Floating Shelf Sloping down

twopenny

It's a pfaff but have you placed the shelf on a flat surface and used a spirit level on it?
On both sides.
Have you measured the depth each end to see if it's slightly weighted on one?

Eldi_Dos

Another thought on this, if you get a substantial washer, smaller than the thickness of the shelf and then put a bolt on rod, this might hold rod in true position. Then you would only need to drill first part of shelf to accommodate the nut or nut's and washer.

WIAWSNB

Do you have a vice? And an 'ammer?
Stick the smooth shank of each screw part in the vice, and thump the main rod sideways. It only needs to bend a fraction of a degree.
Screw them back in, and stop when nearly home, but with each bend upwards.

Bigphil1474

Thanks for all the suggestions. Im currently working on it, but the play is definitely on the edge of the rod furthest from the wall and the wall plug end is solid. So solid that I can't even get the screw part back out to try again. Bad design really. I think the vice idea is a good one but I might be here a while getting them out. Will let you know.

WIAWSNB

You don't have a 'Mole' wrench? The type you set to a required opening, and then clamp firmly over the bar? 

Cheap and nasty: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marksman-Locking-Pliers-Mole-Grips/dp/B007EEVJ5K?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&psc=1&smid=AH0LDZZNL3D5S

Your local hardware store/ B&M/BJs etc will have these. 

https://www.diy.com/departments/4pc-locking-grip-wrench-set-vice-locking-pliers-mole-grips-heavy-duty-at017/5056133335507_BQ.prd

https://www.amazon.co.uk/STANLEY-FMHT0-74886-Fatmax-Locking-Pliers/dp/B01MQK1HT7?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&th=1

Whenever I do a job that requires a new tool, I consider it a bonus

Bigphil1474

Managed to get the screw end out with pliers. One is bent for sure. When I've taken them out of the wall and slipped them in the shelf there's a bit of give which wasn't noticeable when they were on the wall. The shelf is also 220mm deep but the rods and the hole they slide into are only 120mm which probably doesn't help. Anyway, ordered a new set of brackets plus some Fischer plugs, gonna redrill the holes a couple of inch higher , and fingers crossed. Fall back plan is an old fashioned support bracket, even though it doesn't look 'modern' apparently.  

ic

Bigphil1474 said:

Thanks all.
I did try flipping the shelf and it's the same (plus the other side is less presentable).
The plugs I used came with the shelf and the rods, as per picture below (except mine had 4 due to the length). They were in pretty tight when i pushed them in the wall, 70mm long. 
They are 10mm thick rods. 

I think I'll try redoing it, drilling the holes at a slight angle. I'll have to go up about 40mmm anyway to avoid the mortar line, apply some glue, prop and see what happens. If it still slopes it'll be a design feature. I'll try the Fischer plugs.

Those fixings are just plain rubbish.  If you've four of those rods simply held in to the wall, it will never be secure.  A floating shelf should have a bracket more like this:



As you can see - two rows of screw holes, meaning its attached top and bottom - the shelf would rebated at the back to slip over the bracket so all this is hidden.

I expect your plan to use gallows brackets underneath is probably the best.  That or return the shelf.

WIAWSNB

Bigphil1474 said:

Managed to get the screw end out with pliers. One is bent for sure. When I've taken them out of the wall and slipped them in the shelf there's a bit of give which wasn't noticeable when they were on the wall. The shelf is also 220mm deep but the rods and the hole they slide into are only 120mm which probably doesn't help. Anyway, ordered a new set of brackets plus some Fischer plugs, gonna redrill the holes a couple of inch higher , and fingers crossed. Fall back plan is an old fashioned support bracket, even though it doesn't look 'modern' apparently.  

You really want to change the location and start filling holes? 

If one appears bent (and you can test them by rolling them on a flat surface - mark the bent side with a felt pen), then can't it be fully screwed back in, and then undo it a part-turn to have the bend on the top?

Ditto for the rest. 

Do you have a vice? Even if not, if you mark any existing bend on its surface, then sit the bolt across a couple of raised supports (eg, another two bolts!) - avoiding it sitting on the thread - and then thump down in the middle with a hammer in order to increase that bend a fraction. That really should do the job. I think...

diveunderthebonnet

Or screw all the rods in tight then using a piece of tube bend the rods up a couple of mm,s and try the shelf,might be level.

twopenny

Rather than going through a whole rigmarole of using brackets which won't look good maybe try what I do.
I use Pin nails or masonry nails, just small ones tapped in under mirrors and such to support them.
It should work for nudging the annoying bit up to level.
They don't show. Paint it the colour of the shelf if it does.

To the very knowledgeable people on here that are gasping in horror I have a bungalow of plasterboard where if someone slams a door the pictures all slide sideways 😀
You do what you have to do.