I have IKEA upper cabinets to instal on a metal stud/drywall condo apartment. I will use the IKEA rail system but need advice on how to attach the rail to the drywall...thanks..mike

 

Attach the rail to the metal studs, using a stud finder and appropriate screws specifically for metal studs (not typical drywall screws). Attaching the rail to the drywall only will not be strong enough to hold the weight of the cabinets.

 

Screws into steel studs do not have much holding power, I would suggest using toggles on the steel studs. You will need to still drill a hole. I have used these and they work very well and are easy to use: Toggler Snaptoggle | Anchor Bolts,Toggle Bolt, Toggle Bolts They can be found at most home stores.

 

Agreed on the anchors. Use these in addition to the screws into steel studs.
Some of these specialized anchors are very strong and you can rely on them if installed properly.

For the screws into steel studs, I would test screws in an area behind the new cabinets. I would try a #10 sheet metal screw and see how well it holds or what it takes to strip it out if possible.

 

thanks for all the info.....I don't feel comfortable just using a fine thread drywall screw into a metal stud. I was going to use large toggle bolts into the drywall spaced every 12-i8. " Do you think this would be adequate?
mike

 

Maybe. I would find the metal stud, drill the proper sized hole in it, and use the toggles I posted. That will hold for sure. FYI - many times steel studs are spaced 24" OC so some extra toggles in the drywall wouldn't hurt either. If they are I would use a toggle every 12" spaced like this:

Stud...Drywall...Stud...Drywall...Stud.

 

Terminology is everything here. It's important to understand you cannot use a fine thread screw into the metal studs, but a very course screw holds much better in thin material and can be used.

Also the term Toggle Bolt usually refers to bolts with spring loaded wings. These are useless.

The anchors Tolyn (or Tony, Ha Ha), are much stronger than any standard toggle. I would use both the anchors and the metal studs.

 

thanks to all



I tried to get info on TOLYN fasteners but couldn't find them anywhere.
can someone tell me where to look?

Mike

 

Just one other thing to consider ,where you live in Fl. If your steel studs are like the ones in my condo they are not studs but more like 1" thick steel strapping , in which case toggles really need to be installed through into the block wall,particularly on exterior walls,

 

The anchors Tolyn referred to are available at the big home centers.

These should be strong enough, there are even stronger anchors. The strongest I have used are linked to below:

WingIts World's Strongest Fastener Standard (2-Anchors)-RC-MAW35-2 - The Home Depot

To install these you need the special bit that's shown below the anchor on the page.

 

TOLYN fasteners...I like the sounds of that!

Here are the ones I was reffering to: Hilti 1/4 in. HTB Toggler Bolts with Philips Flat Head Screw (8-Pack)-3512329 - The Home Depot

 

Many thanks to all who offered advice. I really learned something

 

Wood blocking is the best option as that will give you the best support for the rail and the weight of the cabinets. The holes on the rails tend not to line up well with the studs when the are 16" oc as the rails are metric based. If you use the blocking, you won't have to worry about hitting the studs and you will be able to screw in the rail in anyone of the holes. It is a rock solid install for the ikea rails.

To do it best, measure out exactly where the rail will be located, remove the sheetrock from at least three to four inches below where that rail is to be installed up to ceiling and install 2 x 6 or 2 x 8 wood block inbetween each stud, screwing in each into the studs, with the wood vertically centered above and below rail location the 8" wood gives you more wiggle room just in case you change your mind for the rail location)

Make sure your walls are 90 degrees if you are installing those cabinets on a corner and make sure you shim the rail so that it is a straight line. If your wall is not straight, the rail will bend a little and follow the wall but if you try to hang those cabinets on a crooked rail, your cabinets will have gaps between them.