hanging 40LBS mirror on metal stud

I just found out I have metal stud in the fireplace area after I drilled the pilot hole, never dealt with metal stud before.

My question: Can I just screw in a regular 3/16 x 2 3/8 screw to hold a 40LBS mirror there? Or do I need something more special?

 

If it was me I would be using 2 of these into the drywall (not the stud).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-100-...0027/100072098

Along with d rings mounted onto the back of the mirror frame. (I'm assuming it has a frame).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-2-Ho...9980/202258033

Then just be very gentle / careful as you hang it on the hooks. They work great as long as you measure correctly, have the hooks level and the right width apart, the d-rings straight, and don't damage the drywall installing the hooks or hanging the mirror.

 

The back of mirror has thin metal frame, so d ring probably won't work.

 

Nothing already on the frame to hang it?

 

It comes with this one hook on top.

 

Are you going to hit a metal stud?

And if yes do you know that you will hit it in the middle of it's side wall?
If yes then I would use the plug type that you put into the wall then tighten the bolt to open a couple wings that grip the wall.You need to know the gyp thickness to get the right size,
Drilling the side wall of the stud can be a challenge (the walls like to bend out of the way) unless you are lucky enough to get a spot close to a gyp screw. so start with a small drill and work your way up to the correct size hole.lso pull though the metal of the stud.Now your fastener not only has to pull out of the gyp but a;

 

No reason you HAVE to put it on the stud unless that's exactly where you want the mirror centered... and if you want to use that type of anchor. The first product I linked to would work just fine in the drywall alone. You only need one of them with the 3 nails and can put it anywhere you like. Doesn't have to be over the stud. They are rated for up to 100 lbs. But if the item you hang will be moving or swinging they are not a good idea.

 

I had never seen these hangers before so watched the video.
The video says they are rated for 100 pounds but when used on a stud.

That said, it does not mean that they would not work.
40 pounds is pretty heavy and I cannot guarantee that my suggestion would work as I have not mounted anything that heavy using a single hanger and my method.

 

Google "French Cleat" its the only way I would ever hang something that heavy on a wall regardless of metal or wood studs.

 

I like to cut out the drywall behind the mirror where you intend to hang it, then screw plywood directly to the studs. Then you can screw the mirror into the plywood and not have to worry about it being too heavy.

I know you did not build this home, but for future reference, when I am building a bathroom, I line the inside of the bathroom walls behind the drywall with 1/2 plywood so that I can put towel holders, toilet paper holders, mirrors, and even hand grabs in case I get old or get into a car accident, without having to worry about what a screw will go into. The cost is around $100 and well worth it in my opinion.