Skull Mounting Instructions

Step 1:

First drill a small hole in the back of the skull as shown in the picture.  Try to pick the area where the bone looks the thickest and make sure the hole is drilled on the center line of the skull.  This hole should be drilled with 1/16" drill bit.

After drilling the hole take a measurement from the center of the hole to the top of the bone shown in the picture below the blue line.  In this example it is approximately 2"

Step 2:

Step 3:

Put the plaque down flat on a table and place the skull where you would like it to be.  (Hint: on an adjustable plaque it is better to put the nose of the skull a little closer to the bottom point of the plaque, instead of centering it exactly.  This is because when you look up at the mount when it is hanging up it will look more centered at that angle.)

Step 4:

When the head is in the position that you like, then measure from the back of the skull to the top of to plaque.  Notice that the measurement is taken from the same point on the skull that was used to measure step 2.  In this example the measurement is about 1.5".

Step 5:

Now add up your two measurements.  In this case 3.5".  Then measure down from the top of the plaque along the center line and drill a hole at this point.  The bit used should be big enough to allow the threads of the screw to pass freely through the hole, but small enough to stop the head of the screw.  We typically use a 3/16" or 1/4" bit.  The hole can also be recessed as shown in the picture if you wish.

Step 6:

Before mounting the skull to the plaque make sure the two points (shown below the ruler) are the same length.  They will be unless one of them has been broken.  If this is the case just use a pair of side cutting pliers to cut the other one down to the right length.  These bones must be equal because they are the two points which touch the wood and if they are different lengths the skull will tilt to the side when fastened down.

Now fasten the skull using the 3" long drywall screw that is provided.  Tighten snugly but be careful not to break the bone.  If you have a flat plaque you are done.  If you have an adjustble plaque then keep going to step 8.

Step 7:

Next fasten the adjustable bracket to the back of the plaque.  Use the two small wood screws and fasten them into the pre-drilled pilot holes that will be located on the center line.  Make sure that bracket is fastened with the adjustable holes facing the top of the plaque.

Step 8:

Step 9:

Now attach the second piece of the plaque, by putting the included bolt through the desired hole in the adjustable bracket and then put on the washer and fasten the wing bolt.  (The most popular adjustment is the hole that provides the plaque with the greatest angle.   Hold the wing nut and tighten the bolt snugly with a screw driver.

Finally hang your mount and check one last time to be sure the skull is mounted straight.   Also be sure you are happy with the angle the skull is being displayed at.  Remember this can easily be adjusted.

Step 10:

Troy's Skull Taxidermy

Step 9: