Umbra hook installation questions

StillCampin · 07-28-2019, 01:16 PM

Like so many others I'll be adding Umbra Hooks in a few locations, including having ETI do some installs @ orientation and others later.

I've seen pictures in their showroom of the hooks in the locations I'm initially interested in so I know that I'll want a 2-hook & 3-hook to begin with. I also have a little Umbra cubby shelf and an over-door single hook.

Amazon offers 3, 5 & 8 hook Umbras so I bought an 8 with the intention of cutting it into a 2 and 2 3s. Of course, cutting down a longer one means that the manufactured mounting is no longer valid - if even compatible with the rv "studs" to begin with.

What method does ETI use to mount these? They are made with keyhole mounting holes on the back for hidden mounting. I can not imagine that ETI would route new keyholes but instead would drill thru the Umbra and screw from the front. If I was doing it I would use fat flat head screws that get countersunk, allowing for the possibility of a decorative plug.

I'm asking because, tho I can not predrill holes since I don't know the proper locations, I can check my screw supply and ensure I have the appropriate drill bits and plan to get some plugs.

Is there anything I need to look out for when cutting the long one? There is a spline embedded in the back that looks like it might be covering whatever is used for hinging the hooks. Is this hinge material plastic, metal? Is there several short "hinges" or one long one (safe to cut between the hooks)?

Vermilye · 07-28-2019, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StillCampin

Like so many others I'll be adding Umbra Hooks in a few locations, including having ETI do some installs @ orientation and others later.

I've seen pictures in their showroom of the hooks in the locations I'm initially interested in so I know that I'll want a 2-hook & 3-hook to begin with. I also have a little Umbra cubby shelf and an over-door single hook.

Amazon offers 3, 5 & 8 hook Umbras so I bought an 8 with the intention of cutting it into a 2 and 2 3s. Of course, cutting down a longer one means that the manufactured mounting is no longer valid - if even compatible with the rv "studs" to begin with.

What method does ETI use to mount these? They are made with keyhole mounting holes on the back for hidden mounting. I can not imagine that ETI would route new keyholes but instead would drill thru the Umbra and screw from the front. If I was doing it I would use fat flat head screws that get countersunk, allowing for the possibility of a decorative plug.

I'm asking because, tho I can not predrill holes since I don't know the proper locations, I can check my screw supply and ensure I have the appropriate drill bits and plan to get some plugs.

Is there anything I need to look out for when cutting the long one? There is a spline embedded in the back that looks like it might be covering whatever is used for hinging the hooks. Is this hinge material plastic, metal? Is there several short "hinges" or one long one (safe to cut between the hooks)?

I don't know if they are still using the same mounting technique, but in my August 2017 21 they used countersunk flat head screws inside the folding hook, so they are not visible when closed.

As to the continuous hinge, it is a fairly hard steel rod. I killed a 12" power miter box fine toothed blade when I did the "cut & install" in my previous 17...

StillCampin · 07-28-2019, 03:05 PM

Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vermilye

I don't know if they are still using the same mounting technique, but in my August 2017 21 they used countersunk flat head screws inside the folding hook, so they are not visible when closed.

That makes sense & maybe even better than exposed with a plug. The hooks themselves are curved so actual countersinking wouldn't be required. And if the wall support at attachment was horizontal the location wouldn't be critical.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vermilye

As to the continuous hinge, it is a fairly hard steel rod. I killed a 12" power miter box fine toothed blade when I did the "cut & install" in my previous 17...

I was afraid it was continuous and anticipated metal. I did not bring my sabre saw to use a metal blade so I think I'll make a thin pass and then use a Dremel metal wheel to go thru the hinge pin material.

MyronL · 07-28-2019, 03:50 PM

This may be of some use to you. The homeboy front side coat hooks I made screw directly into support framing. The ones at the right are screwed down from inside the cabinet.

StillCampin · 07-28-2019, 04:44 PM

If the bathroom wall (5.0) has framing support in that area (upper left in the pic) then I may revisit the locations that my $25 is paying ETI to install @ orientation.

tdf-texas · 07-28-2019, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StillCampin

If the bathroom wall (5.0) has framing support in that area (upper left in the pic) then I may revisit the locations that my $25 is paying ETI to install @ orientation.

A stud finder will tell you where they are.
https://www.amazon.com/Zircon-StudSe.../dp/B01HTFHOEI

MyronL · 07-28-2019, 06:04 PM

Made this change recently. That 1x4x23" cross piece for the storage bins screws into easily found corner framing. You can also detect the framing by tapping lightly with a hammer until it doesn't sound hollow in there.