How to Install a Mounted Coat Rack

A mounted coat rack is not only functional, it is a great way to add a little coziness and warmth to your home. Guests will feel more welcome when they see a place for their coat, and a coat rack can always be used to hang other items as well. This how-to guide will show you how to easily install a mounted coat rack in about an hour.

Step 1 - Attempt to Find a Stud

Use the stud finder to find at least one stud behind the drywall. If the coat rack is long enough (longer than 18 inches or so), try to find two studs. But, even if you can only use one stud to mount the coat rack, the rack will be much stronger and support more weight. (Tip - When using only one stud, try to center the rack over the stud, and then attach 2 supporting wall anchors on either side.)

Step 2 - Measure and Mark Drill Holes

In most cases, the coat rack won't come with any pre-drilled holes for installation. So, you will need to space at least three holes evenly with a ruler and a pencil. The center hole will be used to attach the coat rack to a stud, and the 2 other holes will use wall anchors to add support in the drywall. Measure the dimensions carefully, and transpose the measurements to the wall and mark it as well. Before you start drilling, use a level to make sure that the 3 holes you will create in the wall are level and straight.

Step 3 - Drilling Holes in the Rack and Wall

Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw you will be using to secure the coat rack to the wall and drill the three holes (right - center - left). For the 2 wall anchor holes (in the wall), use a drill bit that is little smaller in diameter than the plastic wall anchors you will insert into the drywall. Slowly drill holes into the drywall (be careful not to damage or split the drywall).

Step 4 - Insert Plastic Wall Anchors

Firmly, but carefully, insert the 2 plastic wall anchors into the holes you created in the drywall.

Step 5 - Align the Coat Rack

Have someone help you align the coat rack. Make sure that the holes you drilled on the right and left sides of the coat rack line up with the 2 plastic wall anchors. Have the other person hold the coat rack in place.

Step 6 - Insert Screws in Coat Rack

Carefully drill the screws through the coat rack and into the wall. Start with one the holes for the plastic wall anchors. However, don't tighten the screw completely. Then, screw in the other wall anchor screw. Finally, screw in the center stud and tighten the screw. Finally, tighten both the left and right screws for the wall anchors.

Step 7 - Check for Stability

Use your hands to try to pull the coat rack away from the wall. If you have inserted a screw into the stud behind the coat rack, it should be very sturdy. If you are able to pull the coat rack away from the wall. You will need to measure again and make sure to find at least one stud.