this post was submitted on 16 Aug 2025
56 points (96.7% liked)

What is this thing?

7339 readers
4 users here now

Let us help you identify that mysterious object youโ€™ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I've got a shelf for a living room set that I bought third hand in Germany. I want to hang this shelf, but its got strange brackets and I don't know what they're called to look for the respective hardware that actually goes on the wall.

Unsure if this post fits in this community, so I'm sorry in advance if it doesn't ๐Ÿ™ It's driving me crazy that I can't figure it out

Edit: for reference, the screw on the right is the upward/top side of the shelf

top 11 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[โ€“] pelespirit@sh.itjust.works 17 points 1 month ago (1 children)

It's called a j-hook bracket, but I couldn't find that exact one.

[โ€“] TheGenuineGT@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago

I'll also add this to my google search, thank you!

[โ€“] JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Thinking about this, and how I would ask someone how it works (it's on the underside of the shelf and has a J-shape with some kind of set-screw) makes me think this is meant to mount on two horizontal rails, one at the back of the shelf and one at the front. The rails would likely stretch across a large gap in the cabinet and be rod or bar shaped. To mount the shelf you probably hook it on one rail, drop it down and then use the set screw to lock it in place so it can't slide back and forth.

[โ€“] TheGenuineGT@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago

That would be the best description, and sorry for the confusing reference. Just wanted to try and give perspective on orientation without taking another picture. Definitely laziness on my part

[โ€“] BCsven@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 month ago (2 children)

They look like they'd clinch onto a horizontal rail system. Clinch bracket? U - Bracket?

[โ€“] JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 month ago

Beat me to it!

[โ€“] TheGenuineGT@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

I'll add it to my google searches, thank you!

[โ€“] Ledivin@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

This isn't quite what you're looking for, but it feels like it's on the right track, at least

Interlocking wall mounting brackets feels like a good place to start ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ

[โ€“] TheGenuineGT@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

That does look like a great place to start, thank you!

[โ€“] JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

That "for reference" is very confusing...