Compare, then choose. Product comparisons grounded in official specs and review-trend research.
Erabist is a product comparison publication. Each article compares competing products side by side using manufacturers’ officially published specifications and an analysis of review trends — and is honest about which products we would not recommend, and for whom.
The knock test, the outlet trick, a $13 magnet, and electronic stud finders compared — with the official manual caveats (calibration, lath and plaster, live wires) that the packaging skips.
Tension-mount bookshelves, over-the-toilet units, shower caddies and plant stands compared by manufacturer-published capacity and ceiling requirements — plus the one ceiling type every manufacturer tells you to avoid.
3M's official surface chart puts a 'no' symbol on textured walls. Here's the full official compatibility list, why orange peel defeats adhesive strips, and the hardware that actually holds on textured drywall and masonry.
Adhesive hooks, picture-hanging strips, drywall hooks, tension poles, adhesive shelves, and over-door organizers — compared by manufacturer-published weight limits, wall requirements, and what reviews say actually goes wrong.
Adhesive vs. drywall wire hooks — compared by official weight ratings (5–20 lb vs. 35–50 lb), wall requirements, what marks they actually leave, and the failure modes reviewers report.