Securing a Bookshelf to Plaster Walls

Mark two positions about halfway up the bookcase on the framework of the bookcase. You need to find a position on the frame, not the thin backer board found on many modern bookshelves. If your bookshelf has only shelves, screw an L-bracket to the outer vertical sides of the frame.

Drill a pilot hole through the bookshelf with a bit that's the same size as the shaft of the toggle bolt. Slide the bookshelf against the wall and mark the position of the holes. Move the bookshelf out of the way.

Drill out two holes for the toggle bolts. Use a drill bit the same width as the width of the toggle when it is folded together. On older plaster walls, you might hit the steel lathe the plaster hangs on, but push through to make an unobstructed hole.

Slide the bolt of the toggle bolt through a metal washer and then the hole in the bookshelf, or through the hole in the L-bracket. Repeat for the second bolt. Screw the toggle onto the bolt so that the toggle opens toward you, not away.

Slide the bookshelf into place so that the closed toggle bolts are starting to enter the holes in the walls. From the front of the bookcase, push the bolt through the wall until you feel the resistance of the toggle bolt when you pull back slightly.

Tighten the bolt while keeping tension on the bolt by pulling back on it so the toggle doesn’t just spin in the hole. Screw clockwise until the bolt is snug against the bookcase.