Anchoring bookcase to stud partition wall

[vezco]

I'm sure this is a real beginner's question:

I've bought (free-standing) bookshelves and need to secure them to the wall at the top. I know how to fix them to plasterboard but how to I fix them at points where the stud is there? Do I just use a normal wall plug? Does it have to be specially deep to get in beyond the plasterboard?

I'm sure this is basic stuff but it's hard to find out.

Thanks

 

[roughcaster]

If you have found the position of the stud, you can fix the screw directy into it, without the need for a plug,.... if i'm understanding you correctly.

Roughcaster.

 

[vezco]

Still showing ignorance no doubt:

But does it have to be quite long to get beyond the plaster board and into the partition beneath?

Is there any way of being sure that the wall I'm fixing them too is plaster board and not something else? I know nothing about these things and don't know how I'd tell.

 

[^woody^]

There is very little load (if any) from the bookcase pulling on the wall, so you can fit a couple of normal plasterboard plugs or toggles. No need to fix into the studs

 

[roughcaster]

Still showing ignorance no doubt:

But does it have to be quite long to get beyond the plaster board and into the partition beneath?

Is there any way of being sure that the wall I'm fixing them too is plaster board and not something else? I know nothing about these things and don't know how I'd tell.

Vesco,
A screw an inch and a half long would be ideal to secure your bookshelves to the wall. You should always make sure first that there are no cables or pipes in the wall where you are going to fix it. Push a small pointed braddle through the plasterboard to find the stud. You will know when you have located it, or tap across the plasterboard with your knuckle and listen for the more solid sound. See how you get on.


Roughcaster.

 

[vezco]

Thank you so much both of you. That really helps.

 

[roughcaster]

No problem Vezco.

Roughcaster.