the smaller width Lack Shelves. the 30 x 26 cm, version.
ReplyDeleteI am having trouble figuring out which screws to use; as the screw heads determine how loosely the shelf fits the wall. I was going with flat heads in as in the picture in the manual, but the shelf slopes down.
I am pretty sure my local tool shop guys are inept as the Ikea manuals, so would appreciate some hacker advice.
Hal
I've got the same problem with the small lack shelves. Should they come with a mounting bracket or not?
DeleteI know this is months and months later, but in case anyone in the future needs an answer to the question: if you look at the back of the 30 x 26 shelf, the hole for the mounting screw is wide on one end and narrows to a point on the other. Make sure you install the shelf with the narrow side up. Whatever kind of screws you use, make sure they fit in the wide part of the hole. Put your screws into the wall, mount the shelf and then give it a few whacks on the top back edge with a rubber hammer or the Ikea hammer with the plastic cap in the end. That will force the tops of the screws up into the narrow part of the mounting bracket and the shelf should feel locked to the wall. The whacking should move the shelf down about an inch so keep that in mind when you put the screws into the wall. The shelf should feel very solid, but if you decide to take it down or move it, just give it a few whacks on the bottom inside edge and that should unlock it by getting the tops of the screws back down to the wide part of the bracket and you should be able to lift the shelf right off the wall.
DeleteWarning - I just destroyed my wall trying to remove the Lack wall shelf I bought around 2006.
ReplyDeleteThe screws were easy enough to take out but they mounted inside the wall in little "tubes" (sorry,I'm no carpenter and don't know the correct term). These tubes have three prongs that spread out as the screw is inserted, acting as a brace. The only way to get the "tubes" out was to rip them out of the wall, which left gapping holes and broken drywall. A real mess. Why would Ikea design such a stupid means to secure this shelf to the wall?
Since I'm on the topic of Ikea, I would dissuade anyone from buying an inexpensive Ikea chest of drawers. The bottoms pop out and they invariably fall apart after a year or two.
Your comment is based on zero knowledge and experience.
DeleteThe "tubes" are Plastic Wall Anchors. They are not designed by Ikea, they are standard across the entire Construction industry.
Depending on the weight requirements of what you are hanging and the wall material you must use a specific type of Wall Anchor.
It's not stupid. It's assumed that you know the wall could be damaged by ripping it out. Not really relevant considering a hole will be there.
I have had to resort to cutting a hole in the wall and hammering flexible wood into the cavity for the shelves to get a good hold. it is still pretty difficult to get them perfectly level and aligned, I do not have any problems with the larger Lack shelves that come with the brackets. I don't know why for the love of god Ikea did not make such brackets for the small lack shelves as trying to get them level is nearly impossible, if they had brackets for them you could just make sure the brackets are level and to the wall then slot the shelves on and hey presto.
ReplyDelete