# What tools to install cookware rack on wall? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 30, 2011, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856 "2011-07-30T19:48:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![lazybratsche](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@lazybratsche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lazybratsche)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/21 "2011-08-02T16:05:30Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Once you get an idea where the stud is, you can drive a small finish nail through the drywall in a small line …xxxxx… that will tell you exactly where the stud is, and exactly where each edge is, so you can get the screw dead center. I would also pre-drill for the screw, so you don’t split the stud. You can find the center with a studfinder as well. Use it to find the edges, mark with a pencil, and then drill halfway between those marks. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/22 "2011-08-02T16:08:02Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > Of course, all the above assumes that you are in North America. Those of us in the rest of the world are regularly frustrated by talk of “drywall”, “studs” etc in DIY contexts, because our houses are generally built of brick and breeze-block. On the plus side, you can drill into the wall anywhere and get a solid fixing; on the downside, it can be hard to drill. Are the interior walls in houses in your area also build of brick and breeze-block? If so, how do you run electrical conduit, plumbing pipe and heating ducts? ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/23 "2011-08-03T04:38:05Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > The big key is “driven firmly”. You want to be sure you are driving the screw straight and in the center of the stud. > > Once you get an idea where the stud is, you can drive a small finish nail through the drywall in a small line …xxxxx… that will tell you exactly where the stud is, and exactly where each edge is, so you can get the screw dead center. I would also pre-drill for the screw, so you don’t split the stud. > > You may prefer to use a 1/4 inch lag bolt , probably 2" long, instead of a screw, pre drill with a 3/16 bit. The lag bolt has a hex head, so you can tighten it with a wrench or socket, instead of a screwdriver. Yes you can use a drill to drive a screw, but it’s easy to strip the head of a big screw if you’re not in a strong position, and not used to doing it. Excellent advice from Cheesesteak. You need to be as close to center as possible, on that center fastener. I would hazard to bet that the hole in the center support is probably not large enough to permit the use of a 1/4" lag bolt. Did the unit come with any fasteners? If it did, what kind and size are they? Colophon > [@](#): > > Of course, all the above assumes that you are in North America. Those of us in the rest of the world are regularly frustrated by talk of “drywall”, “studs” etc in DIY contexts, because our houses are generally built of brick and breeze-block. On the plus side, you can drill into the wall anywhere and get a solid fixing; on the downside, it can be hard to drill. What is a breeze-block? 😕 If I had to guess, I would say that you’re talking about a large masonry block, usually 6"-8" tall x 12"-16" wide x 6"-8" thick. It has two hollows that run vertically. (cinder block is what we Yank’s call it ;)) Am I correct? ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2011, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/24 "2011-08-04T00:54:02Z")
> [@JBDivmstr](#): > > What is a breeze-block? 😕 If I had to guess, I would say that you’re talking about a large masonry block, usually 6"-8" tall x 12"-16" wide x 6"-8" thick. It has two hollows that run vertically. (cinder block is what we Yank’s call it ;)) > Am I correct? Yes. The name is also sometimes applied to concrete blocks that don’t have the hollows. **Dewey Finn** , yes the interior walls here (UK) are often made of breeze block, although new-build houses do tend to use plasterboard (i.e. drywall) for many internal walls. In my house, built in the 1960s, the external walls are brick cavity construction (two one-brick thick walls separated by an air gap) and the interior ones are breeze block. They are then plastered and painted. To run cables and pipes, you chase out a channel in the brick using an angle grinder or similar tool, and then plaster over it. [Fun stuff.](http://i51.tinypic.com/2qkv7ky.jpg) NB the shoddy plastering wasn’t me, and it’s all hidden behind wall cabinets and/or tile anyway… 🙂 PS You can also see the hole for the cooker hood, showing the two layers of brick. That was fun to drill, too. ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/25 "2011-08-04T20:20:53Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > Yes. The name is also sometimes applied to concrete blocks that don’t have the hollows. > > **Dewey Finn** , yes the interior walls here (UK) are often made of breeze block, although new-build houses do tend to use plasterboard (i.e. drywall) for many internal walls. > > In my house, built in the 1960s, the external walls are brick cavity construction (two one-brick thick walls separated by an air gap) and the interior ones are breeze block. They are then plastered and painted. > > To run cables and pipes, you chase out a channel in the brick using an angle grinder or similar tool, and then plaster over it. [Fun stuff.](http://i51.tinypic.com/2qkv7ky.jpg) NB the shoddy plastering wasn’t me, and it’s all hidden behind wall cabinets and/or tile anyway… 🙂 > > PS You can also see the hole for the cooker hood, showing the two layers of brick. That was fun to drill, too. Out of curiosity, why is it called breeze-block? They don’t lay the block on it’s side so the breeze will blow thru the holes, _ **do they** _? 😕 ;)😛 Looks like you had _tons of fun_! :eek: How did you make the hole for the vent pipe? 😕 Looks like it was made with a hole saw or coring machine. ---
