Metal stud wall, heavy mirror to hang

insomniac

Hi Everyone,

I am renting a flat in a 1 year old building. My flatmate has a very heavy mirror she'd like me to put up. Obviously I can't attach it to the plaster.

I got a metal/volt/stud detector and it seems to indicate metal studs. Indeed I undid a unused power point cover plate and there is metal in there.

From my web surfing it seems that one should use bolts to fix objects to metal studs. But how can I get the nut in there? Or can I just use a self-tapping screw?

Maybe I'm being overcautious but wouldn't the weight on the screw tend to bend it as well?

Finally are there any tips to avoid drilling/screwing into power cables that could lie near/on the stud?

Is there an easier way to do all this??

Thanks!

weekendwarrior

If you can find the metal studs use self tapping screws, not bolts!

If the partition is hollow then use snap toggles, these spread the load over a large surface area

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/F&F_SNAP_TOGGLES.htm

Bossyboots

Check that your tenancy allows you to drill holes and hang things on the wall.