How do I secure an open-backed set of shelves to the wall?

Question

I read this guide on how to anchor furniture to a wall but it assumes that you’ll need to drill through the back of the item, attach something to the inside, and connect this to the wall.

I have a couple of sets of shelves that have open backs. One, an Ikea Vittsjö, has unused screw holes near the top of the unit:

(Unusually for Ikea, this item didn’t come with any wall-anchoring hardware.)

Another bookshelf has a bar running along the top back (on the left in this photo):

I could secure these to the wall by running some kind of strong cable through the screw hole (for the first shelf) or around the bar (for the second shelf). Can anyone recommend some appropriate equipment? If it matters, my main concern is keeping these shelves upright in an earthquake.

Answer 1

If IKEA is nearby just go to the customer service (returns) section of the store and ask for a couple wall anchor kits. Otherwise, there are any number of kits available to order online or pick up at a local hardware store. I prefer the kind that use a flat nylon strap. Then you don't have to align everything perfect between wall and shelf. You attach one end to the furniture and the other end to the wall.

Attaching at the top is always preferable because it gives you the most mechanical advantage. If the open-back shelf is tall attach to the top of the top shelf as it won't be easily seen. For the shelf use a wood or metal screw as appropriate. For the wall use a wall anchor.

Keep the connection reasonably tight (don't go wild here) and the furniture can't exert much force on the anchor due to gravity when it tries to tip over.

Answer 2

Attach it to any structural component you can, as close to the top as you can. That may be the horizontal bar, or around the leg, as you surmised. It may be screwing into the top shelf of a bookcase, either the topside or the bottomside of the shelf. It may be a side panel. Use screws or wrap a cable around.

Always make sure you secure the strap / cable to a stud. Most shelves / furniture are wide enough that they span at least one stud; attach it to the wall at that point.

I like the cable-type anti-tip kits, such as this one on amazon (a bit overkill, but gets the idea across):

They give you a bit of leeway in where you attach to the wall due to the length of cable.

Answer 3

I’d put a drywall 105+lb weight capacity anchor with a flat metal bracket with multiple holes in it, then secure the anchor screws with a rubber gasket leaving 1/4” before fully screwing it in, use a heavy duty wire to wrap around the screw head 3 times, about 8” long, and screw it in to completely tight. Now you can take the wire and secure a free standing shelf unit to the wall for earthquakes, security concerns for weight etc. I’d recommend 2, 105lb anchors for every 50lb or the amount of shelves and the width and material figured into what the total weight would be. Ensure brackets and shelf connectors are secure and the feet are level. Also make sure the heaviest parts of the materials being stored are on the bottom graduating to lightest on top. If you’re still unsure of the stability, you can put some E6000 or construction adhesive inside the anchor hole and with the metal flat bracket for added stability.