Standoffs move an object you are hanging on the wall forward off the wall. Standoffs can protect the object from the wall (and the wall from the object) and allow greater freedom of movement for the hanging object. They also project the object into the space of the room for improved aesthetic effect. This complex dynamic depends on a correct standoff installation, and that installation relies on basic rules of carpentry. Does this Spark an idea?
Finding studs
Standoffs are designed to move a heavy appliance a good distance from the wall upon which they rest, and that requires heavy support. Drilling screws into plasterboard may save you time in the short run but is sure to cost you eventually. Standoffs require the strength of wall studs. You can find studs with the use of an automatic stud-finder or simply tap on the wall to find one. Studs are generally positioned 18 inches apart. You can find a stud by measuring any multiple of 18 inches from a wall and tapping. The space between studs sounds hollow; studs sound full.
Drilling to studs
Find the center of the stud and drill into it. Tapping a nail through the plasterboard can alleviate the cracking that may occur. The size of the hole you will drill depends on the model of standoffs you are installing. Standoffs always come with supplied pins. Check the diameter. Drill holes between 1/16" and 1/8" narrower than your pins directly in the center of the joists.
Placing pins
Nail the pins from your standoff set into the holes. Be careful during the first steps of nailing to make sure you do not disturb the plaster. Be more firm while driving the pins into the post itself.
Hanging the standoffs
The standoffs themselves slip onto the pins with relative ease. Align the rear mounting holes with the pins and slide them into place.
Tags: from wall