I'm planning to hang a taxidermy shark in my apartment that's about 9.5 feet long and weighs around 50 lbs. I want to minimize any damage to my walls, so I'm considering 3M drywall claws, which are rated for up to 65 lbs. I've used them before with smaller items but never anything close to the weight of this shark. Has anyone here actually hung something this heavy with those claws? Do you think they'll hold it securely, or is it more likely to rip a chunk of drywall out?
3 Answers
Honestly, I think you should definitely just go for the studs if possible. With a shark that long, you'll have several stud options to choose from. They're way more reliable than any kind of drywall anchor!
If you really can't find a stud, then drywall anchors should work since the weight is under 50 lbs. Just make sure you're selecting the right kind. But yeah, if there's any chance to hit a stud, I'd say definitely do that for peace of mind!
You mentioned that the shark will be hung from just one point, which makes me a bit skeptical. Those 3M claws are rated for flat surfaces like pictures and mirrors, but your shark's 3D shape could put more leverage on the mount and potentially cause it to fail. If you can find a stud, use that instead; it'll cause far less damage than multiple anchor holes.