How to Install a Swag Hook
Release timeļ¼2023-09-06 17:19:26 oRead0
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Install in Wood
- 1 To support a fixture or plant from a ceiling, the safest and sturdiest method for installing a swag hook is directly into wood studs or joists.
- 2 Locate wood strapping or joists in the ceiling nearest the desired location with a commercially available stud finder. Follow the instructions included for proper use.
- 3 Select a drill bit small enough that the resulting hole will be smaller than the thickness of the pointed end insert. This is done by holding the threaded insert behind the drill bit - the threads should be fully visible from behind the bit. Select a smaller rather than larger bit. It is most important that not too much material be removed from the hole so that the threads can "grab". Larger holes provide less gripping strength than smaller holes.
- 4 Drill in the center of the stud or joist to a depth just longer than the pointed end threaded portion of the insert (approx 2").
- 5 Thread the non-pointed end insert into the swag hook.
- 6 Twist the swag into the freshly drilled hole until the flange or base of the hook is pressed tightly against the ceiling.
- 7 Once secured fully into the ceiling, apply downward pressure (greater than the weight of the fixture / plant) on the hook to test the "pull out" strength.
- 8 If the swag pulls out - verify the location of the strapping with the stud finder again and drill another hole with a smaller drill bit nearby and reinstall the swag. Repeat until the swag does not pull out.
- 9 Additional swags used to support the chain and power cord of a light fixture may be supported with the toggle bolt anywhere desired - as this weight is a small fraction of the fixture.
- 10 Check for the presence of strapping or joists with the stud finder where additional swags are desired. If present, repeat the above procedure where needed.
- 1 If no studs (wall installation) or strapping or joists (ceiling) are present, the toggle method can be used. This method requires that the threaded rod be installed into the the swag, and the the toggle nut is spun only so far that the threaded rod protrudes out of the end by about two or three threads. The toggle nut should be installed so that the wings can be depressed against the threaded rod (towards the base of the swag hook). This same method is used to suspend objects from hooks in the ceiling. When using this method for ceiling installations, only the lightest loads or ornamental type loads should be considered, as this support method is the least robust.
- 2 While holding the wings against the threaded rod, determine the diameter of a hole that would be required to push the toggle nut through. Holes 1/2" or greater are not uncommon.
- 3 Drill into the ceiling only deep enough to penetrate the wallboard.
- 4 Squeeze the toggle nut wings against the threaded rod, and press the toggle nut into the hole completely. Press the swag against the ceiling to ensure that the wings have popped open. Twist the swag hook clockwise while gently pulling downward.
- 5 Twist the swag until the flange or base is firmly pressed against the ceiling.
- 6 Repeat for as many swags as needed.
- 1 Hang the fixture / freshly watered plant on the swag hook - keeping hands just underneath it - so it may be caught should the load prove greater that the capacity of the swag hook hardware or mount method.
- 2 Once satisfied the load can be safely held, then you can now connect any chain / power cord through any additional swags.
- 3 Check the swag regularly for indications of impending failure (bulging or cracking of ceiling around hook), and if found, take corrective action at once.