Hanging lights from a bracket mounted on the wall

[Rick O]

Has anyone made or bought brackets that mount on the wall that are suitable for mounting a light fixture on? The lights would need to be approximately 30" from the wall so it needs to be somewhat heavy duty. I'm guessing but I think the fixture will weigh approx 40#. If you have pictures I would like to see them too.

Thanks.

[Geoff]

where are the studs in the wall? will they be helpfull or in completely the wrong spot to look good?

i will draw up a little diagram of a hanging bracket that would work if the studs in the wall are in a usefull place. think of your normal bracket but upside down. with the diagonal piece being a piece of steel cable eyebolted to a stud.

G~

[Rick O]

I'll have to check on that tonight. Provided thay are evenly spaced behind the tank that would work well. I think I have an idea what you're talking about but a simple drawing would help. That would look good. I already have a cable crimper and some stainless steel wire.

Geoff is that a movie quote in your sig?

[Geoff]

here you go Rick. let me know if you have more questions.

Yes, that is a quote from a movie. i am haveing a little fun with MOM. kind of an audience participation thing.

G~

[SouthernReefer]

guisemann lights offer a hanging system for lights that can be purchased seperately.

[thefatman]

with that design geoff, couldnt you even go a step further, and use a large heavy duty hinge at the wall... and then you could have a pully system rigged through those eyelets, with some heavy duty cable..

reminiscent of a "hide-a-bed"

pull the pulley, and the lights lift up flush against the wall. let it back down and the lights come down over the tank again

[Rick O]

Originally posted by Rick O
The lights would need to be approximately 30" from the wall so it needs to be somewhat heavy duty.

30 inches? What was I thinking? That would put the light fixture in from of the tank. Actually it needs to be about 17" from the wall. I went to HD today and saw several items that could be used for the horizontal brace. The most interesting was part of a telescoping clothes hanger rod. It's two pieces and they are meant to fit together where one slides inside of the other. They have a bracket on one end of each of the rods for mounting to the wall. They are pretty heavy duty and come painted white. Even though I can find a bracket to easily handle the 17 inches I need this would probably look better.

Jay the pulley system would add a nice touch.

[oregon_gorge]

Hey Rick,

How would just two thin stainless wires straight down from the ceiling work? Maybe a little cleaner thatn hinges and all from the wall?

I hung mine from the ceiling and have hoos on the wall to hold them out of the way when working in the tank.

Just my .02

Chris

[Rick O]

Originally posted by oregon_gorge
Hey Rick,

How would just two thin stainless wires straight down from the ceiling work? Maybe a little cleaner thatn hinges and all from the wall?

I hung mine from the ceiling and have hoos on the wall to hold them out of the way when working in the tank.

Just my .02

Chris

That was my first thought. I tried to locate the ceiling joists but my stud finder wouldn't work well on a textured ceiling. My house was built in the early seventies. At that time builders used nails instead of screws to put the sheetrock up. This fixture weighs about 40# and I just don't trust toggle bolts to that much weight. If the sheetrock had been screwed up I prolly would have gone that route.

[oregon_gorge]

Can you look in the attic and see what the span and location of the joist are? Also, you can unscrew a light fixture and see which way they run. Almost without fail 24'' o/c. Just a thought?

[Geoff]

Jay-the pulley idea is a good one! it all depends on how the fixture itself is hung. it would be best if the fixture was firmly attached to the span arm. then it would go flush just like you said.

G~

[Minnreefer]

Rick. do you have any idea where your ceiling joist are? if so use a small drill and drill some small holes in the ceiling until you find your stud, then measure 16" to find the other studs. You can fill the small holes with toothpaste to hide the holes.

HTH

Jon

[Rick O]

Originally posted by Minnreefer
Rick. do you have any idea where your ceiling joist are?

Not really. I know I should know the answer to this but do they match the location of the wall studs? I was thinking wall studs are on 16" centers and ceiling joists were on 24" centers.

BTW, I ordered my new fixture last night.

[thefatman]

"typically" yes, the studs and joists line up with each other... "but" it depends on your county building codes, and/or the contractors that built the house.

have you tried the old fashioned way? ie: tapping the ceiling with a hammer until you find the hard spot?

what about climbing into the attic and sticking small nails down on either side of the joists, then filling those holes. if you have already mentioned why you cant or havent gone into the atttic .. i apologize, i was too lazy to re-read the thread

[Rick O]

It's a cathedrial ceiling. I'll prolly stick with the wall mount. Or I'll change my mind two or three more times.