To hang projects flat against the wall, I use a product called Monkey Hooks, which simply push through drywall, supporting up to 35 lb. each. They also have a big brother, Gorilla Hooks, rated for 50 lb. These hooks let you hang shelving, wall art, picture frames—anything short of a heavy cabinet— anywhere you want, as long as the hole for the hook isn’t directly over a stud.

To seat the ends of the hooks, I drill pocket holes in the back of the project, using a Kreg jig. The trick is to set the jig to drill only partial holes. Going to the usual depth leaves a knife edge that will be crushed by the hook.

—MIKE CYR, Westport , Mass.

Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #280