Lots of Hooks

post by jefftk (jkaufman) · 2021-09-06T18:50:02.477Z · LW · GW · 10 comments

The entryway had gotten pretty messy, with a lot of things scattered on the horizontal surfaces. We decided to put up some hooks, to move things onto the vertical services. I used some trim that I'd saved from an earlier project, cut it to width, screwed it into studs, and attached hooks:

This also included a pair of clothespins on wall anchors for the parking permits.

Each skateboard is on a pair of standard coat hooks, 4" apart. Each pair is 6" from the next. At some point if we want to hang some thing else there, the hooks are general purpose.

We also have two bike hooks on the wall. I put them in about four years ago, and they've worked well:

10 comments

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comment by Gunnar_Zarncke · 2021-09-06T20:27:00.566Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Totally agree. We hat 72 hooks in three rows on two walls in the entry area - and it was still often not enough. Granted, all the regular jackets and rain clothes, and also the children's backpacks were put there but when we had a party it would get hard to find a free one.

Replies from: jkaufman
comment by jefftk (jkaufman) · 2021-09-06T21:55:14.933Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

These are just the common area hooks! There are many more just inside the doors to both the upstairs and downstairs units.

Replies from: Gunnar_Zarncke
comment by Gunnar_Zarncke · 2021-09-06T22:16:30.569Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Over time more and more corners of a house seem to get put to good use. And that is highly individual. It is a process that creates a certain type of alive beauty. Ever since I read Christopher Alexander's A Pattern Language do I notice this everywhere. Here is a quick Google result that gives the key points: https://www.buildingbeauty.org/  

comment by Raemon · 2021-09-06T21:03:34.306Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

This sure is relevant to my life, but I'm in a situation where drilling holes isn't a great option (renting both homes and office buildings). Wondering about the best ways to put up hooks that doesn't involve drilling.

Replies from: mingyuan, jkaufman, gbear605
comment by mingyuan · 2021-09-07T03:53:17.325Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

I responded about Command hooks in a subthread, but also recommend picture frame hangers (image below, since the term is somewhat ambiguous). They are not the most helpful/versatile shape, but they can hold quite a lot of weight with only a small nail hole.

comment by jefftk (jkaufman) · 2021-09-06T21:53:24.619Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Each of these needs just two holes, one at each end of the row of hooks, though I did two at each end to make it a bit more study. Both as a tenant and the landlord I would think that would be fine? You just take it down and spackle when you leave.

comment by gbear605 · 2021-09-06T21:53:18.438Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

I've successfully used Command Strips (basically plastic hooks attached by tape), though they have limited weight maximums so I wouldn't use them for something like a bike. They'd be great for face masks or most of the other examples that Jeff listed.

Some landlords ask that you don't use them though, and I've occasionally had them rip off paint if I'm not careful when removing them.

Replies from: jkaufman
comment by jefftk (jkaufman) · 2021-09-06T21:54:05.774Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

I don't know; my experience was that they took the paint off when they came off

Replies from: mingyuan
comment by mingyuan · 2021-09-07T03:47:42.847Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

I've used Command hooks in at least six different buildings and almost never had this problem (when they're removed correctly). They make them big and strong enough that you can hang a stepladder.

Replies from: jkaufman
comment by jefftk (jkaufman) · 2021-09-07T22:14:30.436Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

They are adhesive, right? Which means they are only as strong as the paint? I'm amazed that you can hang a stepladder on wall paint!