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Stop bookcase from falling

8 replies

kennyjenny · 05/12/2019 16:05

Just purchased a heavy bookcase, not had one before and suddenly realised it's probably not safe for a toddler who likes to climb. Any recommendations for a tool to fit on it to stop it from falling. My dh and I aren't great at diy. Thank you

OP posts:
Lightsabre · 05/12/2019 16:07

We have fixed a bracket to the wall on our bookcases.

thefluffysideofgrey · 05/12/2019 16:08

Two brackets from b&q will do. Screws and wall plugs to hold it to the wall. Just a screw for the bookcase.

Do you have a drill?

kennyjenny · 05/12/2019 16:15

Thank you. Will have a look at brackets. No not got a drill will need to buy one, do you know what size attachments we need to fit the wall plugs?

OP posts:
ArlenesWoodBurningStove · 05/12/2019 16:20

Normally when you buy a drill you buy a set of bits for it. These are in a range of sizes and have a number on the side. You buy rawl plugs in sizes also, so you just need to match them up.

Is the wall solid, or a stud wall? Does it sound hollow when you knock on it? If it does, it's a stud wall, and they need different screws for attaching anything. You'd need to look for fixings labelled as partition or stud walls.

ArlenesWoodBurningStove · 05/12/2019 16:21

Actually, I should have said, the number of the side of the plug will probably be 1 higher than the number on the side of the drill bit, as the drill bit has to fit inside the plug once it's in the wall.

PigletJohn · 05/12/2019 16:58

if you buy plasplugs in a block, you will find that the joining strip has samples holes in it, and embissed on the strip are drill and screw sizes.

To prevent purniture falling over when you climb on it, I'd use brown plugs and 40mm screws. They might be a bit excessive, but you want strength and safety.

if the wall is brick or block, you want masonry drillw, which are silver, with a nearly-square "point" which is tipped with a piece of tungsten carbide brazed on. They are usually silver.

If the wall is plasterboard on wooden studs, you need to find the studs (ask how) and you need to drill through the plasterboard into the stud with an HSS drill, usually black. No plug required for wood.

You need a hammer or combi drill (but not SDS unless you will be drilling into concrete quite often) .

For indoor DIY work a 12mm chuck, mains or cordless, will do. If cordless, get an 18volt one. Own-brand from Lidl or Wickes is fine. a big heavy drill is not what you want. Nor is a cordless drill/screwdriver, which is too weak. Some drills come in cases with a starter set of bits and drivers. Two batteries are very useful with cordless. Mains will be cheaper and more powerful.

this sort of thing

or this

will do for your first.

PigletJohn · 05/12/2019 17:01

see the holes?

kennyjenny · 05/12/2019 21:58

Right ok, you have both been so helpful thanks. I think it's a brick wall but will check when at the house (not living there atm).

@PigletJohn will get those plugs you have mentioned to make it extra secure.

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