How to Measure for a Keyhole Shelf

The term keyhole shelf refers to the shape of the screw holes on the rear of the unit, which have a keyhole design. The holes have a round opening at the bottom with a smaller slit at the top, which allows the wall screw to slide in and up the slit. After sliding into the slit, the screws hold the shelf to the wall. Because there is little room for error when installing the screws for these shelving units, accurate measurements are critical.

Pencil
Carpenter’s level
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Hold the shelf up to the wall where you wish to hang it. Place a carpenter's level on top of the shelf and lower or raise the shelf ends until the air bubble is centered in the level.
- 2
  Draw a line on the wall at each end of the shelf to designate the location on the wall.
- 3
  Lower the shelf and set it on the floor or a table with the keyhole slots facing upward. Place a tape measure at the left side of the shelf back and measure over to the center of the round portion of the left keyhole. Write down the measurement and label it with the letter A.
- 4
  Move the tape measure to the right side of the back of the shelf and measure over to the center of the round portion of the right keyhole. Write down this measurement as well, labeling it with the letter B.
- 5
  Walk to the wall and place the tape measure at the left pencil mark. Stretch the tape measure out to the right until you arrive at the A measurement amount. Place a small dot in the location with the pencil.
- 6
  Move the tape measure to the right pencil line on the wall and stretch it to the left until arriving at measurement B. Draw another dot on the wall at this location using the pencil.
- 7
  Erase the two side lines from the wall and proceed with installing the keyhole shelf by inserting screws into the locations with the pencil dots.

How to Hang Curtains When There Is an Old Wood Cornice Already Installed

How to Calculate Ceiling Fabric Swag

Windows, Doors & Walls