Drywall – Drilling through drywall, hitting thestery object

drywalldrywall-anchor

I am trying to put some anchors into the drywall so I have something to bracket a bookcase to. They don't have to hold much weight, just stop it from swaying during an earthquake.

I've tried several spots, and whatever I use (nail, drill) goes through the drywall at the rate you'd expect, and then after about 3/4", BAM, hits a sudden resistance.

Since I've already mapped out the studs I'm not sure what I'm hitting here…

Below is what I know:

  • 4th floor, apartment
  • Other side of wall is unknown, though, could be
    bathroom.
  • Building re-built in the last 16mos due to fire.
  • Stud finder indicates studs, though not consistently. They appear to be
    16" apart.
  • The four blue tape marks in the center are areas where
    the stud finder indicated.
  • Additional images at:
    http://imgur.com/a/FrEyc

enter image description here

Best Answer

As it turns out, the reason all holes in this wall were running into something beyond the drywall is soundproofing.

The back of the drywall is laminated with another wood-like material to reduce sound-transfer since another apartment shares this wall.

It is safe to drill through, and beyond it is the normal insulation-filled void you would expect.

Can make studfinders have difficulties though.

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