Robyn Buck
Drywall anchors are a type of fastener used to secure shelves, cabinets, mirrors, and artwork onto drywall. They are designed to securely hang framed pictures, mirrors, clocks, and shelving on walls. There are many varieties of drywall anchors, including plastic or screw-in anchors, molly bolts, hollow wall anchors, self-drilling anchors, toggle bolts, and butterfly anchors. The most common type of drywall anchor is the plastic ribbed anchor, which has a sharp thread and a pointed tip on one end and a flange on the other. These anchors expand within the wall when a screw is inserted and are available in various sizes and lengths. Other types of drywall anchors, such as self-drilling anchors and toggle bolts, provide greater support and are suitable for heavier items. When choosing a drywall anchor, it is important to consider the weight of the item being hung and select an anchor with a suitable weight rating.
What You'll Learn
Self-drilling wall anchors
Self-drilling drywall anchors are typically made of durable plastic or metal and often feature a deep thread design. This deep thread engages with the drywall, ensuring a strong and secure hold. The anchors are available in various sizes, such as #6, #8, and #10, and can support different weight capacities, with some anchors holding up to 65 lbs or more.
When using self-drilling drywall anchors, it is important to ensure accurate placement. While the anchors can be installed by hand, using a power drill on a low setting can make the process easier. However, care must be taken to avoid over-tightening, as this can strip the threads or cause the anchor to spin within the drywall.
Self-drilling drywall anchors are ideal for hanging various items, such as towel racks, coat racks, curtains, and shelves. They provide a secure and convenient way to attach items to drywall without the need for complex tools or techniques.
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Plastic ribbed anchors
The ribbed design of these anchors serves multiple purposes. Firstly, the ribs prevent the anchor from turning in the hole during installation, ensuring a secure and tight fit. Secondly, the ribbed pattern allows for three-way expansion on the sides as the screw is tightened, increasing the holding power of the anchor. This expansion provides a strong grip and prevents the anchor from slipping or rotating within the hole.
One example of a plastic ribbed anchor is the Everbilt 202-Piece Plastic Ribbed Anchor Pack, which includes screws and drill bits for installation. This product has received positive reviews for its quality, value, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for light-duty anchoring projects.
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Molly bolts
While molly bolts are effective for securing objects to drywall and other hollow walls, they may not be suitable for very heavy items. Some users have reported failures with heavier loads, resulting in large holes in the wall and damage to the objects being supported. However, this may be due to user error, as it can be challenging to determine the appropriate amount of torque required to achieve optimal expansion of the anchor.
When compared to other fasteners, molly bolts offer advantages such as expandability and the ability to be retightened or removed. They are also readily available in hardware stores, although they may not be as commonly found in big-box stores.
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Toggle bolts
The TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE BB Toggle Anchor is a popular option made of zinc-plated steel and made in the USA. It comes in packs of 10, 50, or 100 and has a grip range of 3/8" to 3-5/8". The TOGGLER brand also offers a variety of other toggle bolt options, including the TOGGLER ALLIGATOR All-Purpose Anchor, which is the strongest in solid materials and can hold securely even in hollow walls or ceilings.
Other toggle bolt options include the FLIPTOGGLE Fliptoggle, which comes in a 25-pack and can hold up to 209 lbs. The Cobra Anchors Zinc-Plated Driller Toggles are another option, which come in a 4-pack and are designed for use with drywall. The Hillman Pull Toggle is a similar option, coming in a 12-pack.
When choosing a toggle bolt, consider the weight capacity and the diameter of the anchor needed for your specific application.
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Strap toggle anchors
When it comes to hanging heavy items on hollow walls, strap toggle anchors are a great option. They are designed to provide a secure hold when you can't attach to a stud, making them ideal for hanging items on plaster, wallboard, concrete block, plywood, or hollow tile.
The Hillman 1/4" Strap Toggle is another example of this type of anchor. It comes in a convenient 12-pack and includes installation fasteners. This product is also designed for use with hollow walls and provides a secure hold.
One of the key benefits of strap toggle anchors is their ease of use and versatility. Unlike traditional toggles, you don't need to install a fixture or screw to set them. This means you can install and remove the bolt and fixture as often as needed, making it convenient for adjusting or removing mounted items.
Overall, strap toggle anchors are a reliable and robust solution for hanging items on hollow walls. They offer superior holding capacity and flexibility, making them a great choice for a variety of applications.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of wall screw anchors available, including plastic ribbed or screw-in anchors, molly bolts, hollow wall anchors, self-drilling anchors, toggle bolts, and butterfly anchors.
The choice of wall screw anchor depends on the weight of the object being hung. Heavier objects require anchors with higher weight ratings, such as toggle bolts or molly bolts, while lighter items can be hung using plastic ribbed anchors or threaded drywall anchors.
To install a wall screw anchor, first drill a pilot hole in the wall using a drill bit smaller than the width of the anchor. Place the anchor in the hole and tap it gently into the wall using a rubber mallet until it is fully inserted. Finally, use a screwdriver to secure the screw into the anchor.
Wall screw anchors provide additional reinforcement and distribute weight evenly, ensuring that items hung on the wall remain secure and do not fall off. They are especially useful for walls such as drywall, paneling, and tile, where nails and screws alone may not be sufficient.
When using plastic anchors, it is recommended to gently screw in the screw before tapping it into the wall to prevent the anchor from collapsing. For heavy-duty applications, consider using metal anchors or toggle bolts, which provide superior holding capacity and are less likely to damage the wall.
