3 Tier Sturdy Cake Stand Cupcake Heavy Plate Hardware Handle Fittings Round Rod for Wedding Party 5 Sets

I had read a ton of the reviews prior to buying, so I went into the purchase understanding other people's issues with this product as far as "final assembly structural issues" were concerned.Upon receipt, I inspected the product. The "stem" parts of the hardware seemed sturdy enough for "light" projects, but the washers were definitely lacking in adding to the support of each plate. The thin foam washer is meant to be a "cushion" between plate and metal hardware, and it is helpful, but the actual metal "washers" (yes, I am using quote fingers here) are entirely too thin to offer any actual support to the stem structure of the final product.I recommend going to your local hardware store and have them "fit" this with four metal washers. The washer for the bottom plate should be similar thickness to that of... the depth of the bottom plate's "ring/rim" footing ... manufactured into many plates. I used two 1" washers (with the appropriately measured diameter hole) under each plate and two washers of similar size (a tad larger) to the "washers" that came with the hardware so that it wasn't noticeable, but strong enough to still offer opposite force to the ones below. I also purchased thin nylon washers the same size as the smaller metal washers that I purchased ...to use under the new metal washer on the top layer of each dish.NOTE: DO REMEMBER that the very bottom plate should use just the larger washer with a foam "washer". Otherwise, the plate will wobble on a center point like a top. The bottom-most hardware must be flush with the ring "footing" manufactured into many plates. If it's impossible to accommodate this, consider adding felt or cork dots underneath to level the plate.When I say "light" projects, I mean melamine plates thin enough to fit the threaded bolt ends in order to have the proper amount of "tightening" space (or you can use thin light glass plate-ware). If you are able to drill glassware, make sure the heaviest/widest piece is on the bottom. I wouldn't recommend a dish thicker than maybe a quarter of an inch to allow in thickness for adding the couple of extra washers per plate. My "goto" for this project is melamine.I'm using this hardware for my daughter's wedding table centerpieces. After retrofitting with improved hardware, the dishes are extremely sturdy, and they hold a decent amount of weight (in trial runs). I'll add pictures of them loaded with food from the wedding after the wedding this weekend (May 5th).ANOTHER NOTE: a couple of the stems were a bit "off" in manufacturing in that I could visibly tell there was an angle. I used these for a more lopsided dish, so it worked in my favor. My daughter's theme is Alice in Wonderland, so I will end up using this centerpiece on the "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" table directed towards the kids in attendance.Please feel free to ask questions over the weekend as I plan to monitor this. That way I can try to note other outcomes observed that I had not previously considered.Pics to come!

After drilling the holes in the center of three unmatched, different sized plates I purchased at Goodwill, I put together beautiful 3 tiered stands to give as Christmas gifts to friends. I was so pleased how well they turned out. My friends loved them. Now they want to make them as well. This seems to be very sturdy and can be dismantled for easy storage. Note there is one washer that is slightly larger for the bottom plate. I also suggest using a diamond tip drill bit for drilling. YouTube has excellent video instructions that I followed.

I had 8 gifts for co-workers and wanted to do something nice but not outside by budget -- holiday plate towers were a great idea and everyone loved them! I enjoyed shopping for the plates, and found the plastic plates were the easiest to drill, wrap as a gift and store safely. I also drilled glass and ceramic plates, but had to purchase a selection of diamond bits in order to drill without cracking or chipping. The towers looked amazing and the hardware seemed very sturdy. I like the simple style because it fits with every decor and doesn't detract away from the plates.

It served its purpose. Not super sturdy but not flimsy. It took me a while to figure out the bottom plate goes between the screw and bottom stem... once I got that together it worked great!

Making a 3 tiered plate stand and this is just what I needed to complete my project

Not as durable/heavy duty as I thought, but still usable

These are a well made item but not compatible for my intended use. I am a potter and wanted to use them with my handmade plates. Not sturdy enough and hard to keep plates level

Worked very well.