Hanging shelf- need advice

[BillB]

I'm hanging a shelf over my TV, on sheet rock. The shelf and the stuff that will sit on it weighs close to 50 lbs.
I don't want to use a stud, because I can't hang it where I want it that way. I can't use brackets because of the way the shelf is made.
What do you recommend? Toggle bolts? What weight rating? I'll be using 2 bolts. Do they share the load? In other words, should I at least have them rated at 25 lbs each or should they both be rated at 50 lbs or more?
Thanks for your help.
PS- If the dang thing ever falls it will knock my TV down and probably break the screen. I don't want the shelf to begin with but my wife says we will have it.

[Mark]

I wouldn't trust sheetrock to hold 50 pounds, no matter what kind of fastener is used. I'd find a way to mount the shelf to studs.

[grouchy]

I wouldn't trust sheetrock to hold 50 pounds, no matter what kind of fastener is used. I'd find a way to mount the shelf to studs.

Yep.

[Red Oak]

I am with Mark, Sheetrock is not worth sheet for strength or any sort of load bearing.

Can you use a small piece of plywood or similar to go behind the shelf and hit a couple of studs and then attach the shelf to the plywood ?

If that is not feasible and you must use toggle bolts or anchors also glue the shelf to the wall with liquid nail or something similar. But that would be my last choice.

[LibraryLady]

Mark speaks wise words.

[BillB]

I am with Mark, Sheetrock is not worth sheet for strength or any sort of load bearing.

Can you use a small piece of plywood or similar to go behind the shelf and hit a couple of studs and then attach the shelf to the plywood ?

If that is not feasible and you must use toggle bolts or anchors also glue the shelf to the wall with liquid nail or something similar. But that would be my last choice.

Decided what I'll do.
I'll use toggle bolts and put a L bracket on the top middle of the shelf and attach it to the wall.
There is a large clock that will sit on it and hide it.

[Mark]

How long is the shelf?

[BillB]

How long is the shelf?

About 4 1/2' long. Most of the weight on the shelf will be in the center area.

[Mark]

Studs are normally 16 inches apart. You should be able to catch at least a couple of them.

[BillB]

Studs are normally 16 inches apart. You should be able to catch at least a couple of them.

I'm sure I can. The fasteners will be visible and they will look uneven. At least that what I was thinking.
I won't be doing it until next weekend. I've got some time to think about it.
I was going to do it today but ran out of time doing other stuff.

[PlanoSooner]

mark is right.

i wouldnt try it and i am the king of redneck engineering