Hey There! It's Cliff Petit - Let's Talk Wall Anchors for Bookcases
Hey everyone, Cliff Petit here! Inventor of the Space-Plug. I wanted to chat with you about something really important but often overlooked—anchoring your bookcases. If you've got kids, pets, or even if you're just a bit clumsy like me, securing those tall, heavy bookcases is a must. Let's dive into why this is crucial and how my favourite little invention, the Space-Plug Adjustable Spacer Fixing, can make the whole process a breeze.
Why Bother with Wall Anchors?
Safety First
Alright, let's get real—an unsecured bookcase is an accident waiting to happen. Kids love to climb, pets love to jump, and even an accidental bump can send your bookcase toppling over. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has loads of scary stats on injuries caused by furniture tip-overs. Anchoring your bookcases is one simple step to prevent these accidents and keep everyone safe.
Unsecured bookcases can pose significant hazards in a home. For example, a child might climb up a bookcase to reach something on a higher shelf, not realizing the danger. If the bookcase isn't anchored, it can tip over, leading to serious injury or worse (let's not even imagine!). Similarly, a playful pet could knock against an unstable bookcase, causing it to fall. These scenarios might sound extreme, but they happen more often than you might think. Properly securing your furniture is a straightforward way to ensure such incidents don't occur in your home.
Legal and Insurance Stuff
In some places, anchoring heavy furniture is more than just good practice; it's the law. Plus, your insurance might require it. So, not only are you keeping your loved ones safe, but you're also covering your bases legally and financially.
There are regions where building codes or regulations mandate the anchoring of heavy furniture. This is especially common in areas prone to earthquakes, where securing furniture can prevent injuries during seismic activity. Even if it's not legally required, insurance companies might have stipulations regarding furniture anchoring to minimize the risk of injury claims. By anchoring your bookcases, you're not only making your home safer but also ensuring you're in compliance with any legal or insurance requirements.
Protecting Your Treasures
Beyond the safety aspect, think about all the stuff on your bookcases—books, family photos, maybe even some electronics. Anchoring your bookcase helps ensure that all your precious items stay put and don’t end up in a pile on the floor.
Bookcases are often filled with valuable or sentimental items. A sudden tip-over can lead to broken heirlooms, damaged electronics, and torn books. Anchoring your bookcases helps to preserve these items by keeping them securely in place. It's not just about preventing a mess—it's about protecting the things you care about.
What’s Space-Plug Adjustable Spacer Fixing Wall Anchors?
So, I created the Space-Plug to make this whole anchoring thing easier and more foolproof. It’s an adjustable spacer fixing that helps you secure furniture to walls without the hassle. Let me tell you why it is so popular!
Space-Plug is designed to address the common issues people face when anchoring furniture. It provides a simple, effective solution that works in a variety of situations. Space-Plug can help you get the job done quickly and securely.
Cool Features
- Adjustability: You can expand or shrink the size of the Space-Plug, so you can tweak it to get the perfect fit between your bookcase and the wall over obstacles like skirting boards.
- Easy to Use: No need to be a DIY pro. If you can handle a drill and screwdriver, you’re good to go.
- Versatile: Works on all kinds of walls and furniture - but please note your furniture has to have a solid back, none of the flimsy chipboard. No matter what wall anchor you chose, it is only as strong as what you are fixing it to!
- Durable: Made from top-notch materials, it’s built to last.
The adjustability of Space-Plug is one of its key features. Traditional wall anchors can be tricky to position perfectly, but with Space-Plug, you can make fine adjustments to ensure a snug fit, anywhere on the back of the furniture. This makes the installation process much simpler and more precise.
Why Space-Plug should be your choice as a wall anchor for your Bookcase
Safety Upgrade
With Space-Plug, your bookcases are rock solid. Even if your bookcase is loaded up or gets a good shake, it’s staying put. Peace of mind, folks!
Space-Plug offers a secure and reliable wall anchoring solution. Once installed, it provides a strong connection between your bookcase and the wall, significantly reducing the risk of tip-overs. This is especially important in households with young children or pets, where safety is a top priority.
Super Simple Install
Traditional anchors can be a pain, right? Space-Plug makes it so much easier. You can adjust it to get the perfect fit, so there’s no more guesswork or multiple trips to the hardware store.
Installing Space-Plug is straightforward and hassle-free. You don't need any special tools or advanced DIY skills to get the job done. The adjustability feature means you can achieve a perfect fit without having to measure and re-measure multiple times.
Looks Good
We’ve all seen those ugly, messy anchor jobs. Not with Space-Plug. It keeps everything neat and tidy, so your bookcases still look great.
A neat installation is another advantage of using Space-Plug. Traditional anchors can sometimes leave visible marks or require unsightly patches. Space-Plug is designed to blend in seamlessly, so your bookcase looks good from every angle.
Works Everywhere
Whether you’ve got drywall, plaster, or masonry, Space-Plug can handle it. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of wall anchors.
The versatility of Space-Plug makes it a go-to solution for a wide range of applications. No matter what type of walls you have, Space-Plug can provide a secure and reliable anchoring solution. This means you can use it throughout your home, office, or any other space where you need to anchor furniture - not just bookcases.
How to Use Space-Plug to Anchor Your Bookcase
What You’ll Need
- x2 Space-Plug Adjustable Spacer Fixings Wall Anchors
- x2 Long Screws
- x2 Wall Plugs
- Drill and Drill bit 6 x 200mm
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Pencil or marker
Please note the Space-Plug is only viable for solid backed furniture.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Empty Your Bookcase: Get everything off the shelves so it’s easier to move around.
