Guide / Mounting
Hang anything into anything.
The matrix of “what fastener for what wall” decides whether your shelf is up for ten years or down in ten minutes. Here’s the short version.
You’ll need.
- Cordless drill (with masonry + wood + metal bits)
- Spirit level
- Pencil + measuring tape
- Appropriate anchors / screws (see chart below)
- Stud finder for drywall (optional but very useful)
Time: 10–30 minutes
From kit: Drill & Drive Kit (A-06) or Home Fix-It Kit (A-01)
The matrix.
| Wall type | Up to 5 kg | 5–20 kg | Over 20 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall (no stud) | Self-drilling drywall anchor | Toggle bolt (Molly bolt) | Find a stud — don’t trust drywall alone |
| Drywall (into stud) | 2.5″ wood screw direct | 3″ wood screw direct | Lag bolt with pre-drill |
| Plaster & lath | Plastic expansion anchor | Self-drilling metal anchor | Find a stud |
| Brick | Plastic plug + screw, masonry bit | Sleeve anchor | Wedge anchor / chemical anchor |
| Concrete | Plastic plug + screw, masonry bit + SDS | Sleeve anchor | Wedge anchor / chemical anchor |
| Tile | Tile bit through to substrate, then anchor based on wall behind | Same | Same |
Drilling rule of thumb.
- Wood + drywall: standard HSS bit, full speed
- Brick + concrete + tile: masonry bit, hammer mode on (if drill supports), medium speed
- Pre-drill diameter = anchor diameter (never the screw diameter — anchor needs room)
When in doubt
Test-load the anchor before trusting it with a heavy mirror, TV mount, or shelf. Hang a 5 kg gym weight from the anchor for 5 minutes — if it pulls out, you needed a larger anchor or a stud.