If the item you are using is less than five pounds, opt for an adhesive hook. Adhesive hooks also come in various sizes and are easy to remove without damaging the paint on your ceiling. (Note that adhesive hooks only stick on to flat ceilings, not textured ceilings. ) [1] X Research source If the item is especially heavy, balance out its weight using two hook screws. Install the two screws at an angle from each other, not directly vertical. [1] X Research source
There are various sizes of hook screws. If your item is small, use cup hooks or, even smaller, screw eye hooks. If you’re looking to hang something heavier, opt for large utility storage hooks, which are strong enough to hold things like bicycles.
You can also use earth magnets to find the location of the screws in the studs. [3] X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 7 January 2021. If you don’t have a stud finder or earth magnets, knock on the ceiling with your knuckles. The areas between joists will produce a hollow, resonant sound, while the joists will produce a shorter, firmer sound. Ceiling joists are usually spaced either 16 or 24 inches (40. 6 or 61. 0 cm) apart from each other. Once you’ve located a joist, quickly find the next one by using a tape measure and measuring out either 16 or 24 inches (40. 6 or 61. 0 cm). [4] X Research source If you have a crawl space or an attic with exposed joists, look to see which direction the joists are laid and also how far apart they’re spaced. Use a pencil to mark the desired location of your hook screw once you’ve found a suitable joist.
Select a drill bit that is about the same diameter as your hook screw’s threaded shaft, but smaller than the outer threads themselves. If the hole is too wide, the thread of the screw won’t have anything to grab onto. The pilot hole should be slightly deeper than the length of the hook screw’s threaded shaft.
If you have trouble twisting it through the last few rotations, grasp the hook gently with pliers and use the pliers to gain added torque. Stop twisting once the base of the hook is flush with the ceiling. If you twist past this point, you could break the hook.
Never use a plastic anchor to hang something from a ceiling. Plastic anchors are meant to be used for lighter loads against a vertical wall. [7] X Expert Source Gino ColucciHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 7 January 2021. Measure the thickness of the drywall and the weight of the item you want to hang; then consult a chart of load capacities to determine what size toggle bolt you should be using.
A toggle bolt cannot be screwed into a wooden joist, so make sure you’re drilling into a hollow area. If you’re hanging a lamp, make sure your hole is close to a power outlet that you easily can plug it into.
If the packaging doesn’t indicate the size, measure the base of the toggle when it’s closed to determine how big of a hole to drill. If you’re using an especially large toggle bolt, use a paddle bit to drill the hole. A paddle bit is designed to drill larger holes.
