Everyone has seen book shelves that seem to defy physics and bow until they almost touch the books on the shelf below. This is a simple fix to extend the life of your bookshelf and help keep your OCD for straight lines in check.

I performed this fix on our bookshelf which also has a TV in it. The fix is less ideal for shelves above eye level because the reinforcement will be more obvious unless you paint it.

Step 1: Intro and Materials

For this fix you'll only need a couple things.

Aluminum C or U channel or similar

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-W-x-1-2...

Hacksaw for cutting metal, or similar

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-360-degree-adju...

Measuring tape

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-ft-x-1-in-quikfind...

Step 2: Clear Shelf

Remove all books and objects from the shelf.

Measure the width of your shelf.

Step 3: Remove Shelf

Remove the shelf

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Cut Aluminum C channel the same length as your shelf (or a hair under, but not longer)

Step 4: Add Reinforcement

Place the C channel on the pins that hold up your shelf. I only put it on the back where most of the weight is, but if you have deep shelves or many heavy books then you may need to reinforce across both sets of pins.

If your C channel is too long, try to cut off a little or use a file.