Load distribution is one of those things that seems simple until you’re actually staring at a wall, drill in hand, second-guessing everything. I’ve found that even with a stud finder, I still end up tapping the wall and listening for that “solid” sound… which, let’s be honest, isn’t always reliable. Blocking helps, but I’m always a little wary about just trusting my gut—especially with anything heavy. I’ve patched enough holes to know that sometimes the house gods are just in a bad mood.
Title: Why does load distribution always trip me up?
Man, I hear you on the stud finder thing. I’ve got one of those “fancy” ones that’s supposed to beep and light up, but half the time it’s just confused by old plaster or whatever’s lurking behind my walls. I still end up doing the knuckle tap routine, and honestly, I’m not sure my ears are any better at it than the gadget.
Last year, I tried to hang a big shelf in the laundry room—nothing crazy, just a spot for detergent and some baskets. Thought I had it all figured out, found what I thought was a stud, drilled in, and… drywall dust everywhere. Turns out, I’d hit the edge of the stud, not the center, and the screw just chewed right through. Had to patch it up and move over a couple inches. That’s when I started using those heavy-duty wall anchors, even if I *think* I’m in a stud. Maybe overkill, but I’d rather spend a few bucks on anchors than deal with another patch job.
I get what you mean about trusting your gut. Sometimes it works, sometimes you end up with a shelf that slowly starts to tilt after a few weeks. I’ve learned to double up on supports if I’m not 100% sure, especially for anything heavier than a picture frame. And yeah, blocking is great—if you’re lucky enough to have it where you need it. My house is old enough that nothing’s where it “should” be, so it’s always a bit of a gamble.
Honestly, I think half the battle is just accepting that you’ll probably have to patch a few holes along the way. At least spackle is cheap.
You’re not kidding about old houses being a gamble. I’ve run into walls where the studs are spaced at weird intervals or there’s random blocking in the oddest places—makes you second-guess every measurement. Honestly, I’ve started using French cleats for heavier stuff. They spread out the load and give me a bit of wiggle room if I miss dead center on a stud. Ever tried those, or do you just stick to anchors and hope for the best?
Honestly, I’ve started using French cleats for heavier stuff. They spread out the load and give me a bit of wiggle room if I miss dead center on a stud.
French cleats are such a game changer, right? I’ve had my fair share of “what the heck is behind this wall?” moments, especially in houses that have seen a few decades (or centuries). I used to rely on anchors, but after a couple of close calls with heavy planters, I’m all about spreading the load now. Plus, if you ever want to move stuff around, cleats make it so much easier—less patching, less stress. Old houses keep you on your toes, but that’s half the fun... most days.
- Totally get the “what’s behind this wall” struggle—old houses are like a box of surprises, and not always the good kind.
- I switched to French cleats after a floating shelf (with anchors) nearly took out my coffee maker. Never trusted drywall anchors the same way again.
- The best part? If I mess up the height or want to swap things around, I’m not patching five holes every time.
- Still, sometimes I overthink the load math... but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
