Mounting a hanging hook from the ceiling may be necessary for hanging flower pots, paper lamps, installing a chandelier, or other types of decorations. Hanging the hook improperly could cause damage to the ceiling and what we hung. See the procedure below to learn how to hang a hook from the ceiling safely and effectively.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Method 1: Hang the hook on a beam
Step 1. Evaluate the weight of the object you want to hang
By establishing the weight of the object you want to hang, you can choose which type of support to use. If you need to hang a paper lamp, you will need a different type of support than, for example, a heavy chandelier.
- If the object you want to hang weighs less than two kg, you can use an adhesive hook. The adhesive hooks can be of different sizes and are very easy to remove without damaging the ceiling paint. (Keep in mind that adhesive hooks only stick on flat surfaces, not rough ones).
- If the object is very heavy, balance the weight using two screw hooks. Fit the two hooks so they form an angle, not vertically.
Step 2. Purchase a screw hanger for your ceiling
Screw hooks are small supports consisting of a pointed and threaded end and another curved into a hook. They can be found in any hardware store and can be of different sizes, based on the weight they can hold.
- There are various sizes of screw hooks. If the object is small, use the so-called "cup hooks" or if it is even smaller, the so-called "eye hooks".
- If you need to hang something heavier, you can opt for sturdier hooks, such as those used to hold bicycles.
Step 3. Find the ceiling beam closest to where you want to hang the hook
The beams that support the ceiling are the safest place to hang a hook. The easiest way to locate beams is to use a beam detector.
- You can also tap the ceiling with your knuckles. The areas of the ceiling between the beams will produce a hollow, booming sound, while the beams will produce a more precise and rumble-free sound.
- Between one beam and the other there are usually 40 to 60 cm. Once you have located a beam, you can quickly locate the next one using a tape measure and measuring a distance between 40 and 60 cm.
- If there is a cavity or attic with exposed beams, you can easily see in which direction the beams are oriented and the distance between them.
- Once you have identified the place where you want to hang the hook, mark it with a pencil.
Step 4. Use a power drill to drill the pilot hole in the beam
The pilot hole allows you to screw the hook to the beam with your hands, without breaking it.
- Choose a drill bit that is the same size as the internal shaft of the screw, but with a smaller diameter than the external thread.
- If the hole is too large, the screw thread will not be able to apply pressure.
- The pilot hole should be slightly deeper than the threaded portion of the screw.
Step 5. Insert the threaded part of the screw hook into the hole
Gently rotate it clockwise; as it goes deep, you will need to apply constant pressure.
- If you can't get the hook to do the last few rotations, use a pair of pliers for extra strength and twist.
- Stop screwing when all the threaded part has entered the beam. If you keep screwing you could break the hook.
Method 2 of 2: Method 3: Hang a hook on the drywall
Step 1. If you need to hang the hook in a place where there are no beams, you will need to use a wall screw, also known as a "rivet", with a hooked end
A hooked rivet consists of a threaded bolt that slips into a plastic sheath with two wings; in the external terminal part, instead of the classic cut, there is a hook.
- Never use a plastic rivet to hang something from the ceiling. Plastic rivets are used to hang light weights on vertical walls.
- Measure the thickness of the wall and the weight of the object you want to hang; then consult a table highlighting the strength of the rivets to decide what size is needed to hang your object.
Step 2. Using the detector, choose a spot on the drywall and mark it with a pencil
- A rivet cannot be implanted in a beam, so make sure the hole is made in the drywall.
- If you have to hang a lamp, make sure the hole is close to a power outlet.
Step 3. Drill the wall in the spot you marked
The diameter of the hole should be specified on the packaging of the rivets - usually one centimeter.
- If there is no indication on the package, measure the tip of the rivet when the sleeve is closed to determine the size of the hole.
- If the rivet is particularly large, use a helix point to drill the hole. The helix bits are specifically for larger holes.
Step 4. Squeeze the tabs and insert the rivet into the hole
When you reach the empty space, the flaps will open. By screwing in the bolt the lugs will descend towards the drywall, securing the rivet to the top surface of the ceiling.
