Hanging A Coat Hook On A Hollow Door: A Step-By-Step Guide (2024)

Hanging a coat hook on a hollow door is a simple task, but it requires careful consideration to avoid damaging the door. The challenge lies in finding a secure way to attach the hook without it falling out or pulling through the door due to insufficient support. This is especially important if you plan to hang heavy items such as coats or towels.

Choosing the right hook

Type of Hook

• Adhesive Hooks: These hooks use strong adhesives, such as 3M adhesive tape, to stick onto the door. They are easy to install and can bear substantial weight. However, they may not be suitable for all types of paint or surfaces.
• Over-the-Door Hooks: These hooks fit over the top of the door and hang down on the back. They are convenient and can hold more weight than adhesive hooks, but they may damage the door frame if the door is a tight fit.
• Drill-in Hooks: These hooks require drilling holes into the door for installation. They are more permanent but carry the risk of drilling through the entire door. If you opt for this type, ensure you use the correct type of anchor and drill slowly to avoid mishaps.

Weight Capacity

Consider the weight of the items you plan to hang on the hook. Different hooks have varying weight capacities, so choose one that can comfortably support your items. For example, if you plan to hang heavy winter coats, opt for a hook with a higher weight capacity.

Design and Aesthetics

Hooks come in various designs, materials, and colours. Choose a hook that complements the style and colour scheme of the space. Consider the size of the hook as well; ensure it doesn't stick out too much and hit the wall or door behind it.

Installation Process

Factor in your DIY skills and the tools required for installation. Some hooks, like adhesive and over-the-door hooks, are relatively easy to install, while drill-in hooks may require more precision and expertise. If you're unsure about drilling, consult a professional or opt for an alternative installation method.

Additional Tips

• Always measure the centre of the door and mark the spot before installing the hook to ensure it is placed correctly.
• When using adhesive hooks, ensure the surface is clean and dry before application for better adhesion.
• If you opt for drill-in hooks, use painter's tape on the drill bit to indicate how far you can drill without poking through the other side of the door.

Finding the correct anchors

When it comes to hanging a coat hook on a hollow door, the type of wall anchor you use is crucial. Standard screws are not suitable for hollow doors as they will rip straight out if any weight or force is applied.

Specialist hollow door fixings are available, such as the Plasplug fixings, which come with a drill bit to ensure you drill the correctly-sized hole in the door. Once the fixing is in place, you can attach your chosen hook.

Another option is to use a "pop toggle anchor", also known as a "molly bolt". These are designed for hollow doors and walls and come in different sizes and styles, with varying weight capacities. To install a molly bolt, you will need to drill a pilot hole into the door, insert the anchor bolt, and then use a screwdriver to turn the molly screw clockwise until you feel resistance. This will expand the slotted sleeve, creating an anchor on the inside of the door. You can then place your hook or bracket in front of the anchor and screw it into place.

If you are looking for a stronger fixing point, you can attach a batten to the door and then use this to attach your hooks. You can either use hollow door fixings or construction adhesive to secure the batten to the door.

When selecting anchors, it is important to choose ones that are short enough so that they do not go all the way through the door. It is also a good idea to measure the centre of the door and mark the spot where you want to hang the hook before drilling any holes.

Drilling pilot holes

Step 1: Measure and Mark the Spot

Before drilling, you need to determine the precise location for your coat hook. Measure the width of the door and lightly mark its midpoint with a pencil. Decide how high you want the hook to be; a standard height is 4 inches from the top of the door. Use a measuring tape to extend your measurement upward from the midpoint and find the desired spot. Hold the hook against the door, centering it over the mark, and use the pencil to mark the screw hole(s) through the hook.

Step 2: Determine the Type of Door

To ascertain whether your door is hollow or solid, rap sharply on it with your knuckles. A hollow door will produce a different sound compared to a solid one. If your door is hollow, you will need to use hollow-core door anchors instead of the standard mounting hardware that comes with the hook.

Step 3: Prepare for Drilling

Now, you need to prepare for the drilling process. Take the anchor (which you know is a safe length) and place it next to your drill bit. Use painter's tape to mark the exact point where the anchor ends on the drill bit. This taped area indicates the farthest point your drill can go into the door without poking out the other side.

Step 4: Drill the Pilot Holes

Drilling the pilot holes requires caution. Start drilling slowly, being careful not to apply too much force. The hollow nature of the door can cause your drill to fall forward once you break through the surface. Drilling slowly will help you maintain control even after reaching the hollow section. Drill through each of the marks you made for the screws, using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of your screws or anchors.

By following these steps, you will successfully drill pilot holes for your coat hook, ensuring a secure and safe installation without damaging your hollow door.

Using wall anchors

Wall anchors are a great option for hanging a coat hook on a hollow door, providing a solid and secure hold for your coats and other items. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use them:

Step 1: Choose the Right Wall Anchors

Select wall anchors specifically designed for hollow doors. These are often called "pop toggle anchors" or "Molly bolts". They come in different sizes and styles and are rated by how much weight they can hold, so choose the appropriate type for your needs.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Materials

You will need an electric drill with a drill bit that matches the diameter of your anchor bolt. You may also need a screwdriver, depending on the type of wall anchor you choose.

Step 3: Determine the Placement of the Coat Hook

Use the bracket of the coat hook and a torpedo level to decide where you want to hang it on the door. Mark the spots where you need to drill the holes with a pencil. Make sure the placement is level and centred.

Step 4: Drill Pilot Holes

Carefully drill pilot holes into the marked spots on the door. It is crucial to drill slowly and with caution to avoid drilling through the entire door. Drilling too fast or using too much force can cause the drill to fall forward once it reaches the hollow part of the door.

Step 5: Insert the Wall Anchors

Place the wall anchors into the drilled holes. Make sure they are pushed firmly into the holes so that the top of the anchor sits flush with the door.

Step 6: Secure the Coat Hook

Hold the coat hook up to the anchors and begin tightening the screws into the anchors. Depending on the type of wall anchor, you may need to use a screwdriver to secure the screws.

Additional Tips:

Before drilling, use painter's tape on the drill bit to indicate how far you can drill without poking through the other side of the door. Drill bits tend to fall forward once they pass through the door's surface, so drilling slowly and with caution is essential.

Finishing the installation

Once you have marked the spot where you want to install the hook, it is time to start drilling. Drilling slowly is important, especially when you reach the hollow part of the door, as your drill may fall forward. Drilling slowly will ensure that, even after you hit the hollow part, the drill won't keep on moving.

After you have carefully drilled the pilot hole, put the anchor bolt into the hole. Then, use a screwdriver to turn the screw clockwise until you feel resistance. This will expand the slotted sleeve on the shaft of the bolt and create the anchor on the inside of the door.

Now, use the screwdriver to unscrew the screw from the anchor bolt. Place the hook in front of the door anchor and screw it into place. Finish installing the hook according to the product's instructions. For example, you might need to unscrew the screw at the bottom of the hook, slip it over the wall bracket, and use an Allen wrench to screw the hook firmly onto its bracket.

And that's it! You have now successfully installed a coat hook on a hollow door.

Frequently asked questions