# How to Hang Light Fixtures From a Swag Hook & Toggle Bolt
Hanging lighting fixtures, such as swag lamps, is relatively simple using a special swag hook and toggle bolt. The toggle bolt consists of two metal braces joined in the middle by a hinge axle and held apart with a spring attached to the axle, which also allows a bolt to thread through it. The toggle bolt folds down to reduce its width and is then inserted through a hole in the ceiling. The spring opens the toggle braces behind the ceiling, providing a solid backing for the swag hook to screw into, securing it the ceiling to hold the lighting fixture.
Things You'll Need
- Stud finder
- Electric drill with 1/2-inch bit
- 2 toggle bolts
- 2 swag hooks
- Lighting fixture
Instructions
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1
Make a small but visible mark with a pencil on the ceiling where you want the swag lamp to hang. Make another mark on the ceiling near the wall and close to where the power outlet is for the lamp.
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2
Pass the stud finder over the area around the mark to locate the nearest ceiling joist. If the nearest joist is not within 2 inches of the mark, move the mark to at least 2 inches from the nearest joist. Repeat this procedure with the mark on the ceiling near the wall.
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3
Drill a 1/2-inch hole through the ceiling. Screw the swag hook onto the end of the toggle bolt. Fold the braces at the end of the toggle bolt together against the bolt so that it will fit through the drilled hole. Repeat this step with the hole near the wall.
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4
Insert the folded toggle bolt completely through the hole, until the springs in the toggle unhold it on the other side of the ceiling. Repeat this step with the hole near the wall using another toggle bolt and swag hook.
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5
Screw in the swag hooks until they are flush with the ceiling.
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6
Hang the chain and lamp cord of the lighting fixture at the desired height from the center swag hook. Hang the remainder of the chain and lamp cord on the other hook. Plug the lamp into the power outlet. The lamp is now ready to use.
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