Installation in Drywall with Studs
Tools Needed
- An electric drill
- 3/16″ high speed or cobalt drill bit
- 1/8″ drill bit
- A level
- #10 x 1-1/2″ round head, pan head, or truss head sheet metal screws. We recommend sheet metal screws instead of wood screws, as they are threaded to the top of the screw giving them more fastening power.
- Screwdriver appropriate to the head of the screws
- Spacing blocks
Spacing blocks should be as high as the distance between the shelves, generally between 5-1/2″ or 6″ for O gauge.
Installation Steps
- Using the level, draw a line on the wall where you would like the bottom shelf to be located.
- Locate the studs along this line. Studs are usually located 16″ or 24″ apart on-center. Electrical outlets are generally attached to the side of a stud, which is the easiest way to locate one. They may also be found with an electronic stud finder.
- Mark the center of the studs and transfer the marks to the back of the shelf. If you are unsure whether you have correctly located the stud, you can gently tap in a small nail (e.g. a 16 gauge 1” brad nail) to ensure you encounter wood.
- Using the 3/16″ drill bit, drill clearance holes in the shelf from the back. Use the groove to locate the tip of the drill bit.
- Using the 1/8″ drill bit, drill pilot holes in the studs.
- Fasten your shelf with the #10 x 1-1/2″ long sheet metal screws, making sure the shelf is level.
- Once the bottom shelf is fastened, place the spacing blocks on the top of the rails, equal distance apart.
- Place the next shelf on top of the blocks and mark where each fastener hole is to be drilled.
- Remove the shelf, drill the holes in the shelf and in the studs, and attach the second shelf.
- Continue installing the shelving by using the spacing blocks until installation is complete.
Installation in Cinderblock Walls
Tools Needed
- An electric drill
- A level
- Spacing blocks
- 3/16″ high speed or cobalt drill bit
And one of the following:
- 3/16″ masonry drill bit
- #10 x 1-½” sheet metal screws
- Appropriate masonry anchors
- Screwdriver appropriate to the head of the screws
Or:
- 5/32″ masonry drill bit
- #10 x 1-½” masonry screws (e.g. Tapcon)
- Screwdriver or hex driver appropriate to the head of the screws
Installation Steps
- Using the level, draw a line on the cinderblock wall where you want the bottom shelf to be positioned.
- Using the 3/16″ high speed or cobalt drill bit, drill clearance holes in the shelf from the back. Use the groove to locate the tip of the drill bit.
- Mark the hole locations on the wall by aligning the shelf and marking through the mounting holes.
- If using Anchors: Use a 3/16” masonry drill bit to drill holes at the marked locations. Insert appropriate masonry anchors into the drilled holes.
- If using Masonry Screws: Drill to the depth specified by the masonry screws, usually ½” deeper than the length of screws.: Use a 5/32” masonry drill bit to drill holes at the marked locations. Note that the diameter of the hole will be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw.
- Faster your shelf to the wall using #10 screws, making sure the shelf is level.
- Place the spacing blocks on the top of the rails, equal distance apart.
- Position the next shelf on top of the blocks, mark the fastener hole locations, and remove the shelf.
- Drill the necessary holes in the shelf and into the cinderblock, insert masonry anchors, and secure the shelf with screws.
- Continue installing the shelving using spacing blocks until the installation is complete.
Use of Connecting Pins (Optional)
On walls where longer shelves are needed or uneven areas, you can use Railrax connecting pins (sold separately) to connect your shelves. Tap ends of pins open with a center punch or similar tool. Slide one end onto a rail and gently tap it with a hammer until the pin is all the way on the rail. Take the second shelf and locate the open end of the pin on the corresponding rail. Tap the pin halfway back until the two shelves meet, then fasten the shelf to the wall.
If your walls are uneven, place screws through washers where needed between the shelf and the wall until the shelving remains straight when the screws are tightened.