**Author:** ![UncleFred](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f0a364/32.png) [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2011, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/26 "2011-08-04T20:30:41Z")
Just in case Mr. Murphy is at work…are we sure that his wall isn’t tiled? A bit more difficult if so. (I know people with at least one kitchen wall partially or fully tiled.) ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/27 "2011-08-04T20:44:14Z")
> [@UncleFred](#): > > Just in case Mr. Murphy is at work…are we sure that his wall isn’t tiled? A bit more difficult if so. (I know people with at least one kitchen wall partially or fully tiled.) Kind of curious myself. 😃 Hopefully, No Wiki Cites will check back in and give us an update on how the job went. 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/28 "2011-08-06T10:39:41Z")
> [@JBDivmstr](#): > > Out of curiosity, why is it called breeze-block? They don’t lay the block on it’s side so the breeze will blow thru the holes, _ **do they** _? 😕 ;)😛 “Breeze” is apparently an olde-timey word for “ash”, so it’s the same reason they’re called “cinder blocks”. > [@](#): > > Looks like you had _tons of fun_! :eek: > How did you make the hole for the vent pipe? 😕 > Looks like it was made with a hole saw or coring machine. To be fair, I didn’t do all the chasing out for the new cabling, I let an electrician do that part, but I did drill the hole for the vent. I used an SDS drill with a diamond core bit. It took almost an hour of drilling, above head height, and those drills are heavy. Fortunately I had a friend helping out so we took it in turns to drill so our arms didn’t fall off. It looks like [this](http://i54.tinypic.com/fc5y5w.jpg) now. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/29 "2011-08-06T10:46:49Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > “Breeze” is apparently an olde-timey word for “ash”, so it’s the same reason they’re called “cinder blocks”. > To be fair, I didn’t do all the chasing out for the new cabling, I let an electrician do that part, but I did drill the hole for the vent. I used an SDS drill with a diamond core bit. It took almost an hour of drilling, above head height, and those drills are heavy. Fortunately I had a friend helping out so we took it in turns to drill so our arms didn’t fall off. > > It looks like [this](http://i54.tinypic.com/fc5y5w.jpg) now. 🙂 Looks good, Colophon! 🆒 Especially the tile backsplash. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/94ad74/32.png) [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2011, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/30 "2011-08-10T02:05:55Z")
UPDATE: The rack arrived, but the instructions specify that the side two bolts should be in the stud, and the top center one should be in the drywall with an anchor. Ignore? ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2011, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/31 "2011-08-11T18:43:14Z")
> [@JBDivmstr](#): > > Absolutely **positive**. > Look at the picture that was provided as an example. The forces exerted on the two fasteners on the bottom part will primarily, be downward. > The forces exerted on the single fastener at the top center will be outward, away (and down, to a much lesser degree) from the wall. > _ **That’s** _ where you’re going to need a strong fastening point. > > I would trust a large wood screw, driven firmly into a stud, over _ **any** _ type of Molly bolt or toggle bolt. (For that particular application.) > > FWIW, I _ **am** _ a Commercial carpenter and General Contractor, with 30+ years of experience. 😉 I’ve been mulling over this for a while. Looking at [this three-quarter view](http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14146296) of the same sort of rack, which gave me a better idea of how the top strap was attached, it seems like the manufacturer’s instruction to attach to studs through the side holes would provide more overall strength and durability. My reasoning: the top strap appears only intended to prevent the outermost curve of the apparatus from sagging, rather than being a primary support feature. It doesn’t appear that it would be called on to bear much weight unless the integrity of the entire rack structure failed. So long as the points where the circle meets the wall don’t bend, you’re better served by distributing the weight of the loaded rack across two widely-spaced points. Also, it would seem that, if you attach only the top strap to a stud, you’ll compromise the thing any time you remove a pan from it. When you take a pan off the left side, for example, the right side will be heavier, and with a single sturdy attachment point, the rack will “see-saw” a tiny bit. The imbalanced rack will exert a slight upward force on the left screw and a downward force on the right. Over time, those see-sawing forces will enlarge screw holes that only go into drywall, leaving you with a wobbly rack. Hope I’m making sense. Tell me where I’m wrong. Might be moot, since the OP has probably installed the rack by now. heh. ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2011, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/32 "2011-08-12T00:29:24Z")
