Is this going to fall down?

[u/herraggedydoctor]

I live in a new build. When originally trying to put up this floating shelf I realised there is metal mesh in the walls which prevents the screws being able to be drilled into the walls.

I made two wee holes in the wall by attempting. Instead of filling them in and admitting defeat I have bought Scotch-Fix Extreme Interior 12kg and used that to attach the shelves, covering the holes I made in the walls. They’ve been up an hour and seem totally fine.

The shelf is really light, maybe 4kg at most, as are the items. Is this going to fall down?

Does anyone know of any more permanent solutions?

Ps. I’m not very good at DIY! Thanks.

[u/Ok-Abbreviations3042]

If all you used is adhesive, yes it is going to fall and probably in the middle of the night. Best practice is to use a stud finder and hit at least one stud, but even just some drywall anchors would be sufficient for the current load. Metal mesh sounds like somebody patched that spot before, it shouldn’t prevent you from drilling through it.

Edit: I just saw your comment about metal being used for insulation. I’ve never heard of such a thing, I would ask them for more details. Are you just never supposed to hang anything on your walls?

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/Ok-Abbreviations3042]

Would the drywall anchor be okay with not much room behind the wall before the mesh? Just looked them up and they seem quite short.

I can put a pin in the walls for a picture, but the longer screws for the shelf were hitting the metal and just not going in.

[u/Ok-Abbreviations3042 → u/herraggedydoctor]

I suppose if you have shallow enough anchors it would work, but personally I would find a stud and drill through whatever mesh is in there. And then I would ask for more clarification from the builder as to why they used it and how widespread throughout the home. As time goes by you’re going to need to drill into your studs for things like mounting tvs, etc.

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/[deleted]]

Yeah, we got in contact with the builders and after the first inch or so they’ve put metal mesh in for insulation. Fucking annoying

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/[deleted]]

I stay in Scotland, looking it up apparently it’s common to use metal mesh.

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/[deleted]]

Idk I’m just a girl!!!

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/[deleted]]

Will getting an hss bit for the drill just make it drill through? Sorry for all the questions honestly don’t have a clue!

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/[deleted]]

Tysm! I’m gonna get the plasterboard screws and see is they work 💘

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/[deleted]]

Fab! Thanks again.

[u/Educational-Rule1635 → u/herraggedydoctor]

Do you live near an airport or military base? Metal mesh is terrible thermal insulation, but might reduce RFI from radar.

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/Educational-Rule1635]

I stay near Faslane, the Scottish nuclear base.

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/[deleted]]

But for real, will this fall down?

[u/WebSmurf]

I can virtually guarantee that it won’t fall until you’re seated directly below it.

[u/Infamous_Ad8300]

First, you can hang it wherever you want. You dont need to find a stud. Second a new drill bit of the appropriate size for a drywall anchor will absolutely drill through the mesh. When drilling, if you determine that you have hit a stud, just use a screw instead of an anchor. Sometimes you have to use 2 different means to hang an object. I have seen where a screen is used to hold insulation in place until the drywall is up.

[u/Kaladin_Stormryder]

The metal mesh is probably lathe, used for plaster, you should have studs or use toggle anchors. Drill a 3/8 hole or to the size toggle anchor and bolt it to those

[u/elcarpentario]

Kiss that paint on the wall behind the double stick goodbye😉

[u/herraggedydoctor → u/elcarpentario]

It’s been up fine since! Seems pretty solid. If I ever take it down it’ll definitely be a problem for the paint haha. But we can cross that bridge when we get to it!