A Tragedy Not For The Weak Of Stomach (and a request for help)

[Wee67]

I knew you'd look anyway

I went into my toyroom this morning to find an entire shelf of boxed heroes had fallen off the wall!!!

There, on the ground were Superman, Tarzan, Catowman, Joker and several more. Mixed in with were shards of the of the acrylic cases that gave their lives, so these boxed figures could live.

The damage could have been much worse considering the shelf came down on my Wayne Foundation.

In all seriousness, though, does anyone know how I can fix this shelf? Its a simple set-up with plastic anchors put into a plaster dry wall. Screws are then put though holes in the shelf and into the anchors. 3 of the 4 anchors have come out of the wall, leaving holes that I assume can no longer be used. Its the top shelf in the upper left of this picture with boxes on it. It was difficult to put up as the wall actuall bulges a bit outward, denying a nice flat surface for the shelf. The other top shelf with carded figures is just flush against the one that fell.

[Riffster]

I would tink the anchor bolts that spring out would help, depending on how big the holes in the plaster are now

[Mod Style]

There is another type of anchor that spreads open like wings after it reaches the other side of the sheet rock.They work really well,and are much better than the plastic ones.They can't come out of the wall, unless they take a big chunk of sheet rock with them.I'm sure the hardware guy at Lowes, or Home Depot can help you find them.......Joe

[Mod Style]

Also; you might even be able to use the same holes.

[Tothiro]

[EDIT] What Mod said ^^ he's talking Toggle. (shut yo mouth) [END]

Molly Bolts can be kind of a pain to install, especially in damaged drywall - your best bet is a Toggle Bolt, as they would spread the load bearing over the widest area.


The absolute best thing would be to get a stud finder (cheap little box with a magnet in it) to help you locate and mark where the wall studs are, and then just drill directly into the wood behind the drywall for support wherever you can.

I hope there is a day in which no boxed WGSH has to die.

[Riffster]

that's what i was talking about

[Brazoo]

Wee67, Sorry to go off topic - are those portable typewriters in the bottom left corner?

[Wee67]

Thanks, guys. I have to be careful, too, because there is a brick wall not too far from the dry wall.

Wee67, Sorry to go off topic - are those portable typewriters in the bottom left corner?

No, they are old suitcases.

[Zemo]

Thanks, guys. I have to be careful, too, because there is a brick wall not too far from the dry wall.



No, they are old suitcases.

How far from the drywall? This might be a good thing.

[steelcouch]

If theres a brick wall close behind you could use a wedge anchor into the brick. I know fastenal makes an epoxy wedge anchor that can hold alot of weight. We use them at work to mount big electrical transformers to the walls of brick. It might be overkill but it wont ever fall again. Try using a stud finder and you can mount the shelves straight to the studs. I usually make my own holes on the shelves to accomidate for where the studs are at to insure they will never fall on there own.

[Wee67]

How far from the drywall? This might be a good thing.

Not really sure. I live in a pre-war building so I assume a wood frame was added against the brick and then the dry wall placed over the frame. I can check it out, but I'd assume about 4 inches.

[bgrimm77]

The anchors previously described should work fine and you might be able to re-use the same holes. Very nice collection and thank the stars above it didnt crumble the foundation!

[boss]

which war?

Not really sure. I live in a pre-war building so I assume a wood frame was added against the brick and then the dry wall placed over the frame. I can check it out, but I'd assume about 4 inches.

[megowgsh]

You want to fix the shelf? I mean really fix it? Buy another case! All fixed.

[Doc]

Lets give a moment of silence for those acrylic cases........