I think most of my kitchen cabinets with the dishes/plates etc. will weight
over 130 pounds. These are typically covering only 1 or 2 studs. I do have
1/2inch plywood behind for the few which did not span two studs.

These are all held up with four screws. If I recall I went with #10 or #12
and about 2.5 in length. I use bugle headed screws with finishing washers
(these are dished). I was more concerned about the head pulling through the
cabinet than the screw pulling out.

The cabinets have been in place for several years with no sign of sagging.

In my case, the studs are assisted by the plywood from pulling out of the
header. In your case I expect you just have dry wall.

The two studs can easily take the 130 pound load from a compression
standpoint. Think about the weight they may presently be holding up from
the house.

I would try and reach across 3 studs, or else install some wooden piece
about the tank to reinforce the stud/header connection.

As for screws, I expect #10 or #12 with length to go into the stud 2 inches
should work. If you really want overkill, use 1/4in lag screws. If your
eventual choice does not have hex head, then pre-drill to minimize rounding
off the screw. I would even pre-drill if you use lags. I have broken more
lags than I care to remember.

Dave Paine.


"saulgoode" wrote in message
oups.com...
I want to hang a 130lb object from the wall. It's 30x30, so it'll only
hit 2 studs, but I can get 8 cabinet screws in there. Each screw is
worth +50lbs, but I'm not sure about the two studs holding that kind of
load.

Anyone have a good rule-of-thumb for that? If need be, I could put a
ledge under the object that will hit three studs for extra support.


- Saul