Don’t worry, installing anchors isn’t a project you have to save for a long weekend. Once you have the supplies, it only takes a few minutes.

 

Anchoring to Your Wall

• How to Attach Brackets to Drywall or Plaster

  Before you start, read the anchoring kit’s instructions to make sure everything makes sense.

  You’ll want to start by finding the nearest stud to the furniture. In modern homes, studs are spaced 16 or 24 inches apart from one another, and they run straight from the floor to the ceiling. Use your stud finder to do this.

  You may need to move your furniture or TV closer to a stud to align the anchor. It may look slightly worse in the space, but that few inches could end up saving your child’s life.

  Then,

  • Mark a small spot in the middle of the stud with a pencil.
  • Hold the bracket up against the stud, at the height you want to install it.
  • Use a pencil to trace the bracket’s screw holes onto the wall.
  • Look at the anchor packaging and see which drill bit size it recommends.
  • Drill a hole into the stud making sure you feel resistance the whole time, otherwise you may be missing the stud.
  • Line up the bracket over the holes you just drilled and install your screws into the stud using your screwdriver.
  • Attach the strap to the bracket.
  • You’re ready for the next step!

  
• How to Attach Brackets to Brick or Concrete

  Before you start, make sure that you’ve read the kit’s instructions and that you have all the tools you need.

  Anchoring to brick requires more serious tools, but it’s also more straightforward because you don’t have to worry about finding studs. Just be sure to pick a spot on the face of the brick and not the mortar between the bricks.

  Then,

  • Use a pencil or a pen to trace the bracket’s screw holes onto the surface.
  • Look at the anchor packaging and see which drill bit size it recommends.
  • Following the marks you made, drill your holes with a masonry bit.
  • Line up the bracket over the holes and install your self-anchoring masonry screws into them using an impact driver.
  • Attach the strap to the bracket.
  • You’re ready for the next step.

  

Anchoring to Your Furniture or TV

• How to Connect Brackets to Furniture

  Take a minute to figure out the best place to attach the bracket.

  Start by looking for a thick, sturdy spot. If you can find an area that’s solid wood, that’s a safe bet.

  You should avoid mounting to any thin materials, whether it’s the back of the piece that’s stapled on or near veneered edges. Be sure to follow any instructions specific to your anchoring kit.

  Once you’ve found a good spot, hold the other bracket up to it and trace the holes with a pencil, just like you did for the wall bracket.

  Drill a pilot hole with a bit that’s smaller than the screw you’re going to use, then use your screwdriver to install the screws through the bracket and into the item.

  Attach the other end of the strap to the bracket you just installed if it didn’t come that way.

  With the strap(s) attached to your piece of furniture and to the wall bracket, move the piece close to the wall in the exact spot you want it to stay.

  Then, tighten the strap(s) to secure your furniture to the wall.

  You’re ready to check your work!

  

• How to Connect Brackets to TVs

  Depending on what you found when you were selecting a kit, you’ll need to connect the straps to the TV following the anti-tip kit’s instructions.

  If you’re anchoring a flat-screen TV, you’ll want to use the standard mounting holes on the back of the display. Attach the strap using the hardware that comes in the kit. This could be a screw or a bolt.

  If you have an older CRT without any mounting holes, check the kit packaging for how to attach the straps. It may use adhesive or a number of other options.

  Once you have the strap attached to the TV, tighten it, then check your work.

  

Checking Your Work