Household Repairs Shelf sags. The alternatives are these: (1) Nail a 1" x 2" wood cleat to the wall under the shelf. The cleat should be at least 16" long so that it can be nailed to the studs at the middle of the shelf. It is preferable, however, for the cleat to extend the full length of the shelf. (2) If there are several shelves and the bottom one is well supported, insert a length of 6" board vertically between each shelf. Center these supports on the shelves and push them back against the wall where they won't be noticeable. Nail in place. (3) If shelves rest on adjustable metal wall brackets, insert a third bracket midway between the end two. (4) Replace sagging shelf with a new one of thicker wood.

Free-standing shelves wobble. Cover the back of the bookcase with hardboard or £" fir plywood. Screw this securely to sides, top and bottom of frame.

Free-standing shelves tip forward. Drive shingles under the bottom at the sides. Cut off flush with bookcase when it stands straight. Then if you wish, glue the wedges to bottom with Elmer's glue. If bookcase is heavily loaded, an alternative (or additional) method is to drive one or two small screw eyes into wall in back of bookcase. Insert corresponding screw eyes in back of case. Then wire together.



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December 4, 2008