Hey, I'm trying to get my space organized, my puppets are taking over my home, I'm trying to be better at DIY and power tools and such like, anyway, for starters...
I'm putting up shelves, the wood is cut and ready, I bought the brackets and screws etc, but now looking at the brackets I see that one side is longer than the other, which side gets drilled into the wall? The long or the short, the dimensions of the shelves are 2ft x 7ft 2ins. Sorry if this seems obvious, but I really have no idea. 

I always just place one end of the bracket against the wall then grab by wood and lay it on top to see if the end sticking out extends past the width of the wood.  Right now the ones I have on my wall the shorter length of the bracket is against the wall.

I was hoping you'd say that, cus thinking about it, that way makes more sense doesn't it, as it's trying to hold up the width of the shelf. Thanks Shawn

Is it better to screw the brackets to the wood before you put them up?

No I screw to the wall first.  Just make sure you get them on the wall level.  Do you have a level?  If not you can eyeball it or you could measure form the top of the ceiling down to mark a straight line on the wall.  This second method is not always true if your house is old and no longer level.  A poor mans level is a class of water.  Get some help and put the glass on  the shelf and hold it up to the wall.  Then when the water is level draw a guide line using the back edge of your shelf. Something to remember is that the screw holes are about an inch down form where the shelf actually rest.  This is important when you are putting in shelves that need a certain amount of head space.

Yes, we have a spirit level, which is just as well... my 'eyeballing' never works on walls and large areas!? I get what you mean about the distant of the bracket hole. So....
I'll mark the line first then mark where i'll distance the brackets from each other, then get extra hands to hold the shelf in place, then mark the holes with the brackets, and check for electricity in the wall before I drill I guess 

Sorry Rosie..I'm not much of a carpenter, I'm still looking for the hammer . Lol

Lol, Billy, but at least you're good at..... finding things that no one else can.
Does anyone know what the name of the thingy/product that you use to go round the edge of shelves and countertops is called, i think you stick it on or something?

Are the shelves solid wood, press board, or laminate? Do you want a molding, stick on finishing type tape, or do you want like a magnetic strip? There are all kinds of things....not sure what you have in mind but I'll keep looking and get back with you.

Billy d.

the shelves are simple 1/2" plywood, i think what i need is something you peel and stick if that helps, i just need to know what its called i think