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How do I mount a pot rack to drywall?

I live in an apartment building and am trying to put up a wall mounted pot rack in the drywall. I used a stud finder to locate the studs (16" apart). Then I drilled some pilot holes and used #12 2 1/2" wood screws to mount the pot rack. Two of the screws broke off when I was screwing them in - one using a power drill, one by hand. Am I overlooking something or doing it wrong? I've got very little experience with home improvement projects. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Two things may help (assuming that you have wooden studs). First drill pilot holes for your screws. Select a screw that is slightly smaller in diameter that the screw body is (hold them up together with the drill behind the screw, the body of the screw, the part smaller than the threads, should just hide the drill). Then give the screws a good coating of wax or bar soap. They should go in fairly easy. Don't over-torque with your electric driver/drill. They want to be good and snug but not as tight as a Scotsman's grip on a dime.
2. You have two choices. Re-drill again if the meaure is right or use toggle bolts.
3. You should use drywall 'anchors' - they are cylindrical 'tubes' that you will use to actually hold the screws - you drill a hole in the drywall just large enough to hold them and insert the anchors - then screw the screws in to the anchors.
4. I don't know the exact term but they are plastic reinforcers you put in the drywall. Then you screw the screw in that & it holds alot better.
5. I would absolutly not recommend putting a pot rack up with drywall anchors. They are way to heavy and with the pots being put on and off, you will eventually rip it out of the wall. Predrilling should do the trick. 2 1/2 screws are plenty long. You might want to go with a shorter screw say 2" should do the trick.
6. drywall screws
7. there is a slight possibly that the studs are metal rather than wood. That would explain the breaking screws. If you use metal screws they will sink into the metal (actually aluminum) studs, or the wood studs, problem fixed.