To install the standards you will need appropriate wall anchors (Image 1). When installing wall anchors, drill a hole in the drywall and insert the anchor, which expands to hold the screw firmly. There are versions in plastic and also in metal for thicker walls. Butterfly bolts (Image 2) work the same way:drill a hole and insert the bolt with the metal "wings" facing down; The wings open inside the hole to firmly hold a large screw in place. The only thing with wing bolts is that they can never be pulled out again.
For cinder block walls, you will need a lead anchor to hold the screws (Image 3). Self-tapping drywall anchors tap directly into drywall with no drilling required.
Put the shelf standards on the wall. First, measure how far you want the shelf to be from the ceiling or floor and mark the spot for the top and bottom of each standard. Then decide how far apart the standards should be to keep the shelf. Measure the length of the shelf, allowing at least 8" of overhang on the outside of each standard, so the shelf is not on the edge of the brackets.
Hold the first standard up to the wall and use a level to make sure it is level horizontally and vertically. It will have open holes for the screws - hold a pencil inside each one to mark the spots for a wall anchor. Use a stud sensor to locate studs in walls to avoid drilling anchors or screws into.
Remove the standard from the wall again. Use a drill and screwdriver to drive the anchors into the spots you've marked, or just use a power screwdriver if you're using self-tapping drywall anchors.
Hold the standard in place on the anchors and check once more to make sure it is level and vertical. Then insert the screws through the standard slots and into the anchors. Screw them into place.
Double check the space between the standards, and then use the same process to install the second standard.
Insert the shelf supports into the appropriate slots on the standards and tap with a hammer. Place the shelf on the brackets.
