Nerf guns are a classic toy that can provide hours of fun. When not in use, nerf guns should be properly stored to keep them looking their best and out of the way. One great storage solution is mounting them on the wall. Wall mounting keeps the nerf gun on display and conveniently accessible when it’s time for battle. Follow these simple steps to learn how to securely hang a nerf gun on the wall.
Choosing a Location
When choosing where to mount your nerf gun, consider the layout of the room and where the wall space can best accommodate the size of the gun. Typical locations include:
- An empty space on the bedroom, office, or game room wall
- Above the headboard in a bedroom
- In a hobby or craft room
- In the garage, workshop, or shed
Look for a wall section made of drywall or wood paneling that provides plenty of open area. Avoid hanging near windows, furniture, or wall decor that could obstruct access to the nerf gun or get damaged during play.
Selecting Mounting Hardware
Nerf guns are lightweight toys, so specialized mounting equipment is not necessary. Simple, inexpensive hardware purchased from a home improvement store or online retailer gets the job done.
Needed supplies include:
- 2 screw hooks
- 4 screw anchors (for drywall)
- Power drill
- Drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Pencil
Screw hooks are small hooks that screw directly into the wall. Choose hooks with a shaft diameter that fits the nerf gun’s trigger guard or another hole in the body where a hook can pass through. For most nerf guns, a 3/16-inch diameter screw hook is ideal.
Use screw anchors for added holding power if mounting on drywall. Screw anchors expand inside the wall when a screw is inserted to grip securely. Look for 3/16-inch anchors to match 3/16-inch hooks.
Marking Screw Locations
With the mounting location selected, mark where to drill the pilot holes for the hooks. Follow these steps:
- Hold the nerf gun upright against the wall where you want to hang it.
- Position the gun so it sits flat against the wall and is level horizontally.
- Use a pencil to mark the wall just above and below holes on either side of the trigger guard.
- Remove the gun and measure the distance between the upper and lower marked spots.
- Using a level, make two marks the same distance apart centered between the first marks. These are where the hooks will be installed.
The centered marks provide equal spacing above and below the trigger guard hole to keep the gun balanced on the wall. Marking the final hook locations with a level ensures the nerf gun will hang straight.
Drilling Pilot Holes
With the hook mounting points marked, use a power drill and appropriate drill bit to drill pilot holes.
Follow these drilling steps:
- Select a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw hook shaft diameter. For most screw hooks, a 1/8-inch drill bit is best.
- If using screw anchors, use a drill bit matching the specified anchor size.
- Drill perpendicular pilot holes at each screw location mark to the appropriate depth. Drill 1-inch deep for hooks in wood walls or the specified depth for screw anchors.
- Holes should fit hooks snugly with minimal wobbling for best holding strength.
- Clean away any dust or debris from the holes after drilling using a vacuum or compressed air.
Installing Screw Hooks
With pilot holes drilled, install the screw hooks into the wall:
- For drywall, first insert screw anchors into the holes. Tap anchors gently with a hammer until flush with the wall surface.
- Screw one hook into each hole, turning slowly with a screwdriver. Sink hooks flush with the wall.
- For screw anchors, continue turning the hook so it expands the anchor inside the drywall.
- Stop turning once hooks feel snug and resist further tightening.
Take care not to over-tighten hooks. Overtightening can damage drywall or strip out wooden walls. Hooks should hold securely without being excessively tight.
Hanging the Nerf Gun
With properly installed hooks, all that remains is hanging up the primed and ready nerf gun!
Carefully lift up the nerf gun and orient it so the trigger guard and opposing hole align with the hooks on the wall.
Gently place the trigger guard opening over one hook, then fit the other opening over the second hook. The gun should now rest securely on the hooks.
Perform a gentle tug test on the gun to confirm hooks are adequately supporting the weight without loosening or pulling out of the wall.
If properly mounted, the nerf gun will comfortably hang in a balanced, level position ready for the next foam battle. Admire your work and the awesome new nerf gun wall display!
Maintenance Tips
Follow these tips to keep a wall-mounted nerf gun looking its best:
- Wipe down the gun with a dry cloth periodically to clean away dust.
- Use a duster tool to keep the area around the gun clean.
- Take down and thoroughly clean the nerf gun every few months.
- Test hook tightness annually and tighten hooks as needed.
- Fill any empty screw holes and repaint if removing hooks.
Safety Precautions
While nerf guns are safe toys, take these precautions when wall mounting:
- Keep out of reach of small children who could accidentally knock down the gun.
- Mount in an out-of-the-way location, avoiding places where people may bump their head on the gun.
- Check the condition of screws/anchors periodically and remount if hooks become loose.
- Select a mounting height that makes the gun easy for users to safely access.
- Avoid mounting above beds or furniture where falling guns could cause injury or damage.
Fun Display Ideas
Wall mounting one nerf gun looks great, but even more eye-catching displays are possible with clever arrangements:
- Gun collection – Gather multiple nerf guns in a wall display. Alternate sizes and colors for visual appeal.
- Themed arrangement – Mount guns with decorative backgrounds like dart boards or gameplay themes.
- Quick access – Place guns strategically around a game room for fast access during battles.
- Floating shelves – Secure guns atop shelves mounted with hidden brackets for floating appeal.
Let your inner interior designer run wild with creative and fun nerf gun wall display ideas!
Conclusion
Learning how to hang a nerf gun on the wall is easy, inexpensive, and adds exciting display appeal. With common household tools and materials, you can securely mount a nerf gun in just about any room. Beyond decor, it keeps the classic toy conveniently accessible for indoor nerf battles. With the right location, hardware, and arrangement, a wall mounted nerf arsenal turns any home into the ultimate nerf arena.