Strong Floating Shelves - The Strongest Option

First video on Strong Floating Shelves:

After experimenting with floating shelves for several years now, I've found ways to make them strong using lag bolts and wooden dowels. But the strongest option yet that I explore in this video uses 5/8 inch steel all thread rods as shelf supports for floating shelves. Wood works fine, but it doesn't really compare to the strength that you get with steel rods.

[dkny]

Man after using a drill guide, laser level, and regular levels I still couldnt get my toilet paper dispenser to be perfectly level - off by a hair. This guy builds his own drill guide, uses the biggest drill bit I've seen, and gets those monster steel all thread rods dead on perfectly level. A true craftsman.

[mickblock]

Props to the first person to install these in their garage. And then put tiny undersized L brackets on them just to mess with people. You KNOW you want to.

[jerrybobteasdale]

I like how you show little mistakes or unexpected difficulties and how you then adapt.

[spookie]

Thanks for not editing out the first two attempts at drilling the holes. So much more relatable now to watch... ;)

[SharpBlockSoft]

Rumors have it he's still lowering the shelf to this day to avoid random screws and nails in the way.

[greggdrake]

I've found many times, that a strong small magnet will help you avoid running into screws and nails under drywall.

[jdcustoms]

Been using threaded rods for a long time to install shelves but especially floating mantles such as mesquite timbers. This makes very stout mountings. I usually after the rods are installed make a slight bend in them at an upward and outward angle so that it creates a tension on the holes in the mantle so that I don’t have to use epoxy in case it ever needs to be removed in the future. Then I use a small screw to contact the threads like a set screw to keep from slipping off.

[cloudyeight]

Showing the entire process including the errors convinced me to subscribe. I look forward to watching more.

[randyweaver]

“Honey, I got the shelves in the garage done!”
“Great! Now come in the kitchen and cut the ends of the bolts sticking out of the microwave.”
Seriously though, it looks good.

[trevorhoward]

I love that you showed the issues with running the holes. I’m a Handyman and these little things happen often and you gotta make decisions and adjust the plan sometimes

[chrisdepaola]

We hang heavy solid wood mantels and large shelves in a similar manner... Instead of all-thread-rod we put large lag screws into the studs then cut off the head. Does the same thing as what you've done just faster and with more appropriate aggressive threads.

[jasondoust]

My Dad loves to say "there's no such thing as over-engineered." And I am my father's son... I like that shelf! If a car crashes into that wall, you know that shelf is there to protect you. :-)

[ghuender]

To help keep your last floating shelf from sliding out:
Your rods should be drilled at a slight angle down. That way the rods come out of the wall slightly tilting up. Then drill the shelf board at that same angle so it sits flush to the wall. Any weight on the shelf will push the shelf back towards the wall.

[ANGLiiToVULA]

Probably one of the most knowledgeable and experienced carpenters I’ve seen. He doesn’t just know about woodwork, but he has an idea about everything so he can work his way around all trades. This is how a real boss gets things done

[jeffgates]

Great video, I did floating shelves the hard way, I opened up the wall and put 2" flat stock with rods welded to them, sheet rock over the metal and hole in shelf. My new house I'm going to use your all thread plan. Thank you.

[Christopher-pfqt]

I’ve always bought 12” lag screws and cut the hex heads off after. Same idea. I use a drill and a jig to keep them vertical.

[DIYAudioGuy]

I am glad you showed the frustrating process of drilling through sheetrock and into studs. Crap like that never go as planned.

[MoGhotbi]

You need to sell that threaded rod handle on line. I'd buy one. Also, with my luck, I would hit the electrical wiring on my first attempt and then the copper water line on my second. On the third attempt I would hit the gas line.

[JJEMO]

Great idea! Looking forward to trying it out. I AM SO Happy to see that OTHER people also have issues with drilling into walls from time to time. I can now feel normal again. TY

[Vinlyguyxx]

Very cool video and I learned a lot! I've hung storm water leaders in condominiums which literally weighs multiple tons, my journey man taught me to use concrete inserts which 1/2" and up threaded rod is threaded into, then to prevent the malleable steel rods from bending downward we slip a small diameter black steel pipe (same ones used for pipe threading) over the rod and use a appropriately sized nut and washer to keep it in place. The weaker malleable threaded rod becomes as strong as steel pipe. I've seen industrial pumps weighing God knows how much supported like that. This method would 100% screw up drywall though so whatever they steel pipe is incontact with must be able to take the sideways load and not crush the wall. You would probably need like a escutcheon plate to make it look clean on drywall, I've only done it into concrete but slipping steel pipe over the rods is WORTH CHECKING OUT TRUST