hangingshelving
I just built a shelf for a bedroom based on instructions found at Happy at Home. Problem is: the blog doesn't explain how to hang it!
Can someone help me figure out a clean way to hang this shelf that doesn't involve screws on the exterior of the shelf?
Ideally this should be screwed/anchored into a joist for maximum support. However, if you really want to use a drywall anchor, you should use a toggle bolt or a ceiling anchor. Instead of just screwing into the wall, these expand to several times their size which gives you a good hold, especially when the force is pulling directly down. 10lbs might be pushing it though, it will depend on the thickness of your drywall and the overall condition. The worst case is you just have to patch the hole and repaint; drywall is pretty forgiving like that!
My guess is that it's either a sandwich beam (wood sandwiching a steel plate) or simply an i-Beam. When you drill, are you drilling through wood or just sheetrock?
If it's an actual i-Beam, you could hang it with some sort of clamping device.
I wouldn't trust dry-wall anchors for hanging a punching bag. Dry wall anchors can hold quite a bit, but not the active load of a swinging punching bag.
Best Answer
You could use a keyhole router bit to cut keyhole slots in the back to hang it.
Another option would be to use a french cleat. Either buy a metal one that could attach to the back of the shelf or integrate one into the wood back. Here is a discussion of french cleat techniques.