> [@Max\_Torque](#): > > I’ve been mulling over this for a while. Looking at [this three-quarter view](http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14146296) of the same sort of rack, which gave me a better idea of how the top strap was attached, it seems like the manufacturer’s instruction to attach to studs through the side holes would provide more overall strength and durability. > > My reasoning: the top strap appears only intended to prevent the outermost curve of the apparatus from sagging, rather than being a primary support feature. It doesn’t appear that it would be called on to bear much weight unless the integrity of the entire rack structure failed. So long as the points where the circle meets the wall don’t bend, you’re better served by distributing the weight of the loaded rack across two widely-spaced points. > > Also, it would seem that, if you attach only the top strap to a stud, you’ll compromise the thing any time you remove a pan from it. When you take a pan off the left side, for example, the right side will be heavier, and with a single sturdy attachment point, the rack will “see-saw” a tiny bit. The imbalanced rack will exert a slight upward force on the left screw and a downward force on the right. Over time, those see-sawing forces will enlarge screw holes that only go into drywall, leaving you with a wobbly rack. > > Hope I’m making sense. Tell me where I’m wrong. Might be moot, since the OP has probably installed the rack by now. heh. I see the point that you’ve made, and it does _seem_ to make sense. The picture the OP linked to didn’t give any dimensions. Based on the dimensions of the unit, which seem to indicate that the two lower holes are 16" apart, would indeed infer that those points should be fastened to studs. But I’m going to stand by my earlier recommendation of attaching the \*\*\*center support \*\*\*to a stud. The two lower/outer ones will be sufficiently strong, as long as the proper fasteners are used. For that I recommend using 3/16" (minimum) or (preferably) 1/4" _ **toggle bolts** _. Seeing as how the rack only comes with six hooks, one might assume that the amount of weight that will need to be supported, won’t be all that much. Which is probably true, if your just going to hang some sauce pans, pots or light weight frying pans, then a toggle bolt in the center support should be sufficient. A couple of cast iron skillets hanging on that rack, (especially, if placed towards the middle) would be a different story. 😉 (That’s _ **my** _ reasoning for the center support needing to be fastened to a stud.) As I suggested up thread, take all of the items that you anticipate hanging on that rack and stack them up. Lift that up, and that’s what I would use as a reference for how much support you will need. 🙂 I stand by my original recommendation. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2011, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/33 "2011-08-12T01:24:28Z")
best mounting, for heavy loads, is blocking installed in new construction or remodeling or into studs. if this doesn’t exist then i like mounting a 1/2 inch thick board spanning studs, stained or painted, to mount the object onto. a caution in using toggle bolts in drywall (plasterboard, gypsum board): the paper on the board gives it strength in unbacked (against air or hollow wall cavity) areas. people think tightening a toggle bolt as hard as you can is the best. that breaks the paper in the back, that can lead to a failure of the wall at that spot and the toggle bolt can eventually get pulled out the front. tighten until snug not until you can’t tighten it anymore. ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2011, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/34 "2011-08-12T08:14:48Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > best mounting, for heavy loads, is blocking installed in new construction or remodeling or into studs. if this doesn’t exist then i like mounting a 1/2 inch thick board spanning studs, stained or painted, to mount the object onto. > > a caution in using toggle bolts in drywall (plasterboard, gypsum board): the paper on the board gives it strength in unbacked (against air or hollow wall cavity) areas. people think tightening a toggle bolt as hard as you can is the best. that breaks the paper in the back, that can lead to a failure of the wall at that spot and the toggle bolt can eventually get pulled out the front. **tighten until snug not until you can’t tighten it anymore**. (bolding mine) Excellent advice johnpost, _ **spot on** _ sir! One more thing, if I may. 😃 When making the hole for a toggle bolt, try not to “break out” the back side of the sheetrock. I’ve seen a lot of failures due to someone just hammering a screwdriver or some other object thru. Not good, as that causes the sheetrock to spall out on the back side, greatly reducing whatever strength was there. 🙂 (I **like** your idea of a 1x4 attached across adjoining studs method. Route the edges, a little stain, a coat of varnish and it’ll look great.)😉 ---
**Author:** ![No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/94ad74/32.png) [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2011, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/35 "2011-08-12T21:14:42Z")
I bought the oval version [![](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41h-mOBVozL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) ](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41h-mOBVozL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) Product Dimensions: 28.9 x 10.4 x 5.9 inches I think I’m going to get a handyman for the job since I dont want to be buried under Le Creuset. ---
**Author:** ![JBDivmstr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@JBDivmstr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBDivmstr)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2011, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856/36 "2011-08-13T04:22:52Z")
> [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](#): > > I bought the oval version > > [http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41h-mOBVozL.\_SL500\_AA300\_.jpg](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41h-mOBVozL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) > > Product Dimensions: 28.9 x 10.4 x 5.9 inches > > I think I’m going to get a handyman for the job since I dont want to be buried under Le Creuset. FWIW, I would mount that one exactly the way that I suggested for the other model. 😃 If you’re not inclined to test your constructive abilities, then yes, a handyman wouldn’t be a _ **bad** _ idea. 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tools-to-install-cookware-rack-on-wall/590856.md?page=1)