Hello!
Recently moved into an apartment with single plasterboard walls + steel studs with 450 mm centers and want to mount the following:
1. Wall mount for TV (no arm). The TV is a lighter 40-inch and weighs around 6-7 kg. However, it might be replaced with a 50-inch, which is estimated to weigh around 13-16 kg.
Question: Should I use molly/expanders or is it okay to pre-drill holes (about 2-3mm) in the stud and then just use a 5-7 mm wood/steel screw? What is generally preferred...
2. String shelf consisting of 3 side panels, which is 2 sections of 800 mm each. It's problematic to only mount in the studs but what does the expert panel say about at least finding 1 stud and pre-drilling/screwing (as above) and using molly for the other two? The load won't be maxed out but of course, there will be some books, etc. The side panels are attached with two screws in the wall and then also rest on a small foot on the floor.
Thanks!
Recently moved into an apartment with single plasterboard walls + steel studs with 450 mm centers and want to mount the following:
1. Wall mount for TV (no arm). The TV is a lighter 40-inch and weighs around 6-7 kg. However, it might be replaced with a 50-inch, which is estimated to weigh around 13-16 kg.
Question: Should I use molly/expanders or is it okay to pre-drill holes (about 2-3mm) in the stud and then just use a 5-7 mm wood/steel screw? What is generally preferred...
2. String shelf consisting of 3 side panels, which is 2 sections of 800 mm each. It's problematic to only mount in the studs but what does the expert panel say about at least finding 1 stud and pre-drilling/screwing (as above) and using molly for the other two? The load won't be maxed out but of course, there will be some books, etc. The side panels are attached with two screws in the wall and then also rest on a small foot on the floor.
Thanks!
A gypsum expander can handle 20-25 kg (with a safety factor) in pull-out, so go with that. Use an installation tool to avoid the risk of everything rotating and damaging the wall. I haven't seen any pull-out values for a steel stud, but they are made of relatively soft metal. If you still choose to screw into them, use a screw designed for metal, not a wood screw.