Okay, push your furniture against the wall where you want it. Now, look at the top back edge. There should be little metal loops or keyhole slots. If you don’t see them, check the instruction manual (yes, that paper you threw away). These are your “attach points.” Mark where they hit the wall using your pencil—make a tiny dot for each loop. That dot is your target.
But before you drill, use your stud finder. Run it over the dots. If it beeps, you’ve hit a stud—you lucky duck! You can screw directly into wood. If it’s silent, you’re in drywall territory. Don’t cry. We’re about to become drywall whisperers. Also, check if there’s a pipe or electrical wire behind the wall. Stud finders aren’t mind readers, so use common sense. No drilling into light switches, please. That’s a sparky time-out.
How To Secure Ikea Pax To Wall – OCWKIJ
The Stud Scenario (You Hit Gold)
If your dot is over a stud, drill a pilot hole (smaller than your screw) into the wood. Then, drive your screw into that hole. Leave the head sticking out about a quarter inch. That little nub is what your furniture’s loop will hook onto. Behold! You’ve created a mechanical marriage between wood and wall. It’s romantic, really. Now, gently lift your furniture and slide the loop over that screw head. Your piece should feel snug. Check with a level. If it’s crooked, you’ll need a second screw (and maybe a therapist).
The Drywall Scenario (You’re a Hero)
No stud? No problem. Use wall anchors. Drill a hole the size of your anchor (read the package—don’t guess). Push the anchor into the hole until it’s flush with the wall. Some you hammer in, some you twist like a lightbulb. Read the instructions, Einstein. Then, screw into that anchor. The anchor will expand behind the drywall, creating a death grip. Test it by tugging—if it comes out, you’ve angered the wall gods. Try again. Once it’s solid, hook your furniture on and level it.