- Position Your Bookcase: Place it where you want it and make sure it’s level.
- Mark Your Spots: Use a pencil to mark where you’ll be anchoring the bookcase to the wall, preferable near the top of the bookcase
- Install Wall Anchors: Drill through the solid back of your furniture and into the wall in one go. Insert the correct wall plug which is appropriate to your wall and chosen screw type (if unsure ask a professional)
- Attach Space-Plug: Place the Space-Plug in the gap, so one end covers the hole in the back of the bookcase and the other in the wall.
- Secure to the Wall: Adjust the Space-Plug (by turning the two parts of the Space-Plug) accordingly to create a snug tight fit between the bookcase and wall. Take your long screw, and screw it into the back of the bookcase, through the pre-drilled hole, through the Space-Plug and into the wall plug in the wall. This then tightens it all up and secures the bookcase to the wall.
- Final Check: Make sure everything’s level and tight.
Let's dive into each step a bit more to ensure you get the best possible result.
Step 1: Empty Your Bookcase
Before you start, it's important to remove all items from your bookcase. This makes it easier to move the bookcase and reduces the risk of damage to your belongings. Plus, an empty bookcase is lighter and safer to handle.
Step 2: Position Your Bookcase
Place the bookcase in its desired location. Use a level to ensure that it's standing straight. This is crucial because an uneven bookcase can put extra strain on the anchors and increase the risk of tipping. Take your time to adjust the position until you're satisfied that it's perfectly level.
Step 3: Drill Once
With the bookcase in position, drill through the back of the bookcase and then continue into the wall. (Ensure the wall is safe to drill into first, you don't want to drill into pipes or electric cables)
Step 4: Insert Wall Plugs Into The Wall
Choose the appropriate wall plugs for your wall type. If you're not sure which ones to use, consult with a hardware store expert. Insert the wall plugs into the holes and ensure they're flush with the wall surface.
Step 5: Insert the Space-Plug
The Space-Plug is like those adjustable feet you get on the bottom of kitchen cabinets. The gap between the wall the back of the bookcase is where you need to place the Space-Plug and over the holes you have previously drilled. Unwind the Space-Plug to make it the correct size to fill the gap. Screw your long screw through the hole in the bookcase, through the centre of the Space-Plug and then into the wall until tight. The wall anchor is now secure.
Step 6: Final Check
After securing the bookcase, make a final check to ensure it's level and securely anchored. Give it a gentle shake to make sure it doesn't move. If everything feels solid, you're done! If not, make any necessary adjustments to ensure a secure fit.
Keep It Safe
After you’ve anchored your bookcase, do a quick check every now and then to make sure everything’s still secure. Spread the weight evenly on the shelves, and remind the kids not to climb or hang on the furniture.
Tips for a Perfect Installation
Take Your Time
Rushing through the installation process can lead to mistakes. Take your time to measure and mark accurately, and double-check your work at each step. A little extra effort upfront can save you from having to redo the job later. If you unsure about anything consult with an expert or someone that has experience.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools can make the job much easier. Make sure you have a good quality drill, screwdriver, and level. If you don't have these tools, consider borrowing or renting them. Having the right tools on hand can make a big difference in the quality of your installation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Level
One common mistake is skipping the step of leveling the bookcase. An unlevel bookcase can put extra strain on the anchors and increase the risk of tipping. Always use a level to ensure your bookcase is standing straight before you start drilling.
Using the Wrong Wall Plugs
Using the wrong type of wall plugs can result in a weak and unstable installation. Make sure you choose the right wall plugs for your wall type and the weight of your bookcase. If you're not sure which plugs to use, consult with a hardware store expert or employ a professional handy person or a relative that knows!
Overloading the Shelves
Even with a securely anchored bookcase, overloading the shelves can put extra strain on the anchors and increase the risk of tipping. Distribute the weight evenly across the shelves and avoid placing heavy items on the top shelves.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Using Multiple Space-Plugs
For larger or heavier bookcases, consider using multiple Space-Plugs for added stability. Placing an additional Space-Plug near the middle of the bookcase can provide extra support and reduce the risk of tipping.
Securing Multiple Bookcases
If you have multiple bookcases lined up against the same wall, consider securing them together for added stability. This can create a more stable and cohesive setup, reducing the risk of individual bookcases tipping over.
Regular Maintenance
After the initial installation, it's important to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure everything remains secure. Check the anchors and Space-Plugs periodically to make sure they're still tight and in good condition. If you notice any signs of wear or loosening, make the necessary adjustments to ensure continued safety.
Testimonials
So easy, great invention
Excellent 2 bits of plastic, so simple to adjust and tightening screws doesn't de-form them.
Genius
It so simple and so useful. These guys got a really good brain. I love also the color and the quality. What a great product. Genius!!
Simple to use
These really are a simple but excellent and useful product for attaching floor units to a wall - particularly on uneven floors.
Space Saver!
Plugs the gap between bookcase and wall no problem. Its like an adjustable foot which you run a long screw through the middle and then tighten up to secure the fixture to the wall.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Anchoring your bookcases to the wall is a no-brainer, and using the Space-Plug Adjustable Spacer Fixing makes it easier than ever. Whether you’re protecting your family, your belongings, or just making sure everything looks neat and tidy, Space-Plug is the way to go. Give it a try you can buy from our online shop, and stay safe out there!
Catch you next time, Cliff.
