If your landlord does not allow making holes in the walls and looking for an alternative solution to secure your bookshelf, we have a couple of suggestions. Here are two methods to fix a bookshelf to a wall without making a hole:
- Velcro Straps
This method is a perfect alternative to using screws or nails. Anti-slip kits are very common today and they are available in both online and offline stores. There are different kinds of anti-slip kits with metal cables, plastic ties, or velcro straps inside by which you can secure your bookshelf to the wall. The best option is the one that includes velcro straps because this way you will not need to make holes in the walls. Following the steps below, you can use velcro straps to fix your bookshelf to a wall:
·Drawing a horizontal line with the help of a pencil and a ruler, determine the locations of where the bookshelf will be fixed.
·Empty the bookshelf. Remove the books and all the other objects.
·You will need a maximum of 4 velcro straps to secure the bookshelf.
·Align the velcro straps vertically. Ask for help from someone so that you can keep the velcro straps aligned on the wall. The adhesive side should be facing the wall.
·Place your bookshelf back. Make sure it is at the same level as the velcro straps. Before pressing the bookshelf, peel off the cover of the straps.
- Adhesive Tapes or Glue
Adhesive tapes are another option if you do not want to make holes in the wall. However, keep in mind that these are particularly effective if you use them with lightweight bookshelves, the wood ones with light planks, for example. It is generally accepted that this method is reasonable only if your bookshelf weighs less than 4 kilograms. Here's how to secure your bookshelf thanks to adhesive tapes:
·The alcohol removes any grease or wax from the surface. Apply some alcohol on a dry and clean cloth, and then rub it against the wall. Leave the wall to dry for ten minutes. This initial step will increase the effectiveness of the adhesive tapes.
·After sticking the adhesive tapes to the shelves, press them down for a minute. Repeat this procedure for all adhesive tapes.
·Remove the strep liners, position the shelves on the wall, and finally press them firmly to fix them in place. Apply this step to all the shelves.
For both methods, it is essential to observe the bookshelf for a while so that you will see whether it is safe or still wobbly. Shaky bookshelves might cause a dangerous situation in case of an earthquake or a tremor. Check whether there are too many books on the shelf, or you have to make more radical changes in the way you mounted it.